By SUSAN ELZEY
Register & Bee staff writer
February 15, 2007

Joyce Terry said she knew Valentine's Day was going to be her wedding day, but she didn't know where that wedding was going to take place.

Joyce Terry, and her fiance, Walter Kissee, during their marriage ceremony Wednesday at Ben David Jewelers.

That was a surprise her groom, Walter Kissee, was keeping from her.

The secret was revealed when Terry's brother picked her up and drove her to Ben David Jewelers on Mount Cross Road, where the wedding took place.

The store opened its doors to couples wanting to get married or planning to renew their vows. Thirteen couples registered for the opportunity.

Kissee thought it would be the perfect place to surprise his bride. He almost did.

Johnnie and Brenda Clay of Danville renewed their vows Wednesday at Ben David Jewelers. The couple had talked about renewing their vows three or four months ago, so they decided to do it on Valentines Day.

"To tell you the truth," she said right before the wedding. "I had read something in the paper about the store having weddings, so I thought maybe this was it, but I didn't want to burst his bubble."

Family members had gathered, all dressed up in wedding finery, to witness Terry walk down the aisle by a jewelry case with her father to the tune of "Here Comes the Bride" played on a hidden stereo.

Both were in tears as Pastor Pam Spencer pronounced them husband and wife and told Kissee he could kiss his wife.

Steve and Teresa Davis of Halifax renewed their vows on Wednesday.

The couple had been engaged for four years, dating for five, and thought it was about time they got married.

"I had gotten sick and was diagnosed with cancer," she said, "and he stuck by me. At Christmas, he said, 'Let's do this,' so I said 'OK.'"

"It was Valentine's Day, and I came in here and found out about the weddings and thought it would be a good thing to come here and do it," Kissee said.

That was just what store co-owners Leon and Mark David had hoped people would think of the idea.

"It is time for something positive, fun and uplifting in Danville," Mark said. "The coolest thing is that it brings attention to Danville. Everyone talks about joblessness, but this brings some lightness that I think is needed."

"It couldn't have been better anywhere," Terry said. "And now he can't forget our anniversary. We're gong to have good, wonderful years together."

It also was a day to renew wedding vows.

One couple that has had a difficult year came to renew their vows after 16 years of marriage.

Johnnie and Brenda Clay's house burned down in August, but since that time Johnnie said their life has started to go "uphill rather than downhill."

"I was looking for something special to give her for Valentine's," he said, "and when I came in to purchase a diamond wedding band, the employees told me about the weddings."

The couple had talked about renewing their vows three or four months ago, so they decided to do it on Valentine's Day.

Brenda wore her original wedding dress, although she said it was "shorter and tighter."

However, she couldn't get Johnnie to agree to a suit, so he came in what some might call "wedding casual," slacks and a short-sleeved plaid shirt.

Steve and Teresa Davis, married almost 20 years, traveled to the store from Halifax County to renew their vows.

"We had a difficult last year," she said, "so I thought this would be something positive."

Both of Steve's parents died last year, and he said, "She's stuck by me. She was there for me; she was everything I needed."

They came by themselves because everyone else who would have come was either at work or in school. A second honeymoon has to be postponed, too, because, Teresa said, "Our oldest daughter is graduating from high school and we have lots of college open houses ahead of us. We've got busy times ahead."

The wedding package each couple received included a small wedding cake by PJ's Books & Deli, a wedding portrait by Photography by Lisa, a post-wedding cut and style by Best Friends Salon and a bridal manicure by LeNails. Giles Flowerland provided flowers and bouquets, and a drawing was held for two nights at the Courtyard by Marriott in Danville, which was donated by Daly Seven.

Refreshments were provided for guests and customers.

"We'll do this every year," Mark said. "It's the first of many."

Contact Susan Elzey at selzey@registerbee.com or (434) 791-7991.