Ernest Stroming and Nitisha Jackson were named husband and wife on Tuesday, then a judge pronounced his sentence: 18 months for drug possession and fleeing police.

The unique day in court was precipitated by Stroming, 28, telling the judge he wanted to marry his 25 year-old bride before going to jail as a part of his rehabilitation.

"I applaud you for your courage, sir. And I applaud you, ma'am, for your faith," Circuit Judge John Merretts told the couple. The couple who have been involved for three years and are expecting their first child in December.

While Stroming was in jail he called Jackson to make sure she was certain about getting married.

"I'm calling to ask you again to marry me," Jackson recalled her husband saying in a Florida Times-Union report. While on the phone he informed her that he had an audience and other inmates were anxious to hear what she'd say. Upon her saying yes she recalls hearing jubilant shouting and cheers in the background from the jail inmates.

On Tuesday, the couple enjoyed donated wedding cake and alcohol-free champagne while in the court's jury room. However an extended honeymoon together will have to wait until Stroming is released from prison.