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Rotterdam couple hopes 8/8/08 a lucky day top get married
Friday, August 8, 2008
By J. Jude Hazard (Contact)
Gazette Reporter


ROTTERDAM — Shawn Shepard may have a hard time convincing his wife that he forgot their anniversary if he's late with a gift next year.

That's because Shepard, 34, and his new wife, Anna Sousa, 32, were one of six couples to get married at Rotterdam Town Hall today - 8/8/08.

"I'm more than happy. I can't even explain it, I'll just start crying," Shepard said after the short proceeding with Town Clerk and Marriage Officer Eunice Esposito. "This is all just about getting married and being a family. We'll worry about [everything else] later."

The couple actually chose August 8, 2008, because it was exactly one year after their first date. Once the wedding date was set back in February, Shepard said he realized it would be easy to remember because of the triple eights.

The family posed with Esposito after the ceremony and took pictures with friends and family before leaving Town Hall. Shepard was emotional during the ceremony as he placed a ring on his new wife's finger.

"He was really nervous; nice guy," Esposito said. "It's the one part of my job I really like because everybody's happy."

Esposito said she has done hundreds of weddings, but said Shepard was one of the most emotional grooms she has presided over.

"I don't think it's really hit me yet," Anna Shepard said after the ceremony.