by KYW’s Kim Glovas

A wedding of historic proportion on Independence Mall Thursday night. The re-enactors who portray Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross were wed before a crowd of 1,000 patriots.
 
Mayor Michael Nutter officiated over the wedding of Ralph Archbold and Linda Wilde, the real life people who portray Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross, respectively:
 
“Wilt thy of they own free will, have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together in the bonds of holy matrimony?”

“I will.”
 
“Wilt thou of thy own free will, have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together in the bonds of holy matrimony?”

“I will.”
  
The happy couple exchanged rings, and then:

"And let no one put asunder those who were joined together in this company, you may now kiss."
 
The happy couple then departed for a reception at the City Tavern in Olde City.