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Saying ‘I do’ on ‘Twos-day Tuesday’: 2/22/22 is an anniversary impossible to forget

For their moment of wedded bliss, J.J. and Jillian Riley chose a date with the rarest combination of numbers — five twos in row, a palindrome date so rare it won’t repeat for another 400 years.

Not only does it look good embroidered on a pillow, or engraved on a ring, but “Twosday” offers a big advantage for absent-minded husbands.

“Can’t forget it,” said J.J. Riley, moments after tying the knot. “I’m dyslexic, so ...”

The Rileys of Raleigh joined a throng of newlyweds united at the Wake County Courthouse Tuesday on a day seemingly made for couples: two after two after two.

“Our kids’ school said it was the event of the century,” Jillian Riley said. “They had to wear tutus.”

Jillian and J.J. Riley of Raleigh got married on Feb. 22, 2022 for the sake of a memorable anniversary date filled with twos.
Jillian and J.J. Riley of Raleigh got married on Feb. 22, 2022 for the sake of a memorable anniversary date filled with twos. Josh Shaffer

‘We actually just did it randomly’

According to the National Weather Service, the twos won’t align again on a Tuesday until 2422 — four centuries from now.

Some Raleigh couples just got lucky.

“We actually just did it randomly,” said Mikka Herget, on her way to see the judge. “But we’ll never forget it.”

Mikka Herget got married on Feb. 22, 2022, at the Wake County courthouse but did not choose the date based on the rare combination of twos.
Mikka Herget got married on Feb. 22, 2022, at the Wake County courthouse but did not choose the date based on the rare combination of twos. Josh Shaffer

Memorable or not, couples noted that a row of twos would make a fine tattoo.

J.J. Riley smiled at the idea. “Not yet,” he said.

This story was originally published February 22, 2022 at 1:02 PM.

Josh Shaffer
The News & Observer
Josh Shaffer is a general assignment reporter on the watch for “talkers,” which are stories you might discuss around a water cooler. He has worked for The News & Observer since 2004 and writes a column about unusual people and places.
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