{"id":9941,"date":"2024-02-18T03:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-18T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/espacestudio.ca\/couples-tie-the-knot-at-valentines-day-mass-wedding-that-benefits-students-community-2\/"},"modified":"2024-02-18T03:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T08:00:00","slug":"couples-tie-the-knot-at-valentines-day-mass-wedding-that-benefits-students-community-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/espacestudio.ca\/en\/couples-tie-the-knot-at-valentines-day-mass-wedding-that-benefits-students-community-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Couples tie the knot at Valentine's Day mass wedding that benefits students, community"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

The Givin\u2019 Tree hosted the first-ever Valentine\u2019s mass wedding where couples could tie the knot or renew their vows at the Main Plaza in New Braunfels.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas \u2014 In the heart of downtown New Braunfels six lucky couples tied the knot on Valentine\u2019s Day, thanks to a local non-profit. \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

The Givin\u2019 Tree<\/a>, a clothing closet that provides formal wear to area students for free, hosted the first-ever mass wedding where multiple couples could get married or renew their vows.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Each couple paid $50 to participate which included having their names drawn for raffle prizes after the wedding. This year every bride and groom walked away with amazing prizes like couples\u2019 massages, fancy wine bottles, a basket full of body products and the biggest prize, a ‘micro wedding’ which included hair, make-up and a photographer – all provided through community donations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Katelyn Gonzales and Nate Aubin won the micro wedding and were shocked by their luck. \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\u201cWe\u2019re so excited,\u201d Aubin said. \u201cI was surprised because I was already happy enough to like be able to get married,\u201d Gonzales said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Getting married on Valentine\u2019s Day was important to Gonzales and Aubin not because it\u2019s a national holiday that celebrates love but because it\u2019s a special day in their personal history.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\u201cOur anniversary was already on Valentine\u2019s Day.\u201d Gonzales said. \u201cThat was our first date was Valentine\u2019s.\u201d Aubin added.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\u201cThat was our very first date,\u201d Gonzales agreed. \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Gonzales and Aubin have been together for nearly 6 years and engaged for the last 6 months but their worries of dealing with an expensive wedding were alleviated once they heard about this generous event.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\u201cI said maybe the universe is telling us something, so let\u2019s go for it. So, we went for it. And now he\u2019s my husband,\u201d Gonzales said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re my wife,\u201d Aubin added.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

At 2:14p.m. the six couples gathered in front of the giant gazebo at the Main Plaza in the center of town and confessed their love and devotion to their significant others as Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Ashley Evans presided over the ceremony.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\u201cI was a little nervous at first, but I was pleasantly surprised. I mean sharing it with other people, I felt you know very comfortable with everyone. And, honestly to be able to give back to the community as well I think means a lot,\u201d Gonzales said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Family members, friends, and newly married couples crowded the downtown area taking pictures to mark the momentous occasion. The brides and grooms thanked Morris for providing a wedding that eliminated the hassle of budgets and prices.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Gonzales and Aubin couldn\u2019t stop smiling after the wedding and are extremely thankful to the Givin\u2019 Tree.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s the best part about this, is you never know what you\u2019re going to get,\u201d Gonzales said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

This was the first year the Givin\u2019 Tree hosted the mass wedding event, but hopefully it won\u2019t be the last. The City of New Braunfels told Serena Morris, founder of the non-profit that they loved the event and turnout. Morris hopes to go even bigger next year.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

The event was a fundraiser that benefits the Givin’ Tree\u2019s biggest annual event, “Princess 4 A Night,” a prom shopping extravaganza in March where young girls can get prom dresses for free.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n