Several Air Force Academy graduates tie the knot graduation week

It’s been an exciting week for Air Force Academy graduates, who have capped off four long years of hard work and dedication.

Now, many of the newly minted second lieutenants are keeping another Academy tradition alive by getting married in the Cadet Chapel.

Two of those new graduates, 2d Lt Brittany Oliver and 2d Lt Josiah Oliver tied the knot Friday afternoon.

“It’s just a lot at one time, it doesn’t feel all real yet,” 2d Lt Brittany Oliver said. “We met here and put so much work in here it just feels right to get married here. Plus, we’re hoping our kids will come here one day and it will just be one big legacy.”

“The tradition and everything behind it is just perfect for us,” 2d Lt Josiah Oliver said.

The Olivers are one of three couples, where both the bride and the groom through their caps at the Air Force Academy graduation on Wednesday.

A total of seven weddings are being held at the Cadet Chapel during the course of graduation week.

Deb Hartman has been the wedding facilitator for the Air Force Academy Chapel for 26 years now.

She said 2018 is a slow year.

“When I first started we would have 40 to 50 weddings after graduation,” Hartman said.

As of right now, the Cadet Chapel is set to close Jan. 1, 2019 for repairs. It’s supposed to be closed for four years.

“We have weddings that are already booked through the end of the year and we just had a couple book for December 30,” Hartman said.

The Olivers are going to separate Air Force bases as they begin their careers. Brittany will be going to intelligence training, while Josiah goes into cyber training.