Rockwall, TX (February 16, 2024) – Rockwall County resident Carl and Hunt County Resident Barbara, a sweet older couple, were full of laughter and vibrant enthusiasm as they applied for a marriage license. Their story spoke of hope after great loss because both Carl and Barbara had been married for 63 years before their spouses passed away.They met playing Bridge. During the game, Carl said Barbara received two phone calls from two different men asking her on a date, yet she declined both. Carl seized the opportunity asking, “What if I asked you on a date?” Barbara’s response? “I didn’t say anything” she said with a big grin on her face.
As they continued their conversation over cards, he mentioned one of the struggles he had from losing his spouse was meals. She asked, “Would you like to come to my house for a home-cooked meal?” Carl responded that he couldn’t that night but would be able to the following evening.
Barbara missed the part about him coming over the next day. Regardless, she provided Carl with her phone number and address.
Driving to her house the next evening, Carl got lost along the way. He stopped a postman for directions who decided to guide him there. With Carl following the postman, he finally arrived at Barbara’s house.
Needless to say, Barbara was surprised!
Of course, she had no meal prepared but they did have a great laugh about the predicament! What would they do? Barbara says, “I pulled steaks and shrimp from the freezer, and we began preparing the meal together.”
Fast forward to this week. The couple had not told their kids they were getting married. They planned to tell them the day before, but the kids were not available. They were adamant that they wanted to get married right then so they decided to go ahead as they had planned.
Rockwall County Clerk Office staff walked them to Judge Mark Russo’s office hoping he would waive the 72-hour waiting period. On the elevator, you could see the love and affection Carl and Barbara had for one another.
Arriving at Judge Russo’s office, they explained that they wanted to get married that day and thankfully Judge Russo was happy to agree!
A short time later, another couple arrived to the Clerk’s office for a marriage license saying they saw the cutest older couple outside. They said you could see the love as they were happily hugging and kissing outside the courthouse. They asked the older couple if they had just gotten a marriage license as they said yes with big smiles. They exchanged good wishes and commented about what a cute couple they were.
The office staff was so excited to see Carl and Barbara return to record their marriage license – and knew they had to share this sweet love story.
Submitted by Rockwall County Clerk’s Office, edited for publication
A sweet love story was in the cards for Carl and Barbara added by Melanie M on
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