This particular wedding stands out in memory because of how it was booked. I received a message, late one evening, requesting a quote for a “surprise wedding”. Now, my first thought is probably the same as yours. “A surprise to whom?” The groom had recently proposed to his girlfriend, and the two had decided to wed far sooner than later. Said groom was receiving a retirement party and roast, celebrating a wonderful military career. After proposing, the couple decided rather than have everyone fly in again, they would do both at the same time. The darling bride slipped out during the roast, got in her wedding dress, and amidst laughter and tears and stories, the groom thanked the crowd. As he begin to tell them that he was aware the group probably expected him to propose, the bride and her father emerged. With a smile, he announced he couldn’t propose, because he already had, and welcomed everyone to his wedding. Many cheers and tears erupted, and the sweetest ceremony took place in a room I can only describe as being akin to God’s Atrium. With ample lighting, glorious wrap around windows, and an eclectic assortment of vintage chandeliers, it has an old Hollywood feel in the entry, and the grace and elegance of high fashion in the ballroom.
