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Couple chosen for Civil War wedding
Photo
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Haylee Franklin (left), Heather Franklin and Chris Mulidore enjoy the springtime weather together as a family. Franklin and Mulidore will marry June 26 during Celebrate Poland weekend.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Youngstown’s Heather Franklin, 31, and Chris Mulidore, 25, are getting married this summer — Civil War style.
The couple will take their vows in Civil War attire June 26 during Celebrate Poland weekend. The event will take place in a reconstructed war camp near Poland Village Hall.
The pair has been together for four years.
Franklin’s mother found the application for the vintage wedding while browsing through information on Facebook. A Civil War style wedding during Celebrate Poland weekend was being advertised and Franklin’s mother urged to her apply.
“I was very shocked, I didn’t actually expect it, I didn’t think I would win,” Franklin said.
Terri Windsor, Celebrate Poland committee member, said Celebrate Poland is the township’s way of honoring its rich culture and embracing the future. In past years, reenactments and dedications have been performed, but never a wedding.
“We try to do something different each year; this year was the wedding,” Windsor said.
Franklin is a direct descendant of a Civil War soldier. Her great-great-grandfather, Pvt. George Ackerman, was a member of the 61st Ohio Infantry Regiment during the Civil War and has been laid to rest in Poland’s Riverside Cemetery. Her mother has traced their family history back to the time of the Vikings.
“For the wedding, they are going to try to have Confederate and Union soldiers on each side of the aisle because I am actually a descendent from both sides,” Franklin said.
Franklin’s father, who is a minister, will be participating the wedding ceremony and is the reason for Franklin participating in her first Civil War reenactment. She plans to be a part of one of the reenactments during Celebrate Poland weekend.
A Civil War camp will be constructed alongside Poland Village Hall. The wedding will take place in the flower garden located within the camp.
Franklin’s dress is being designed and donated by Jacqueline’s Bridal located on North Main Street.
The couple is excited about their big day and think it will be a day to remember.
“I’m excited, I like studying that time in history,” Mulidore said. “It will be an interesting experience.”