US: Over 20 couples tie knot during total solar eclipse
Over 20 couples exchanged wedding vows during a total solar eclipse in Trenton, Ohio in the United States. The ceremony was officiated by Trenton's mayor, Ryan Perry, and took place just before the eclipse reached its peak. The spectacle attracted more than a hundred spectators to the park, all eager to witness both the rare celestial event and the mass wedding ceremony.
Couples share their reasons for eclipse wedding
Among the couples who chose this unique timing for their wedding were Samantha Palmer and Gerald Lester, recent transplants from Detroit to Trenton. For them, the decision was a spontaneous one that eased the stress of wedding planning. "We aren't big planners...there's a giant wedding going on, do we wanna do this? I got the dress yesterday," Palmer shared about their last-minute decision, reports said.
Eclipse wedding offers unique atmosphere for couples
Another couple, Robert Skolik and Rachel Wells from Springdale, Ohio, found that the eclipse provided a unique atmosphere for their wedding. Despite being surrounded by a crowd, they felt a sense of privacy during the event. "It felt like we were the only ones here for that little moment of time...it felt like it was just us," Wells described their experience.
Watch the rare phenomenon here
Rarity of solar eclipses adds to wedding spectacle
Total solar eclipses are not uncommon globally, but they seldom coincide with populated regions. The last total solar eclipse visible in the US occurred in 2017, and another nationwide spectacle isn't expected until 2045. This rarity made the event even more extraordinary for those residing in or near its trajectory and for those who traveled to witness it.