Chris Proffitt/Eyewitness News
Lawrence, Feb. 13 - A gavel becomes cupids arrow in a Lawrence courtroom where performing marriages is common, but the decor this Valentine's Day is more like a little white wedding chapel.
Standing before Judge Terry Hursh isn't the place to be, unless it's Valentine's Day and you're in love.
"One of the alternatives is a civil ceremony in a court like this, so we thought, let's make it nice for people."
Judge Hursh turned his Marion County small claims courtroom into a wedding chapel on Valentine's Days where Hizzoner will join couples together in holy matrimony. The judge, it seems, has a soft spot. "Most things we do in the courtroom aren't enjoyable. So after a day of evictions on Friday, it's nice on Saturday to perform weddings and see people smiling in the courtroom. It's nice to see that."
Romance hasn't fallen out of favor. The average man will spend $125 on Valentine's day and most, 65 percent, will give flowers.
It's an industry that is working day and night to accommodate the demand.
At the Fishers McNamara, Teresa Goodwin says they handle "Over thousands of arrangements. We prep a lot before Valentine's week and thousands go out daily. I have two wrapping stations set up."
The pace is so hectic that it's not uncommon for employees to work early into the morning creating flower arrangements and boxing roses that are sent out to stores and delivered.
Monique Riggs is wants "to get everything done by Saturday," delivered just in time to celebrate a union between two people. That never falls out of fashion.
