Illinois Couple Gets Married In Same YMCA Pool They Met In

Not every wedding venue will be conventional.

Get ready for what is likely the cutest love story you've seen this week.

You can meet your soulmate any number of places (at any age) and that includes a water aerobics class at your local YMCA.

Such was the case of 82-year-old Edward LaRue and 78-year-old Marlene Parsons in Maryville, Illinois.

Though they got along well after initially meeting in their favorite water aerobics class, they had some reservations about dating again. Both Edward and Marlene were hesitant about remarrying after losing their longtime spouses 6 years earlier. But still, LaRue took Parsons on their first date in December 2023, proposed to her in August, and Parsons finally gave him the 'yes' this year.

The aquatics director, who had her minister's license, suggested they get married in the pool. The ceremony featured water-adapted traditions like a bouquet toss and a first dance in the pool.

Honestly, it's the top hat for me. The aquatics director told KMOV:

I went up to them and I said, ‘Hey, you guys met in the pool, you should get married in the pool. And I can marry you because I have my minister license.’ I didn’t think they would take me seriously.

But they did take her seriously and the two exchanged vows surrounded by friends, family, and a lifeguard.

Both LaRue and Parsons said their water wedding was "great!"

A post from the Maryville YMCA (that I think we can all agree with) wished the couple years of love and happiness.