NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — In the heart of downtown New Braunfels six lucky couples tied the knot on Valentine’s Day, thanks to a local non-profit.
The Givin’ Tree, 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.
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’ 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.
Katelyn Gonzales and Nate Aubin won the micro wedding and were shocked by their luck.
“We’re so excited,” Aubin said. “I was surprised because I was already happy enough to like be able to get married,” Gonzales said.
Getting married on Valentine’s Day was important to Gonzales and Aubin not because it’s a national holiday that celebrates love but because it’s a special day in their personal history.
“Our anniversary was already on Valentine’s Day.” Gonzales said. “That was our first date was Valentine’s.” Aubin added.
“That was our very first date,” Gonzales agreed.
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.
“I said maybe the universe is telling us something, so let’s go for it. So, we went for it. And now he’s my husband,” Gonzales said.
“And you’re my wife,” Aubin added.
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.
“I 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,” Gonzales said.
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.
Gonzales and Aubin couldn’t stop smiling after the wedding and are extremely thankful to the Givin’ Tree.
“I think that’s the best part about this, is you never know what you’re going to get,” Gonzales said.
This was the first year the Givin’ Tree hosted the mass wedding event, but hopefully it won’t 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.
The event was a fundraiser that benefits the Givin' Tree’s biggest annual event, "Princess 4 A Night," a prom shopping extravaganza in March where young girls can get prom dresses for free.
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