It’s not every day you get to see a wedding ceremony while shipping out a package. In fact, it’s the first one ever in the 30-year history of The Shipping Post of Punta Gorda.
The happy couple, both from, Punta Gorda, had someone else lined up to officiate the services. But when the original master of ceremonies cancelled at the last minute, Jeff decided to call The Shipping Post. “We’ve been to The Shipping Post before, knew that they offered notary services and in Florida a Public Notary can marry you. Besides, the staff at The Shipping Post is always so friendly and we really wanted to get married on Ground Hog’s Day, so we called them.”
The call was answered by Shipping Post employee, Karen Johnson, who is also a Certified Notary Public. “When I first got the call, I was so nervous. I’ve never done one of these before. I knew that my co-worker, Sherri Schnepp, from the store in Port Charlotte had performed wedding ceremonies before so I called her and she really helped me out.”
Karen, who is now affectionately referred to as “The Reverend” by her coworkers states; “I was in jeans and a lime green t-shirt so I called my husband Bill and had him bring me my navy blazer – that and one of the scarfs that we sell at The Shipping Post and I was ready to officiate.”
As soon as she lined up her attire, Karen ran to Publix and bought the couple a small wedding cake. The owner of The Shipping Post, Carol Drayton, found out in a text message and called Karen. She asked her to pull a few dollars out of petty cash to buy the bride a small bouquet of flowers and had Karen pick out a gift from The Shipping Post for the newlyweds. Karen found coffee mugs – one that said “Bride” the other said “Groom” – perfect. “My husband and I were thrilled, said Carol, when we heard that someone was coming into the store to get married. Our only regret is that we weren’t there.”
Mary Ellen, the blushing bride, stated, “We can’t thank them enough. Everyone there made our day very memorable. We certainly didn’t expect all the little extras.”
Needless to say, the ceremony went off without, well with only one, hitch… please join us in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Jeff and Mary Ellen Fouchey.
