‘It was a magical day’: Couple recalls 1969 War Memorial wedding

As they stood in front of The War Memorial, they couldn’t help but reminisce about their big day.

Robert and Christine Codish, of Detroit, were married at The War Memorial on May 4, 1969. They returned in late September to the location of their wedding service for some special photos to be taken.

“We rented a room at The War Memorial but it was so nice out that day that we decided to have it outside,” Robert said. “It was really nice. There were carillon bells that were going off as we got out there. It was kind of a magical day.”

Christine and Robert Codish are pictured at The War Memorial, recreating a scene from their May 1969 wedding here. 

As Christine tells the story, the minister at Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church was doing Sunday services at The War Memorial, and the couple, who met while attending Cass Technical High School in Detroit, was going to have him marry them.

“We got married at The War Memorial after a Sunday service,” she said. “That was the best weekend of weather that month. The weekends after that were all rainy. All the flowers were blooming and the trees were in bloom. We were married out front, by the fountain.”

About 25 people attended the service.

Following the service, the couple's reception was at an art studio that Christine worked at in Detroit.

Christine recalls how beautiful the rose garden at The War Memorial was at the time of the wedding.

“I’m an artist, so I used to show there once a year,” she said. “The grounds would be open for artists to have their booths, and I always had a table and would show my portraits.”

Other than their wedding service, Christine has been to the nonprofit organization for piano recitals, plays put on by the Grosse Pointe Theatre and more.

“The Unity Church used to have their services at The War Memorial and I actually took art classes there from a guy named Mr. Coppini,” Christine said. “I also took drawing classes there for sketching.”

She adds that whenever at The War Memorial, she would make it a point to go down by the water and look at the gardens.

“We also saw concerts here too,” Christine said. “It’s a beautiful place to walk around and it’s free to go in.”

This year, as part of our 75th anniversary, The War Memorial will share stories from the public about the impact and experiences they have had at the nonprofit organization. Do you have a special War Memorial story or memory? Join us in telling #myWMstory and share yours!