Albert's invites couples to tie the knot at S'ville store

January 31, 2015 5:12 pm '€¢ Carrie Rodovich Times Correspondent SCHERERVILLE |

Albert's Diamond Jewelers is in the love business, helping clients celebrate engagements, weddings and

anniversaries.

So hosting weddings on Valentine's Day is a natural progression, said Josh Halpern, whose family has owned the

Schererville-based business for decades.

The tradition of getting married at Albert's began in 1998, when Josh's parents, Fred and Donna,

decided to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at the store. They invited anyone else interested

to also get married and help them celebrate their special day.

In the ensuing years, more than 300 couples have gotten married or renewed their vows as part of the annual

tradition.

This year, about 25 couples are expected to get married at the store. Interested couples must register by calling the

store at (219) 322-2700 and have a valid marriage license. Couples also can go to the store's website,

www.albertsjewelrs.com, for more information.

Couples are treated to a completely free wedding, regardless of whether they purchased their engagement jewelry at

Albert's, Halpern said.

A variety of other local businesses have volunteered their services to make the day a success, Halpern said.

They include Elegance Bridal, which is offering 50 percent off more than 200 styles of dresses and $50 tuxedos;

Monarch, which is donating boutonnieres, bouquets and floral arrangements; and Fannie Mae, who is donating chocolate. Ervin

Video Service will provide videography and Bernie Zieman at Timeless Images will photograph the weddings.

There also will be cake and champagne donated, and the store is working to provide a honeymoon trip to raffle off,

said Paul Lucas, the store's operations manager.

Halpern said couples who get married at Albert's get more than they would through a traditional ceremony

offered at a justice for the peace.

"At Albert's you can get married in a beautiful environment, above and beyond what you would get at the

justice of the peace. It's your own little mini-wedding that all your friends and family can witness," he said.

"They can share a wedding day with my parents, and get married on the day of love."

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