A Beer, Cigarette and a Naked Woman...

In a couple of months, Tina and I will be celebrating our 7th anniversary.  Our marriage has been one like many... good times, a few obstacles to overcome, but the two key factors we have maintained is our faith in Jesus and laughter.  Obviously our faith comes first and foremost, but I can't over-emphasize the importance of finding something to laugh about everyday.


Our married life began with a story... and one people ask us to repeat from time to time.  We were married in Eurkea Springs, Arkansas.. .known as the "Wedding Capital of the South".  Tina orchestrated the entire event at this great little bed & breakfast that offers wedding packages.  You get the ceremony, photos, reception, unbelievable dining and two nights in a great environment for something like $700 or $800 (back at that time).  Everything was first class... this was no streamlined package deal.  The cabins had first class amenities, the wedding photography was an unbelievable deal, the food was prepared by a master chef, and the chapel and setting in the hills of northern Arkansas was great.

As we arrived at the chapel we were greated by one of the owners, a very small statured lady.  She was a little person.  She gave us a tour of the grounds, cabins, reception facilities and chapel.  We paid her our money, checked into the cabin and prepared to get ready for our ceremony that would take place later in the day.

As the owner left us at the cabin, Tina said... "She was very nice.... but... I wonder if we will be able to meet the preacher before the ceremony.  I laughed and said... "I think we just did.  Didn't you see her credentials on the wall?  She's the minister."  Now... ole Baptist Tina was taken back by my comment.  She stared in silence as the little lady walked back down the trail towards the main office.  "That's our minister?  The one that's going to marry us?"  I began to wonder if we would get married that day.  I could tell she was having trouble knowing a woman would be marrying us.  It's just not the Baptist way.  Being raised in the Methodist Church, I didn't have a problem with it. 

Tina's parents, Bennie and Phyllis made the trip to Eureka Springs with us.  We met them in town to get our marriage license and tour the shops and downtown area.  Later in the day they acoompanied us back to the B&B for the wedding.  I got dressed in the cabin and Tina's parents accompanied her to the bridal chambers in the reception hall.  After I got ready I went down to the chapel to wait.  Tina's mother met me there.  Then the pastor showed up.  We all stood outside and talked while we waited for Tina and her Dad.

Back in the bridal chamber, Tina was almost ready.  Her Dad was looking out the window and said... "Well... it's almost time.  I can see them down at the chapel.  There's your momma... and Galen... and... who's that little girl down there with them?"  "Daddy!  That's the preacher!" Tina blurted.  "The preacher?!"  Bennie exclaimed (like he was wondering if this was legal).  He continued to stare outside the window while Tina finished getting ready.

The preacher had a bible in one hand and a small step stool in the other.  Every time she addressed us with scripture or wedding vows, she would hop up on her stool.  Even though it was a quick, short ceremony I was suprised how many times this happened.  Anyway we had a great ceremony and small reception with Tina's parents and the preacher.

While in Eureka Springs we went to the Passion Play, many historic places and local sites.  One in particular was this odd tree outside of town were people tied shoelaces together and throw their shoes up in a tree.  The second night after we were married we attended a Hoe-Down (which I understand to have a completely different meaning in south Los Angeles... sorry I couldn't pass that up). 

As we got back to the B&B later that night I dropped Tina off at the cabin and parked the truck.  When I walked back up to the cabin I found her laughing.  Now, there are several cabins situated on this property and every weekend there are multiple weddings taking place.  Some of the cabins are placed twenty or thirty feet apart.  Each cabin has a hot tub on a decked area in the back, but with privacy fencing and a roof.  But still... you sometimes can hear people... (ahem) talking.

Tina informed me... "Baby... that ole boy in that hot tub is a happy man."  I just heard him say, "It don't get no better than this... got a beer, a cigarette... and a naked woman." 

Tina and I agreed that would be the theme of our marriage, which makes for interesting responses when people at church as us about when and where we were married.