A Virginia couple who tied the knot (lower right), a surprise reunion between a returning soldier and his family (lower left), and grand marshal Jane Goodall (upper right), famed globally for her chimpanzee research, were among the highlights of the 124th Rose Parade.

The parade's 42 floral floats brightened an otherwise cloudy New Year's morning and boosted the spirits of an estimated 700,000 chilly spectators lining the 5-mile route in Pasadena, Calif.

The newlyweds are from Chesapeake.