Christopher Creek trickled softly by just feet away from the couple saying their vows. It was a magnificent setting in the shade of a giant walnut tree on the lawn just above the water. A slight breeze blew and a few cotton clouds floated overhead as the ceremony was to begin. Despite the warmth, the late afternoon was near perfect!

#The Creek had not seen such a wedding in years. The festivities actually began Friday evening. A pasta dinner was prepared for members of the wedding party, some family and early guest arrivals.

#Karen Thornton hosted that event and her home and the cabin next door continued to be the focal point for the weekend. A pre-wedding conference was quite brief. “You stand there and you stand over here — no, no, the bride is on the left.” That was about it.

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#A cool Saturday morning dawned, but it was not to stay cool for long. Margot Holmes, mother of the groom hosted a fabulous buffet breakfast, including biscuits and gravy, put out by Sheila and her crew up at Creekside. More and more of the guests attended and out-of-towners were introduced to locals and groom’s friends met bride’s friends.

Lori (1), Joanie, Cheryl and Cathy, the bride’s girlfriends, flew in from the Midwest as did the bride’s son, Ian and his girlfriend, Kelsey. Craig, the groom’s brother, drove all night from San Diego. Matt and Cory, the groom’s kids, were there along with Matt’s family. Well, you see where this is going. Other friends and family came from all over.

#Some of the Midwesterners, impressed by the desert landscape and saguaro cacti on their trip from the Valley, made a trip to the top of the Rim to be further awed by the views across the mountains and smoke from the fire near Young.

#At some point, the bride warned her friend, Joanie there were to be no shenanigans under penalty of getting her (bottom) kicked!

#Upon arriving at the appointed hour later that afternoon, Bud Light John, in his Tijuana taxi, was in place playing the music from the bride’s song list. Appetizers were out and libations were served as the 65 guests arrived and mingled.

#The time was at hand. The couple exited the house through the decorated archway over the deck. Hand-in-hand, down the steps and across the lawn through the aisle formed between the seated wedding guests, they arrived at their appointed spots.

#A life-long friend, Lori, attended the bride and the groom’s son, Matt, stood up with him.

#A brief ceremony was replete with subtle references to the picturesque setting on Christopher Creek. Their vows were exchanged and their rings were shared and as the officiate introduced, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Junior Le Vac, they turned to be greeted by a crowd wearing bright red clown noses! Well played, Joanie.

#Chairs were rearranged and tables were brought in and the party was on. Mike’s brother, Craig, had the thankless job behind the bar. Soon the barbecue was served, catered by Susie’s Q from Payson. Good stuff!

#After the cake was cut, the tables were removed from the deck for dancing. As the evening wore on and the sun was low some folks made their farewells. Many remained, however, and Mike had a time convincing his new bride it was time for her to change her clothes. “But there are still so many people here!”

#Little did she know her decorated chariot awaited and those remaining were waiting to join the parade. Just before dark, off they went through town on a festooned golf cart complete with clanking tin cans followed by a horn-blaring entourage.

#Kids ran to the fences and folks rushed to their porches to clap and wave at the noisy wedding party passing. Not in 30 years, perhaps, has there been a post-wedding parade like it.

#The Landmark was the destination, where in honor of the bride and groom, the Western Star Band with Dusty Rhodes provided the fine entertainment.

#The entire weekend was a grand affair.

#Remember that June 11 is a luau at Creekside from one to four and then the CCHOA community potluck/picnic starts at four down at Milburn Meadow.

#Late Saturday night we met Tom Colman at the campfire. Tom has recently purchased his idyllic place along the creek on the old Dale Ashby property. Congratulations and welcome to the Creek, Tom and Patricia.

#We look forward to see what guest columnist, author Marsha Ward, has to share with us next week.

#Should anyone try to tell you that biscuits and gravy is not a complete meal, do not talk to them anymore as you do not need that kind of negativity in your life ... and that’s another week in the Creek.

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