West Virginia couple ties the knot at local Goodwill store

West Virginia couple ties the knot at local Goodwill st ... (Added: March 15, 2010)

When most people go to Goodwill, they expect to walk away with a gently used shirt or shoes, but one West Virginia woman topped it all when she walked away with a husband. (more)

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By WSAZ
Published: March 15, 2010

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When most people go to Goodwill, they expect to walk away with a gently used shirt or shoes, but one West Virginia woman topped it all when she walked away with a husband.

They say when you know, you know. The former Loretta Runyon of Huntington, said that was the case for her when she met the love of her life, Arlin Jackson.

Loretta, now Jackson, and Arlin both work for Goodwill Industries. They met a few years ago, cleaning up the bleachers after a Marshall University Football game.

"We worked two separate hours, two separate shifts," Loretta said. "I just felt like he was the right person."

When Arlin and Loretta got engaged, they thought about just eloping. When they told their plan to Connie Chaney, another Goodwill employee, she said no way -- and the idea of a "Goodwill Wedding" was born.

Eight Goodwill stores from the region pitched in, scanning donations for anything that could be used in the wedding. Loretta bought Arlin's wedding clothes and he bought hers, but aside from that, everything was from a Goodwill store.

"We've really enjoyed it and it's been a thrill to see how happy they've been," Chaney said.

Saturday afternoon, friends and family filled the Virginia Avenue Goodwill in Huntington to watch Arlin and Loretta say their vows.

"She's my best friend," Arlin said, "And the love of my life."