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Ohio Couple Weds in Santa Costumes

Posted on: Monday, 29 December 2003, 06:00 CST

The "Clauses" tied the knot on Christmas Eve.

David Johnston and Leisa Russell got married dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, saying they wanted their marriage to last "as long as the myth of Santa Claus."

Each of the 26 wedding guests donned a Santa hat for the ceremony in the gazebo of Shadyside Park.

Minister Brett Barnhill said he had never presided over a costumed wedding, but felt the couple had a beautiful sentiment behind their plans.

"True marriage is the joining of two hearts in love," Barnhill said during the ceremony. "Without love, we have and are nothing."

The couple sealed their vows with a kiss, after which some of the guests sang "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."

Russell, 45, of Uniontown, said the couple's wedding attire was a good way to express their faith as Christians and their love for each other.

Russell met Johnston, 52, of Akron, just three months ago.

"He asked me to marry him about five times. The first time I said, 'Someday.' The second time I said, 'Two to five years.' Then I said, 'I think next year would be doable,' and finally I said, 'Christmas Eve,'" Russell said.

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