'I do' at 11 sharp

COEUR d'ALENE - Steven Lewis and Louise Legarde wanted a nice, quiet wedding, so they drove to Coeur d'Alene from Bellingham, Wash.

They had their vows of love and devotion. They had the rings. They also had one specific request of minister Debra Coppernoll of Journey Ministries.

The ceremony had to take place on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2011. At exactly 11:11 a.m.

They would become husband and wife on 11/11 at 11:11.

Their plan paid off. Eight minutes after the service started, it was over.

"It was very special, something unique I've never done before," Coppernoll said.

Lewis, who spent two years in the Army, wanted to be married on that date and at that time to honor veterans, and for another reason: It would be easy to remember.

"That way, I'll never forget our anniversary," he joked with Coppernoll.

Louise was happy, too.

"It felt like a good day to get married," she said.

The brief ceremony took place at Journey Ministries, 1604 E. Lee Court, with Debra's husband John on hand as a witness.

The 58-year-old Steven and 64-year-old Louise were jubilant - despite getting a little more attention than they expected.

The couple declined an offer of a large ceremony by friends and even made the 400-mile drive to Coeur d'Alene to be sure it was a small affair.

"We wanted it to be private," said Louise, during an interview as the couple was driving back home. "We wanted to get married quietly."

Coppernoll, who is also a Realtor, said she loves weddings and asked the couple if it would be OK for her to contact the media about their tribute to veterans

"I can't think of anything better to do," she said.

This union was unlike any other.

"They're all special, but this one's very special," she said.

Coppernoll expects more folks might want to get married next year on Dec. 12, 2012, at 12:12 - a.m. or p.m.