Who: Stephen L.J. Hoffman, 43, of Crescent Springs, a Kenton County Magistrate (justice of the peace) who marries hundreds of couples each year, 24 hours a day, either in his office or anywhere in Northern Kentucky.

        Mr. Hoffman has been in office since 1989 and began performing weddings full time in July of 1993.

        On display: Hundreds of heartfelt thank-you notes and photos from happy brides and grooms.

        Where: In his “Parrothead” themed office on Court Street in Covington. (There's even an archway decorated with tropical flowers for couples to stand under while taking their vows.)

        Will you marry me? “It's amazing,” he says with a grin, dumping a box filled with correspondence onto his desk. “These letters are the best compliment I could ever receive.”

        “I'm an elected official,” he continues, “I don't get paid unless I do my job. But it's just amazing that people feel the way they do. I'm totally in awe of the fact that I'm touching people's lives.”

        I do! “I remember this one,” he says, pulling a photo of a groom wearing a Superman costume from the stack. “That guy was something else.”

        According to Mr. Hoffman, superhero wedding attire is not that unusual. After all, he has performed weddings on airplanes, riverboats, and even a motorcycle.

        Same time, next year: “That couple got married out in front of my office on their bike,” he says, holding up a photo of leather-clad bikers. “Now, they stop by every year to renew their vows.”

        Mr. Hoffman's letters are earnest and touching. The phrases “Thank you for the happiest day of our lives,” “You are wonderful,” and “Bless you” are repeated over and over.

        Over the threshold: “I'm flabbergasted that they take the time to write and make sure I have a photo,” he says. “But they also refer their friends and family to me. Now, that is a great compliment. I consider that sort of an unwritten thank-you note.”

        Mr. Hoffman is planning to keep his letters for posterity.

        “When I'm long done with this stuff,” he muses, “They will be a reminder that people liked what I did. I appreciate the fact that they took the time to write.”

        “But most of all,” he adds, while zipping up his robe for yet another wedding, “It makes me happy to know that I did a good job.”

        Share your prize possessions with Marsie Hall Newbold by mail: c/o The Cincinnati Enquirer; e-mail: marsolete@aol.com.

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