The
Setting: Rome Italy
The marriage ceremony took place at 7:45 PM on the rooftop
lounge of the esteemed Grand Hotel Tiberio.
The
Wedding Party:
Pictured left to right Dave Parrington (Groom), Marie
Wilson (Bride), Robin Hood (Minister), Donnie Craine (Best
Man), Steve McFarland (Biblical Orator)
The
Story:
Dave and Marie, as you all know have been dating for the
past five years and recently became engaged. They have
been on a trip to Africa this summer followed by a visit
to Rome Italy to observe the FINA World Championships.
Before leaving the states they arranged a marriage certificate
which of course they brought with them on their trip.
Their
plan was to have a small wedding sometime in the near
future either overseas or when they returned to Knoxville.
After trying to arrange a church wedding in Rome (imagine
Dave such the romanticist) they found out that such a
wedding on short notice would be available only if they
were Catholic which they are not. Thinking that they would
then have to wait for a return to the USA they were content
and were enjoying their time in Rome watching the FINA
World Championship Diving Competitions (USA 4 Silvers).
On
Friday evening while enjoying libations with a few international
(FINA) friends, Dave and Marie were discussing their intent
and recent road blocks, when one of these friends indicated
that Mr. Robin Hood of New Zealand (FINA TDC member) was
in fact licensed to perform marriage ceremonies! The next
morning Dave requested of Robin to in fact marry him and
Marie that evening. Robin agreed, Donnie agreed to be
the best man, and Steve McFarland agreed to be the witness
before God and biblical orator.
Team
USA was enjoying their celebratory dinner (USA 4 Silvers)
when USA Judge Donnie Craine had to leave the dinner early
to get to the wedding, shortly thereafter, Donnie texted
Dan Laak and indicated that they were stalling the wedding
ceremony until any of the USA Diving delegation could
get over for the witnessing of the vows. Dan Laak, Matt
Scoggins, Debbie Hesse and I jumped in the first taxi
available, shortly followed by Bob Rydze and Steve Foley
and headed to the Grand Hotel Tiberio. We arrived just
in time, as the wedding party organized for the ceremony!
The
wedding began as the sun was setting over the mountains
of Rome, with the quaint backdrop of the city and with
the Vatican prominently situated in the background. The
wedding party was joined by many international dignitaries,
friends and guests who had the honor to witness before
God the holy matrimony of David Parrington and Marie Wilson.
Robin
did a wonderful job of calling upon the Lord's presence
and adding his intriguing points of view as well as providing
levity. Steve read a favorite bible passage from Jeremiah
29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you",
declares the Lord… followed by the consecration of
the rings, followed by prayers for the couple. The ensuing
wedding vows where were highlighted by the couple gazing
into each others eyes unnerved by the forthcoming commitment
and with powerful yet loving voices Dave and Marie committed
their lives to each other before God and the witnesses
gathered.
Thus,
the big guy, the thought to be eternal bachelor has been
institutionalized! Fortunately, as those of us who have
witnessed this couple together in private and social settings,
it is evident their love for one another. No worries!
Our
congratulations, Dave and Marie and our prayers for many
happy years together as husband and wife!
God
bless,
John Wingfield
