Hear the happy couple share their vows, here

People from all walks of life united under the power of love on Feb. 14 at the Rockdale County Courthouse to get hitched. What better day to do it than on Valentine’s Day?

“We wanted to get married today because it would be more special, more memorable for us,” said Mario Cortez of his bride, Erika. “Next month, we will celebrate being together for 10 years.”

For newly-elected Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten, performing marriages on Valentine’s Day was a pleasant change of pace from the usual court procedures such as evictions, first appearances, ordinance violations and citations for bad checks.

“This is such a romantic day. It means everything to me that the people of this community would want to share this special moment with me,” said Aten, who has married at least 20 couples since taking office on Jan. 1. “We get about three or four couples a week coming in to tie the not, but today was extra special because today represents a day of love.” 

After making their matrimony official, newlyweds enjoyed a free Valentine’s Day cake in the courthouse lobby, courtesy of Judge Aten.