A REAL-LIFE LOVE STORY took place at the San Francisco Public Library last week after several couples participated in the institution’s first wedding ceremonies.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the library invited nine couples to hold their wedding ceremonies Friday with the rows of bookcases as the backdrop to their nuptials.
Library spokesperson Jaime Wong said the institution wanted to bring joy to the community it serves. She said the library sent a message to its email newsletter subscribers, offering the free ceremony after residents submitted their names into a raffle — ultimately inviting nine couples for the event organized by staff members.
“We thought, wouldn’t it be amazing to make our anniversary, your anniversary!” said Wong. “I think this really is a place that people keep close to their hearts. We feel incredibly honored to be the site of these weddings.”
San Francisco Drag Laureate Per Sia was one of the invited guests who helped officiate a couple’s wedding ceremony. She said the library has been a special and magical place for her, helping her through financial struggles by offering resources and creating a supportive space for community.
“The library is a magical place,” said Per Sia. “A magical place for imagination, a magical place for love, and what better place to get married at than here!”
Newlyweds Annie Pho and Damian Elias were excited to start a new chapter of their lives together. They both work in public research institutions and said they fell in love over a common interest in learning about the world.
“I just feel like there’s a lot going on in the world,” said Pho. “It’s really great to just have a moment to celebrate love.”
Library officials said the weddings were a one-time event, but they would consider making it annual if there was interest from the public.
‘Pho and Elias said the first activity they would do as a married couple would be getting lunch at the nearby Teakwood restaurant.