Twenty-one years ago today CarolAnn and I stood together in front of a small lake before a crowd of some three hundred seated on hay bales. They were all dressed in Western boots and hats and beaming with love, or at least anticipation.
The minister was perched above us, standing on a small platform on the back end of an ancient buckboard wagon adorned with flowers. We were in white, he was in his black robe wearing a silly looking cowboy hat with feathers sticking out of the brim, a last-minute donation by a member of the congregation.
He was proud of that hat.
The horses on which we had arrived held their quiet respect.
Under an overcast sky which had threatened to rain on all of us since our arrival a few hours earlier, our minister began the traditional address:
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God to join this man and this woman in the eternal bonds of holy matrimony.”
A peacock cried out from the distance: “Help! Help!”
That is truly how peacocks sound and what they seem to be yelling. It cracked everybody up.
I mugged mercilessly.
The ceremony continued. Our sons, ages eleven and seven, dressed in their own little Western tuxedos and cowboy hats, brought forth the rings.
“If anyone can show cause why this man and this woman should not be joined in marriage, let him speak now or forever hold his peace!”
My six groomsmen, a rugged gang of cowboys, drew their revolvers and scanned the crowd with a scowl and certain threat. Everybody laughed again.
And then, God chimed in.
The clouds that had covered the proceedings all day parted slightly, dramatically, and an array of golden sunbeams shot through the sky and landed squarely and solely on CarolAnn and me.
I swear, that’s just how it happened. The crowd noticed. We heard the whispered exclamations.
The minister glanced up with more than a hint of awe.
“By the power vested in me by the state of California and the County of Nevada, I hereby pronounce you man and wife.”
I kissed her.
Gunshots rang out from my groomsmen, hooting and hollering as the crowd laughed, cheered, and cried.
Twenty one years ago today.
Our love is all grown up. We are grown up. And happily honeymooning, still.
In the words of “our song,” (which I talked Randy Travis into singing for us live on KABC radio in Los Angeles…)
“…as long as old men sit and talk about the weather,
as long as old women sit and talk about old men.
If you wonder how long I’ll be faithful
just listen to how this song ends…
I’m gonna love you forever and ever..,
Forever and ever…
Forever and ever…
Forever and ever…
A-men!”
Well what’s left to say after Randy’s said his piece? Oh yes – congratulations!
I remember your wedding day… the best I’ve ever witnessed!
I loved every bit of it – especially when the sun shined only on
you and Carol Ann. What a beautiful moment.
Happy Honeymooning!
Thank you for a wonderful memory. I have been so blessed to be included in your lives, and am forever grateful. Aunt Viettia
how sweet to have such loving nieghbors next door. You just drove home in your BigHouse. Another honeymoon?
Since I have meant Carolann and David, I have never seen such a wonderful and loving couple. Keep it up you guys.
Love Always
Ellie
Wonderful pictures and great story. Keep it up. I love that song I will love you forever.
CONGRATULATIONS, David and Carolann!!! Enjoyed your tribute, David, to your wedding day, and to your lovely bride.
May you be BLESSED with many more years together.
Love, Diana and Paul
Yes . . . All your family and friends loved the unique wedding. I also remember 21 years ago the pictures next to the wedding cake of both Dave and Carolann on ponies as small children. It was adorable and added a special touch to a fantastic evening that we all fondly remember. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 21st ANNIVERSARY!
Boy, I need a tissue here.
May you both enjoy another 20 seasons of happiness. You guys are truly blessed. And in the end – what more do ‘ya really need?
OK, winnin’ the Lottery wouldn’t hurt, but still … : – )
Morg
Again…your memories have brought tears to my eyes. This isn’t the first time I have heard the story of course…but it has a different impact when it is in writting. I feel so blessed to be a peripheral part of the never-ending saga. You just picked Tyler up to join Keepah, Nana and Isaiah on an adventure to Disneyland. This is the forever and forever part…watching your love expand to grandchildren and go on forever and forever. I love you both…Gloria
What a wonderful love story!
Oh how I remember that beautiful wedding day! I just knew when the sun shined down through the open clouds on to you and Carol….it was going to be a match made in heaven! Wishing you both Love & Happiness always.
Cuz’n Debbie
Hi hows are you? Can one of you get in touch with me please x