A Surprise Wedding - Part Two: Is There a Minister in the House?

Another of my couples pulled off an elaborate ruse.  They’d invited 100 of their closest friends to what was supposed to be a reception-only, telling everyone they’d eloped the week before.  Instead they met with me to plan their surprise nuptials.  I showed up to the “reception,” posing as a guest.  The groom arrived, but time passed and people began to wonder where was the bride?  At the appointed time the groom stepped up to the mic, looking confused.  He announced that he had a confession to make.  There had been a misunderstanding, he said, and a wedding had not actually taken place.  “Is there a minister in the house?” He asked, sounding very sincere.  (He was a really good actor!)  According to plan, at that point I raised my hand.  I pulled my clergy vestment and book out of my bag, then took my place up front and center.  Processional music began playing, and in walked the bridesmaids followed by the bride.  The look of shock on the guests’ faces was priceless!  I began with, “Yes, folks, this is a real wedding and I am a real minister. The bride and groom wanted to surprise you and they obviously succeeded!”  A surprise wedding is simply a delight!