By ANDREW BOWLER
Star-Tribune Staff Writer

DANVILLE - A Chatham couple was among more than a dozen that tied the knot on Valentine's Day at Ben David Jewelers in Danville.

Carl and Cynthia Kraft of Old Hickory Road in Chatham were married on Valentine's Day at Ben David Jewelers in Danville. The couple, which has 12 kids between them, was among 13 couples who got married or renewed their vows during the store's free service.

Carl Kraft, 36, and Cynthia Estrada, 41, participated in the free wedding and vow renewal ceremonies the store offered.

"I think it's awesome," Kraft said of the Valentine's Day event. "With all the children we have, we don't have a lot of money. We were going to have to get married by a justice of the peace."

The Krafts, who live on Old Hickory Lane, have 12 children between the two of them, with the oldest being 22 and the youngest 11 months.

Eleven-month-old Tyler Blake Kraft, the couple's child together, was in the audience with his grandparents, Earl and Diana Kraft, and Kraft's niece, Brittany Allen.

Ricky and Lori Francesco renewed their wedding vows on Valentine's Day at Ben David Jewelers. This is the second year the Mount Cross Road jewelry store has sponsored free wedding ceremonies.

Pastor Pam Spencer performed the ceremony in front of the store's fireplace.

"If you think about it, you couldn't ask for a more expensive wedding," Kraft joked. "It's surrounded by millions of dollars worth of stuff."

The couple was understandably excited about their big day.

"I love him to death," Estrada said. "I feel wonderful about getting married here today."

Kraft, who works as a carpenter, was also thrilled about the occasion.

Roy and Cleo Coleman seal the renewal of their wedding vows with a kiss on Valentine's Day.

"I feel really blessed," he said. "God blessed me with meeting her and now we're getting married."

The couple, both now in their second marriage, met in May 2006 at The Warehouse, a nightclub in Pelham, N.C.

"I've been waiting for this and it feels wonderful," Estrada said. "We're really good together."

Jack Meeks clowns around with his new bride, Dale Goodman, following their Valentine's Day wedding at Ben David Jewelers.

The jewelry store also provided the couple with wedding cake from Kitti's Kake, an 8x10 wedding portrait by Photography by Lisa, a red rose bouquet and boutonniere by Silk Haven/Colonnade Room, and a special wedding reception by Martha Turner, all free of charge.

"All they have to do is bring a marriage license and someone to marry," said Mark David, the store's co-owner.

Each couple was also registered to win a $100 savings bond courtesy of First State Bank, a dinner package at Outback Steakhouse, a honeymoon getaway at the Courtyard by Marriott of Danville, and a two-night getaway courtesy of Daly Seven.

Thanks in-part to Ben David Jewelers, the Krafts are looking forward to this new chapter in their life together, knowing it will be filled with happiness.

"I've never loved anyone like I love her," Kraft said.