A record eight marriages in one day: how Mykolaiv celebrated 14 February

Eight couples got married in Mykolaiv on Valentine's Day. Photo: NikVesti

Eight couples registered their marriages at the Palace of Ceremonies in Mykolaiv on Valentine's Day, 14 February.

NikVesti attended today's ceremonies and spoke with the newlyweds.

The ceremonies began with a slight delay. The first couple met almost three years ago. It took them two years to decide to get married — that's how long their relationship lasted before the wedding.

Eight couples got married in Mykolaiv on Valentine's Day. Photo: NikVesti

The most emotional ceremony was that of Ihor, a soldier in the 123rd Separate Territorial Defence Brigade, and his bride Oksana. The couple met a year ago and today officially became husband and wife.

«I had to move from Odesa to Mykolaiv for her,» Ihor shared with a laugh.

Ihor and Oksana. Photo: NikVesti

Ihor's comrades came to support him. They staged a symbolic ceremony right in the hall of the Palace of Ceremonial Events: the soldiers formed a living corridor and lowered their sabres before the newlyweds as they entered the hall. This moment was one of the most touching parts of the ceremony and evoked an emotional response not only from the guests but also from the staff.

Ihor's comrades from the 123rd Brigade. Photo: NikVesti

Olena Liubarova, deputy director of the Palace of Culture and Ceremonial Events in Mykolaiv, said that this was the first time during the war that she had seen such a high number of marriages registered on Valentine's Day.

«Before the full-scale invasion, this day was no longer so hectic. Before the war, we worked with the Civil Registry Office until almost midnight. Maybe someone wanted to get married. But those were rare cases. Now there is a war going on. A year ago, on 14 February, there was only one couple. Today is a record day, we have eight weddings. The couples submitted their applications in advance. Maybe it's because these are such terrible times, or maybe it's because of the symbolism of the date. We are not the Civil Registry Office, we work with them on the «Marriage in a Day» project, anything less than a month is an urgent registration, often used by the military,» said Olena Liubarova.

Photo report

We remind you that today, 14 February, a special tram is running through the streets of Mykolaiv — for Valentine's Day, the municipal services have prepared a festively decorated carriage №1111.