Couple weds on Valentine's Day after 50-year wait

MILWAUKEE -- Love was in the air at the Milwaukee County Courthouse this Valentine's Day.  21 couples tied the knot Tuesday, but there was one wedding that touched everyone's hearts - the wedding of Johnnie and Alice Washington.

At 83 years young, Washington finally decided to wed his lifelong sweetheart, Alice, on Valentine's Day, the most romantic day of the year.  Their special day has been long overdue.  They've been together for more than 50 years.

"In making my mind, I'm slow.  I finally did it," laughed Washington.

They shared a life together and started a family decades ago.  On Tuesday, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren were there to witness the two tie the knot.

"I just called and said, 'You know what.  Valentine's Day is coming.  Let's just do it.'  They were just procrastinating," said granddaughter Ternese Jones.   "I'm so happy.  I think we're all happy."

What's their secret for staying together so long?

"Just be good to each other," said Washington.

They're not the only couple who had a special story to share.  Easter and Cyril Gamble also got married inside the decorated courtroom Valentine's Day.

"I was proposed to on Valentine's Day," said Easter Gamble.

"It's one of those happy events where everybody is a winner and it's really fun to preside over these," said Milwaukee County's Chief Judge Jeff Kremers.

Valentine's Day is the busiest day of the year for civil wedding ceremonies.  The number of couples tying the knot is triple to what is seen on any given day.