Annie O'Neill, Post-Gazette The Rev. Shawn Drummond kisses his new bride, Michele Steward, at the Allegheny County Jail chapel. The couple met in a class at Geneva College and decided to marry at the jail to set a good example for the inmates. Click photo for larger image.

Allegheny County Jail Chaplain Shawn Drummond always tells the inmates of the Hope Pod, a faith-based recovery program, that it's important to wait until they're "whole again" until they enter into a relationship.

Yesterday, the Rev. Drummond, who is an ex-convict, practiced what he preaches. He married the Rev. Michele Steward in the jail's chapel, with the Hope inmates in attendance.

One guard said it was the first wedding at the county jail that he could recall in his 31-year career.

"[The Rev. Drummond] was in one of these [prison] jumpsuits once and became an inspiration to all of us," said Bobby Clark, a Hope inmate who has known the Rev. Drummond for more than 40 years, adding that the fact he chose to share that moment with them was "a beautiful thing."

The couple met two years ago while attending seminary at Geneva College in Beaver Falls.

"I've done seven years without a relationship," said the Rev. Drummond. "And man, it paid off." He says of his new wife, "She's a woman with a heart for all people."

The Rev. Steward ministers for a Monroeville group called By His Design. She calls her new husband "a man of God." The Rev. Drummond is also minister at Deliverance Baptist Church in Wilkinsburg.

The Rev. Lynn Yeso, one of the Rev. Drummond's colleagues at the jail, performed the ceremony. At one point she turned to the inmates and asked if they would do "whatever they could to uphold this marriage."

A resounding and enthusiastic "we will" was their answer. James Victor turned to fellow inmate Brandon Wise and gave him a pound, whispering, "This is so cool."

Another Hope inmate, Howard Mosby, said, "The man is living testimony that you can turn your life around ... And it's easier to take advice from someone who has been through the same struggle as you."

When the ceremony concluded, the Rev. Drummond turned to the inmates and assured them, "there is life after prison."

The newlyweds plan to honeymoon in Hawaii as soon as their heavy schedules allow.