From the first phone call with Brian, I sensed the love he had for Kristin. He told me of how he had proposed on the top of the Eiffel Tower. OK, I did take Lisa to Paris on our honeymoon, but this may be the most romantic thing I have ever heard! We were excited to be a part of their wedding day.
They also added the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner to their package. I liked this so much that this will now be a part of the a la carte menu available for all packages. At the rehearsal dinner I was able to meet and talk with a lot of the family members, which I always enjoy.
The wedding was the first full wedding at the Abiding Grace Lutheran Church in Covington, Ga. This new church is graced with some amazing stained glass windows and Pastor Scharf and the staff couldn't have been any nicer.
And so the day began with Lisa meeting the bridal party at the Hair Smithsonian in McDonough, Ga.
I met the guys at one of the groomsmen, Brad McCullough and his wife Melissa's home, for some fellowship and getting ready photos. Since it only takes the guys 4 minutes to get ready, there is always time for a little 8-ball.
But before I left to meet the guys, I went to the church to set up the remote camera and gear for the ceremony. And then something incredible happened to me. While I was at the church I was finally able to speak to Kristin's father, Pastor Edward Schuppe. Our conversation began with the question of how will he handle saying the vows for his daughter. Then we talked of travels to Europe and I interjected that I had been all over Europe while serving in the Navy. "You were in the Navy? So was I, " he said. "80-84 based at Cecil Field, Fla. and served aboard the USS America" I said. "I was there also," he said. "I was in VS-32 squadron," I replied. "Captain Wood," he answered. "YOU KNOW SKIPPER WOOD? We called him TAZ for Tazmanian Devil!" I exclaimed!
So I learned that Kristin's father, Pastor Edward Schuppe, was the base Chaplain while I was at Cecil Field. In fact, he had spoken to our squadron several times including Skipper Wood's change of command ceremony where he performed a personell inspection. To think that I was formally inspected in a dress Navy uniform by this father of the bride some 27 years ago gave me chills. Then he said that Taz had even baby-sat for Kristin and her sisters. That made me laugh out loud. You see, we thought Skipper Taz was the Navy's version of General Patton. I have three rows of ribbons and awards due to him driving us to 16 hour work days and always deployed at sea. But even today I have great admiration for him. One of the strangest things is how I was drawn to Pastor Schuppe on Friday at the rehearsal dinner. Perhaps now I know why.
Pastor Jonathan Schroeder began the ceremony as Pastor Schuppe walked Kristin down the aisle.
The reception followed at Pilgreen's at Lake Dow, Mcdonough,Ga. We are blessed to be on the preferred vendor's list there and we absolutely love working with the staff at this great venue!
The getaway car was purchased new in 1955 by Brian's great grandfather and his grandfather has kept it looking like new.
It was a beautiful day and we were so blessed to have met the wonderful people and help capture memories that can be passed down for generations. And then there are memories that Lisa and I will cherish from this day.
Randy and Lisa
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