We will have a Designated Wedding Saturday on Cinco de Wedding. Nuptials at 4, reception to follow in Simsboro, the Wedding Reception Capital of the World.

Probably it’s not—but it should be. It’s becoming the Wedding and/or Wedding Reception Capital of these parts, that’s for sure. Most every spring and early summer Sunday, Gary (I can’t tell you his last name because that would be indiscreet—Cathey, Gary Cathey) and I will run into each other between the early service at church and Sunday school, and most Sundays he will have to bolt from the tenor section, where he more than carries his weight, back out to Creekwood Gardens for wedding duties.

Love is a many splendored and demanding thing.

Last year, the backup preacher at our church was marrying off his beautiful daughter not long after mine had become engaged. We had a long talk in one of the church building’s hallways about whether or not he would let me split the cost and allow mine to get married when his did. Great idea! We would stand to the side — sort of be the backup wedding — and save a ton of money.

The mother of the bride said neg. But it was worth a try.

But back to Gary, a fascinating person. One day he went to his family property in Simsboro and built a bridge over a creek. Then he built a cabin. Then another one. He cleared a spot so people could park. He kept building and planting. Now couples get married out there all the time.

I do love (and envy) him so…

He warned us that at one wedding, in the middle of the ceremony, an eagle dove down and grabbed a fish from the pond that’s behind the beautiful outdoor wedding chapel he built with his own hands. He honestly apologized for that.

I told him if he could guarantee that this weekend, we’d pay him extra.

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