I believe…….. in love. Two people who I hold near and dear to my heart exchanged rings and a commitment last night. Richard and Val – aka ‘The Uncles’. They are somewhat like the old 70’s TV show ‘The Odd Couple’. For those who know them can figure out quickly who is Felix and who portrays Oscar. Ahem.
Friends, family, neighbors and of course our own Father Troy Beecham from St. John’s Episcopal gathered in the magical gardens of the Uncles to exchange vows, rings and make their decade old commitment in front of God, and well — everyone.
About a month ago, Richard and I began plotting and planning a surprise for Val for their ten year anniversary. A plan was hatched. I’m horrible at keeping surprises — I’m a connector and love to share… I kept my silence although I smiled quite a bit and broke into giggles if anything came close to being divulged….Val knew something was up but had no idea…to the scope of what we had planned. :::bwahhhh ha ha:::::
Richard asked Val to marry him last Wed. evening at The Pecan…. Well…. let me go into that a little bit. Richard began a dissertation about three steps as to what and how a marriage would proceed between them. Val sat looking at Richard with furrowed brow for a minute or two not sure as to what had just taken place. Finally Val said ‘Did you just ask me to marry you?’ Richard shook his head in affirmation. ‘Oh….well yes then’. The heavens opened little chubby putti angels fluttered about and all was well with the world. ::::beaming::::::
Now, for the surprise to take place, Val assumed the small dinner party with a few friends was the surprise last night. Little did he know a small army was gathering down the street about to melt from the sweltering 102 plus degrees in the Atlanta summer heat down the block. My surprise for Richard (which was extremely hard not to blurt out over cocktails several times the week before) was that his sister, Mary, had flown in for the affair. When I received the text that we were all ‘ok’ to begin our trek a block to their garden area, the magic began.
Val and Richard stood as friends and family lined the street to partake in a ceremony of commitment, love and rings. Richard was shocked when Mary hiding behind a sign that read ‘Someone has to lead the conga line’ popped out with hugs and kisses. My mother was always heard to say ‘if you don’t make it special, who will?’ which applied many times to so many things last night. We made it special and it showed.
Food was placed, cocktails were poured and Father Troy began his blessing of the evening. Richard and Val told their stories of love for one another. The rings were exchanged and all is right with the world. ::::dreamy sigh:::::
I believe in love. And I believe in you. ::::smiling happily::::::
*** since this posting, ‘The Uncles’ got hitched in NYC – Dec of 2013!
Cocktails at Seven 