19 couples had free Valentine's Day weddings in Kelowna

Standing under a flower arch in Sandhill Wines, Juno and J-Lyn Bebbington, are one of 19 couples saying "I do" for free on Valentine's Day in Kelowna.

The nuptials are part of an event called Kelowna4Love, with donations going to the Kelowna Pride Society.

Organizers said they wanted to create an environment where all couples would feel comfortable getting married.

"We've made it very welcoming and supportive [so couples] could drop some of their barriers and step in and do this," said Sepideh Razania, co-organizer and wedding officiant for the event.

"It's been very positive from a client perspective."

Couples who signed up for the event were offered a number of free services including hair, makeup, photography and music by local vendors, who donated their services.

"A lot of vendors stepped in and said we want to be a part of this community of giving," Razania said.

All about love

Juno and J-Lyn said they knew they wanted to get married since becoming engaged at Christmas.

"We just didn't really have the financial capability to do so, and so we were planning to get married in about a year or two," Juno told Daybreak South's Jaimie Kehler.

After hearing Razania talk about the Kelowna4Love event on CBC, they decided to sign up.

"I think it's incredible. Kelowna4Love has been all about just that, just love," said Juno.

"I think it's amazing that they're donating all the proceeds to Kelowna Pride as well. I'm very involved in that organization. So I'm very happy that they're doing that as well."

J-Lyn and Juno, who uses the pronoun "they," "their" and "them," were all smiles after tying the knot in front of their daughter, Elizabeth. Before the ceremony, J-Lyn was very nervous.

"I didn't want to get out of my bed this morning, because I was so nervous," she said.

Some advice from a friend, who told her, "Just look at your partner" changed that.

Falling in love

J-Lyn said she fell for Juno because of their quirkiness.

"[Juno] was always there for me when I needed them the most. Always a great support. If I had something bothering me I could always talk to Juno about it."

Juno said they love J-Lyn's strength and commitment to their relationship.

"I love how she's so caring and kind with our daughter and with myself. She's just an amazing lady and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her."