Scott Ottmer, 43, and Dawn Ottmer, 40, of Brandon, kiss each other after they renew their vows in front of a backdrop of Tatooine during a May the Fourth wedding celebration at the Pat Frank Courthouse on Thursday, May 4, 2023, in Tampa.

In Tampa, couples say ‘I do’ with Star Wars twist

Walk-in weddings were welcome, and May the Fourth be with them.
Scott Ottmer, 43, and Dawn Ottmer, 40, of Brandon, kiss each other after they renew their vows in front of a backdrop of Tatooine during a May the Fourth wedding celebration at the Pat Frank Courthouse on Thursday, May 4, 2023, in Tampa. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Walk-in weddings were welcome, and May the Fourth be with them.
By
Published May 4|Updated May 4

TAMPA — Jediphiles, Skywalkers and Fandalorians made May the Fourth memorable by tying the knot on Tatooine, Dagobah or in front of the Death Star with the blessing of “Luke Skywalker,” who officiated.

For a few hours on Thursday afternoon, couples who had secured their wedding license by April 28 were able to walk in to the Hillsborough Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller at the Pat Frank Courthouse to say their vows or renew them. Couples were encouraged to come in costume, as was the staff.

The space was decorated with backdrops and characters from the Star Wars cinematic universe and two couples left the courthouse with big smiles, a unique wedding story and, of course, the force with them.

Clerk of Court and Comptroller Cindy Stuart dresses up as Princess Leia during a May the Fourth wedding celebration at the Pat Frank Courthouse on Thursday.
Clerk of Court and Comptroller Cindy Stuart dresses up as Princess Leia during a May the Fourth wedding celebration at the Pat Frank Courthouse on Thursday. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Officiant Joe Harless, left, dressed as a Jedi and Clerk of Court and Comptroller Cindy Stuart, as Princess Leia, officiate the vow renewal of Scott Ottmer, 43, and Dawn Ottmer, 40, from Brandon, dressed as a Jedi and Ahsoka Tano, as their son, Jacob Bortell, 13, looks on in front of a backdrop of Tatooine. "Everyday is Star Wars day," said Scott. "It has been a part of my life since I was a kid."
Officiant Joe Harless, left, dressed as a Jedi and Clerk of Court and Comptroller Cindy Stuart, as Princess Leia, officiate the vow renewal of Scott Ottmer, 43, and Dawn Ottmer, 40, from Brandon, dressed as a Jedi and Ahsoka Tano, as their son, Jacob Bortell, 13, looks on in front of a backdrop of Tatooine. "Everyday is Star Wars day," said Scott. "It has been a part of my life since I was a kid." [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Wendy Simpson, 55, of Tampa, holds a lightsaber with flowers in it as she prepares to get married to her partner of 17 years during a May the Fourth wedding celebration.
Wendy Simpson, 55, of Tampa, holds a lightsaber with flowers in it as she prepares to get married to her partner of 17 years during a May the Fourth wedding celebration. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Radames Collazo-Cotto, an employee of the Clerk’s office, left, speaks with Joe Harless, dressed up as a Jedi and preparing to officiate weddings and vow renewals for couples walking in for the Star War-themed weddings.
Radames Collazo-Cotto, an employee of the Clerk’s office, left, speaks with Joe Harless, dressed up as a Jedi and preparing to officiate weddings and vow renewals for couples walking in for the Star War-themed weddings. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Robert Russ, director of community engagement, dresses up as a Jedi and holds a lightsaber.
Robert Russ, director of community engagement, dresses up as a Jedi and holds a lightsaber. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Wendy Simpson, 55, and Jamie Simpson, 50, both of Tampa, react after they get married in front of a backdrop of Coruscant. "It beats training with Yoda," said Jamie.
Wendy Simpson, 55, and Jamie Simpson, 50, both of Tampa, react after they get married in front of a backdrop of Coruscant. "It beats training with Yoda," said Jamie. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Jamie Simpson and Wendy Simpson hold each other’s hands during their wedding ceremony. Jamie carried flowers held in the lower half of a lightsaber.
Jamie Simpson and Wendy Simpson hold each other’s hands during their wedding ceremony. Jamie carried flowers held in the lower half of a lightsaber. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Peter Masa, an employee of the Clerk’s office, decorates the room with Star Wars character cutouts.
Peter Masa, an employee of the Clerk’s office, decorates the room with Star Wars character cutouts. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Up next:Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and City Council take oaths of office

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