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                    Intelec International E-Mail Network

                            Wedding Bells Ring 

  What follows is a reprint of a message found in NETCHAT from Charlie
  Jarman to ALL. The message has been reprinted in full with no
  modifications.

  Today was a glorious day for NetChat and the family that has been growing
  ever closer.

  Today, my friends, who met here were joined in holy matrimony. Misty and I
  were honored that Joe and Linda had asked me to be the Best Man and Misty
  to be the Matron of Honor. We dressed up nice, with me in my nicest black
  pants, white shirt and non-funky tie <BG for Linda>. Misty wore one of my
  favorites, a blue flowered dress and pearls.

  And as luck would have it, we had a flat tire on the way to the wedding. I
  got it changed in 10 minutes, with little fuss or mess and we were on our
  way again. We arrived at 2pm and I helped Joe finish getting dressed-- you
  know, straighten the tie, things like that. Linda was so calm and cool. In
  fact, they both were suprisingly calm.

  Joe's grandmother (Jewell) had decorated her home with magnolia, poinsettias
  and beautiful pine. A lovely white wedding cake sat on the table surrounded
  by lots of goodies. The fireplace was used as the area for the wedding
  ceremony. As we watched them get everything set up, I began to think of what
  was really happening. Two people that I had met here, on a computer, were in
  love and about to be married. What a small world....and what wonderful people
  live in it. <g>

  We got to meet friends and coworkers, but one person hadn't shown up yet.
  Hmmm, the groom was there, the bride, matron and best man were all there. The
  photographer was even there. Ahhhh, the minister....where's the minister? He
  had had another function earlier, which he left early to go home and get
  ready for the wedding. But he wasn't there and it was almost time for the
  wedding. I turned to Joe and asked, "Are you nervous?"  Calmly, he replied,
  "No, nothing to it." 3:00, and no sign of the minister yet. We did know he'd
  show, but it was time and he hadn't arrived yet. Wait! Who's that driving up?
  It's him, he's here. Joe turned to me and said, "Now, I'm nervous." I could
  tell because his face was a little flushed. He looked nervous. I replied (in
  the same cool tone he had used when I asked him) and said, "You got the easy
  part, *I* have to light those candles on the mantle."

  After the introductions were over, we all took our places for the start of
  the ceremony. As the music started playing, I entered first to light the
  large red candles over the fireplace. As the last one was lit, I returned to
  take my place with Joe and Reverend Jensen. We quietly took our places in
  the room awaiting the arrival of the bride. When I turned to face her, I
  looked and immediately got tears in my eyes. She looked beautiful. "Joe," I
  whispered, "she's gorgeous." I could see his eyes light up as he looked at
  her. My darling Misty, all nice and round from 8 months of pregnancy, came
  in first and took her place beside the reverend. Now, it was time for Linda's
  grand entrance. Her bouquet was beautiful white carnations and blue ribbon.
  Her dress and head piece looked as if they were made for her and her alone.
  She was a vision of loveliness in white.

  The minister spoke with passion and reverence. Joe and Linda gazed into each
  other's eyes. I smiled at Misty knowingly. The ceremony lasted just a short
  time. Should I go straight to that point or tell you about what I did? Oh
  well, I'll tell you what I did. <G> Well, to keep Linda's ring safe, I put
  it on my pinky finger until it would be needed. I had pulled it off and on
  several times to make sure it wouldn't get stuck. Well, as my luck would have
  it, it DID get stuck when the minister turned to me and asked for it. I
  turned very red, closed my eyes in embarrassment, and *pulled*! It came off
  and I handed it to Reverend Jensen, who smiled kindly. (I guess that's
  happened to him before.) Again, Joe and Linda turned to each other and
  recited their ring vows with much love and a little nervousness. I listened
  repeating those same vows again in my mind (to Misty, who didn't even know
  it). After several prayers and blessings, the minster looked at the groom
  and said, "Joe, you may now kiss your bride." They kissed (but I won't go in-
  to details about that <BG>).

  After the wedding, we took pictures and portraits of the wedding party and
  guests. They cut the cake and we all chatted awhile. I toasted the newlyweds
  and we drank punch to their future success in marraige. A couple of the
  guests had taken leave and gone outside to "fix up Joe's truck". Shaving
  cream, ribbons and a nice big "Just Married" sign all adorned Joe's truck
  when they returned. After most of the guests had left, Misty and I decided
  to leave the newlyweds alone. We said our goodbyes and thanked Joe's  grand-
  mother for her hospitality. When we left, we went straight to the package
  store and bought them a nice bottle of champagne, delivered it to their hotel
  and asked that it be sent up after they checked in. Unfortunately, they were
  checking in when I was about to leave, so I hid in the bar. I snook out just
  as they were heading upstairs, escorted by the bellman.

  So, by now they are probably having their first toast as husband and wife.
  Hopefully, we will have many anniversaries to toast with them.

  Everyone, please join me in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hammond Harrell, III
  to the our little world. May the two of you have many years of happiness and
  joy!
                                 Charlie 
                                                     
