Congratulations to PFC Shawn Stanco and his new bride, Brianna Lechevet.  The congratulations are not just because they got married, but they got married just in time!

Not shown in the picture, but on the underside of Brianna's wrist is a tattoo she got four days agowhen they applied for their marriage license.  The tattoo boldly proclaimed their wedding date of 9-6-2010.  Shawn is recently back from Iraq; he and Brianna have been the best of friends for over three years.  However, on this national holiday, they were not able to find a judge to solemnize their marriage.

I received their phone call to Elope Seattle this afternoon, shortly after I returned home from errands in Tacoma which is very close to Fort Lewis where Shawn is stationed.  We arranged to meet in Bothell for a brief ceremony after he picked up two friends near Fort Lewis as witnesses.  The elopement ceremony was held precisely on the date on the tattoo; those thngs are difficult to change!

Please know that Chaplain Dale is often available on short notice to conduct meaningful elopement ceremoniest.  Plus, I love our military!

God bless you both, Brianna and Shawn.