Sign of the times

After their middle school romance ended, Kerie and Josh Miller would never have guessed that they would someday be married. But six years later, after leading very separate lives, they found themselves preparing to tie the knot.

With rings purchased from Cedar Point, groomsmen dressed in T-shirts and the bride with a homemade bouquet, the couple’s wedding reflects an increasingly attractive option for couples looking to get married during the difficult economic times: low-budget courthouse weddings.

“I’ve never been one for big weddings,” said newlywed Kerie Miller about the couple’s choice to get married in a courthouse.

“And it’s just easier on the pocket.”

Kerie and Joshua have not always been the Millers.

In fact, until their marriage, neither was a Miller.

The two were both teased incessantly throughout school for their last names, Cox and Raby, respectively.

Because of that, the couple decided to both take on Kerie’s mother’s maiden name.

“It’s not too fun to be made fun of for Cox and Raby with immature little middle schoolers,” Kerie said laughingly.

East Lansing District Court Judge David L. Jordon, performed the Millers’ ceremony.

He said the people who get married in the courthouse tend to vary quite a bit in their approach.

Some people come in with only the two witnesses required.

Other times, although less commonly, people go all out and bring their whole families.

Still, to the Millers, the idea of a courthouse wedding was simply more attractive than elaborate church and reception ceremonies.

“If we had the money, we still would have gone to the courthouse,” Kerie said.