My buddy Jeff joined me for coffee at an outside table in a local coffee shop in Penticton. A regular visit between long time friends.

Coffee, news, and trying to talk above the hub bub of traffic and construction.

At the table adjacent to our table, but not connected, sat a lady who was obviously waiting for her two guests as she had two empty chairs on the opposite side of her table.

A shiny new Lexus parked in the lot and a young couple strolled over to join her. They sat down and began their chat and I paid no attention until…………..

“Excuse the interruption, would you mind helping this young couple out?

The lady was Marriage Commissioner and needed witnesses for the marriage licence for this young couple. They were getting married right then and there alongside us at a coffee shop in the Okanagan, and I thought it was flawless in choice.

Of course we assisted by being witnesses for them. After a few minutes we were enjoying a chat with the three of them and I felt honored.

The happy couple were both two busy doctors, one a cardiologist, and for reasons private to them; the simplicity and ease of this time and location to get married were ideal.

Bravo to them! We solidly wished them well, and they were married! Simple, inexpensive and efficient.

The hard part was finding the right person and they had accomplished that. ♥ They were two mature, accomplished adults who knew what worked for them.

The officiant has done eleven weddings at this shop and this gave me a smile, and I am tempted to joke.

Not to belittle the legality or importance but this was so efficient that I think I have seen folks wait longer for their drink in Starbucks drive-thru!

Later I had time to ponder this fun and unexpected event in my day and I can appreciate the advantages as it has many and takes nothing away from the couple planning a party aka larger ceremony when it better fits their lives and schedules. Perhaps their families live in other countries and they wanted to spare them the expense of travel to Canada, I am only theorizing. They could just like privacy.

I know that some couples put off marriage for years to save for an extravaganza event.

In British Columbia, Canada there are approximately 24,000 marriages per year (twenty four thousand!) and the majority in the warmer summer months. That’s a lot of competition for venues, caters, locations and the like.

I always have felt that the wedding was important but it was one day and more importantly are the days afterwards, and probably the time and care beforehand to make a knowledgeable decision.

Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.” – Franz Schubert.

“There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” – Martin Luther.

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” — Mignon McLaughlin

Marriage commissioners do all types of ceremonies and whatever locations and venues but the nuts and bolts work out to be simple and basic.

It all depends on the couple and if they want do get married on a beach or a mountain top; or a coffee shop – it’s really all just the same.

My unexpected treat while enjoying a cold coffee brew!

Have a pleasant week everyone, hugs! – David