Weddings at Ben David Jewelers a real jewel

Seven couples said their “I dos” and two other couples renewed their vows Saturday at Ben David Jewelers in Danville.

For a third year, couples took advantage of the store’s offering of a free Valentine’s Day wedding — complete with flowers, a wine toast, wedding cake, a photo and a reception.

Lloyd and Krystal Yeatts tied the knot shortly after 1:30 p.m., just days after deciding to take the jewelry store up on its offer of a free wedding.

Krystal said they had been talking about getting married “for a long time,” but didn’t decide to make the arrangements until Tuesday. Lloyd said he liked the idea of getting married on his deceased grandfather’s birthday.

“They said they’d marry us for free,” Lloyd said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Pastor Pam Spencer, the children’s pastor at Central Boulevard Church of God, officiated.

All the couples had to do was show up with their marriage license.

“It’s fun,” co-owner Leon David said. “After all, this is a store of love — what better way to celebrate? We’ll cry all day long (for the people getting married).”

Sabrina and Jonathan Sutherland said they decided to get married at the store a couple of weeks ago.

Jonathan said he travels a lot for his job, and planning a wedding couldn’t be worked into the couple’s schedule.

“This is where I bought her ring,” Jonathan said. “This worked out for us.”

Mark David, co-owner of the store, said offering the day of weddings is fun, and is the store’s way of helping out people in the area.

“Giving back to the community is the most important thing,” he said.

Each groom had a boutonniere pinned to his shirt or jacket, and each bride carried a bouquet of red roses, all courtesy of Giles Flowerland.

Once married in front of a burning fireplace in one corner of the store, the couples were photographed with arms twined holding glasses of wine, and presented with beautifully decorated miniature cakes from Kitti’s Kakes to take home.

Laura Ashworth, of Patrick Jenks Photography, was on hand to shoot photos, and the couples will each get a free 8x10 of their wedding.

The couples, with their family and friends, were then able to enjoy a reception with punch, hors d’oeuvres’ and sweets set up at the other end of the store.

Each of the couples were also entered in a drawing to win a free dinner package at Outback Steakhouse and a honeymoon getaway at the Courtyard by Marriott.

“I believe in marriage,” Spencer said, after finishing the Yeatts’ ceremony. “This is a great opportunity Ben David offered for couples who can’t afford a wedding.”

Contact Denice Thibodeau at dthibodeau@registerbee.com or (434) 791-7985.