I do - and it's free

COEUR d'ALENE - It was about three years ago that James Barone sent a text message to the wrong person.

Monday, he married that person.

"The numbers were one number off and I accidentally texted her," Barone said. "We just started talking."

Talk led to love and on Valentine's Day, the 22-year-old Barone and 17-year-old Breonna Carr, both said "I do" before about 20 family and friends at First Christian Church.

Theirs was one of eight performed by the Rev. Al Holm inside the brick building on Fourth Street.

Starting at 1 p.m. and through to 5:30, couples exchanged vows in 15-minute ceremonies. Each included brief inspirational messages by Holm, prayers, the traditional kiss, music, cameras clicking and applause.

And perhaps best, it was free.

The church waived the $65 fee for chapel rental and minister services.

"I've never married so many people in one day," said Holm, who has been making boyfriend and girlfriend husband and wife for 31 years. "We've got them showing up one right after the other."

That appealed to James Welch and Mallory Hoffman, both of Coeur d'Alene. They got engaged on Valentine's Day 2010 and decided to make it official this year.

With an infant daughter being looked after by relatives, they planned to exchange nuptials and then head home for a quiet cake celebration.

The two were a little nervous Monday as they waited their turn in the foyer, but said after three years together, they know what they love about each other.

"Everything," Mallory said with a big smile.

"We're so much alike," Welch added. "We don't ever argue. No disagreements. It's awesome. It's perfect."

A honeymoon is a little ways down the road, "when the economy gets better," Welch said.

Barone and Carr have been dating since that errant text message, and have been a steady couple the past year.

"We were talking about it the other day, wouldn't it be cool if we got married on Valentine's Day and it just kind of happened," he said.

"He suggested it and we didn't think we were going to be able to do it. Then this free thing popped up so we were able to do it, so we did it," she said.

Despite being nervous, they got through the ceremony without a hitch, although the service was moved to the sanctuary because there were too many people for the new wedding chapel.

"Ladies and gentlemen, would you all please rise," said Holm as the bride entered the chapel and music played.

Holm, wearing a black suit jacket and white shirt, talked about love. He said, "the best things in life can not be seen, or even touched." A few moments later, after exchanging rings, came the words the couple was waiting for: "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Barone."

Then came a kiss, applause and pictures.

Holm, who said he'll perform free weddings for active military, said all went well in uniting Barone and Carr.

"Just like the rest of them," he said.