Woman turns 40, marries herself

Elizabeth Armstrong Moore | Newser staff

(NEWSER) – Houston native Yasmin Eleby vowed that she'd marry herself if she hadn't found true love by 40. And for her 40th birthday, that's exactly what she did. The well-traveled businesswoman who works overseas in the oil industry organized an elaborate wedding, reports the Houston Chronicle, which included 10 bridesmaids and was officiated by her minister sister. (It was a spiritual service, as it is not legal to marry oneself.) Eleby's mother walked her down the aisle, and Eleby sang R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly," which includes the line, "Now I know the meaning of true love."

"I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support that was shown to me during my celebration of love and life," Eleby wrote on Facebook. She held the ceremony at the Houston Museum of African American Culture, reports People; the venue CEO says Eleby is "attractive, she works hard, and she's worldwide," adding that "she's now indicated to others that she has high standards." Eleby has planned a multi-country honeymoon, including stops in Cambodia, Laos, and a jazz festival in Dubai. (In other wedding news, one couple recently tied the knot in their 4-year-old son's hospital room.)

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