TIFFIN, Ohio — The total solar eclipse on Monday was something many of us will only get to enjoy from our hometown once in a lifetime.
And for some, it was a chance to solidify their love in a unique way.
The gathering at the East Green Amphitheater in Tiffin may have been the best-dressed eclipse watch party in Ohio as about 135 couples from the area and across the country gathered for "Elope at the Eclipse," a special promotion from Destination Seneca County that covered all of the costs of a wedding ceremony and reception for participating couples.
The only thing the spouses-to-be needed to bring was a valid marriage license.
"Not only to see it by yourself, but to see it with 1,000 people all around you from all over the country, and they're here to get married, which is another cool factor. It really is something special," said Bryce Riggs, executive director of Destination Seneca County.
Matt Evans traveled just over 80 miles from Licking County to tie the know with Melissa Lowe, his girlfriend of 18 years.
"I thought it was a good idea," he said. "At least it will stand out with the eclipse and everything."
Lowe said the same.
"I think it's pretty cool. It's a once-in-a-lifetime event," she said.
As totality set in, dozens of couples took a few moments to witness an awe-inspiring spectacle and then set sights on their future spouse.
Jenny and Bart Lombardi were the first couple to sign up for the event and they couldn't have been happier with the experience.
"The whole thing was perfect," Jenny said. "We've never experienced anything like that, so just watching it happen and you can hear the crowd cheering and roaring for all of it, it was so awesome."
With a kiss, dozens of newly married couples began their life together under the shadow of the moon, along with many more couples who renewed their vows.
It was probably the shortest wedding ceremony the couples could have planned for while also being the most memorable.
"I can't believe the turnout. I can't believe how smoothly everything went, and they just did an awesome job. We say they're the best wedding planners ever," Jenny Lombardi said of the event organizers.
To cap it all off, everyone's first dance was appropriately set to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler.