October 28, 2006 was my daughter's wedding day. Many gathered last night for the rehearsal and others are traveling as I write. Some 50 something family memebers and 100 assorted friends are making their way to celebrate the service with us. As a minister and musician, I've been in a lot of weddings. Yet it is different when you are walking your own daughter down the aisle. I don't know why, but you do feel stress.

The church is a small episcopal church here in the mountains of north Georgia. Built in 1840, Grace Calvary Episcopal has a certain historical smell to it. Old wood. Outside are tall white pines that also add to the woodsy scent. The rehearsal day had been rainy but the wedding day broke bright and clear and morning winds calmed before afternoon making a perfect setting. There was not enough time to do everything and everyone seemed to be scurrying back and forth: girls having hair fixed and doing their make-up; getting the right flowers to each participant; snapping photographs; chasing the flower girl and ring bearer around. I'll admit the men were ready first and just sat around much of the time. Papa was the proud grandparent.

A host of relatives and old friends were there. Midge, our close friend from Centerville, friends from Decatur with their children grown--Milton and Lou Ann, and relatives and near relatives, Carter G, Carter M, Heather Carter, and Mary Carter! Many babies were left at home but many were there too, making baby sounds throughout the service. The rector did a fine job, executing the service with deliberate speed. The soprano was fantastic. The bride and groom were joyous and all of us were made joyful too from their great happiness. All those hired to attend us did so graciously and in the spirit of our joy. It was as if the whole world stopped for a day to wish a wonderful life for Rachel and John. I was expecting them to ride away in an antique car, but no, they made away in a huge truck! And a groomsman had made a huge wooden sign to fit over the tailgate saying "Just Married." And my daughter rode away, glowing.