Glenda & Farley's Story

My hat’s off to Wendy and the rest of the 1812 Hitching Post crew.  Farley and I had truly waited a lifetime for that evening and it was certainly a most enchanted evening. 

I know most brides say their wedding was a lifetime dream but mine was, in the sweetest way. 

You see back in 19#$, Farley and I were in high school together. I was a sophomore and he was a senior.  Thanks to a car problem, Farley was stuck riding the bus with those of us still waiting on that coveted personal vehicle.  One day he takes a seat next to me and says, “How would you like to go to Alaska?”  I honestly don’t remember my exact response, but it was likely a shy “No, I don’t think so.”  So he came back with “How about dinner and a movie then?” I told him I would ask my parents.   

We dated until my senior year.  Which is when things got a little crazy.  But the long and the short of it is that he and I had some rings on lay away at the mall.  I got nervous looking at forever at the age of 17.  A lot of people were telling me we were too young to be too serious.  And, well, I told Farley I needed some time apart.

  A lot of stuff happened in the middle.  But our time apart ended one morning in December 2003. Some 20+ years later.  

You see, I coach girl’s fastpitch softball, and I had an Internet posting up looking for players.  One morning I am checking my e-mail and there is a reply to the posting.  It read something like, “If this Coach Woodard is anything like the player Smith I once knew, those are one lucky bunch of girls.  Glenda if this you please write back.  Farley”  I nearly spewed my morning coffee all over my computer.  There was no doubt who that was in my mailbox.  I mean, how many Farley’s do you know? My hands sweated and my heart leapt like it had found a new beat.  I thought a thousand thoughts that contained images of delight and destruction.  As I replied back, that I was indeed the player formerly known as Smith and what a strange and wonderfully small world it is that let me find my old friend in an e-mail; I thought “this is crazy.”

And crazy it was.  We exchanged words and pictures on-line.  We spoke on the phone from time to time.  Finally, we managed to arrange a meeting.  The moment our eyes met, Farley wrapped his pinky finger around mine and made me promise that no matter what happened with our relationship, from that point we would never again lose touch with one another.  Instantly my eyes filled with tears, as did his, and we wrapped each other up in an embrace that I still feel to this day.  

Within a few months Farley had arranged to work in North Carolina and found a house to rent not too far from mine.  We dated.  He started helping with projects around the house.  My girls were getting a giggle out of their mom dating.  And thankfully, they appreciated seeing me acting like a foolish teenager. 

Then one evening Farley and I were enjoying an intense thunderstorm.  I was snuggled up against his arm when out of the blue; he said, “Will you marry me?”  Those words crackled and boomed through my head louder than the storm that raged outside the window.  My response was something like, “Are you seriously asking me to marry you?” He seemed just as surprised that he had asked it at just that moment. Now my grandpa used to talk about sparkin’ with girls in his youth, but I don’t think that he had seen anything like the sparkin’ that was going on between us at that moment.  The realization hit and I knew our hearts and souls were meant to be together. 

Later that week, we went back to that same mall where we once had laid away our wedding rings.  We sent my daughters out into the mall with a little cash, but I think they knew something was up and they caught us shopping for rings.  Farley and I made our selection and swore them to secrecy.  

Now, here is where Farley really went the extra mile.  My dad, when I was 17, is no different than I am about my daughters.  No man can be trusted.  Farley knew that much of my decision to break off our relationship those years ago was driven largely by my parents not being ready for their daughter to be so intensely involved. So Farley decides that we will take my parents out to eat one Friday evening and then go in their house to chat.  That evening Farley tells my dad that he has always loved me and my dad tells him that he knows he may have been a little hard on us back then.  In a flash the ring box is opened, Farley is on his knee, the ring is sliding on my finger and I hear the words again, “Will you marry me?”  My dad burst into tears and laughter, my mother gasped out an “Oh my goodness.” And I said “yes.” 

So the search began. Where do we have a wedding of historic proportions?  Well the Internet brought us together and the Internet is where we found the 1812 Hitching Post. The elegance and the feeling of being frozen in time was a perfect setting for our wedding.  The home and furnishings fascinated all the family and friends who attended.  We were at ease the whole evening.   

And it has been wonderful to be able to share our photos on line with friends and family that missed that enchanted evening.   

Going through the pictures we both smile and say that is the best day of our lives…so far. 

Thanks again for being the right place for what was finally the right time! 

Glenda

Wow!   I couldn’t say it better myself!  Glenda and I count ourselves among the lucky and special few who found “first love” and “timeless love” at the same time.  We lived, we loved, and we shared our hopes, fears and dreams.  We planned for our shared future.  Then when circumstances conspired against us, it set us both spinning through the world, seeking new paths.  

So we both moved on with our lives, but I mostly just “moved on”.  Over the next years, I saw 48 states, most of Canada, and 9 other countries.  I did spend over a decade in Alaska, but no matter where I was, what I was doing, or who I was with … I was searching for something that was missing.  I think subconsciously I always knew what that was, but couldn’t really put my finger on it.  

Once I came upon Glenda’s posting, I knew.  I wasn’t sure how to approach her, not knowing what her situation might be – or even if she would want to communicate.  So with equal measure of hope and fear – I sent a short “Hello” message to the woman I have loved since the day we met.

But once we were in touch, it did not take long for us both to realize that everything we had ever felt for one another was still there.  If anything, they were stronger than we remembered.  As we rebuilt our relationship, and as I built a new relationship with Dana and Kelly, we were constantly amazed at the strength of the emotions we shared each day.  We gave constant thanks to the Fates or Giggling Guardian Angels that had kept us each safe during our separation, and had seen fit to bring us back together in this time.

 Once we decided that it was time for us to take our journey from “Hello” to “Forever”, the proper location was a critical choice.  We wanted our ceremony to reflect our love and the journey we have made.  We wanted a nice location, yet have the flexibility to match the ceremony to our personalities.  We wanted a ceremony to match the strength of our love, but on a somewhat limited budget.  Wendy and the 1812 Hitching Post met all of our needs!    

On behalf of Glenda and myself, I would like to thank you for the concern, preparation and professionalism exhibited by you and your staff for our wedding.   The entire day went off better than we could have dreamed.  While we had a relatively small attendance for our ceremony, we have received numerous kudos on the program you put together for us.  I believe several of our guests would like to move into your house.

 You are to be commended for your efforts and attention to detail.   It showed in every aspect of the evening.   I think Glenda and I will see you for ALL of our wedding needs!

 Again, thank you for putting the finishing touches on the best day of our lives ..... so far. 

Farley

Glenda and Farley's cake topper - Just a couple of flakes!

Glenda and Farley - Just a couple of flakes!

The cake carries through the Snowflake theme.  The butter cream design features dripping icicles and snow covered pines.   

The Chapel arbor ringed with berries echoed the jewel tones of the bridesmaid's dresses.   

Farley presented Glenda's daughters with a necklace

Gorgeous bouquets Glenda made herself!

The Party favors - rose lollipops and CD's with music favorites.

Buffet set-up in the main dining room

Everyone sang along as the couple danced to Kermit the Frog's "Rainbow Connection."  There wasn't a dry eye in the house!