The Ultimate Upgrade

    Whenever we had a chance, my brother and I would do our best to imitate the larger-than-life world of pro wrestling. We’d imitate the moves—slamming each other to the floor, locking in Ric Flair’s figure-four, and doing our best to pin the other. Not only were we the wrestlers, but we were also responsible for being the referee and the announce team.

    Being from the South, we naturally gravitated to NWA, which eventually became WCW. Not only did we watch the current product with Sting, Lex Luger, and the Steiner Brothers, but we also watched older VHS tapes with the Midnight Express, Wahoo McDaniel, and Dusty Rhodes. We also had figures, posters, and even wrestling buddies.

    One day, incredible news came to our ears! Mom had secured tickets to SuperBrawl III—and who was wrestling? Sting!!! And in the main event strap match against the monster, Big Van Vader. When February 21, 1993, arrived, we could barely contain ourselves as we pulled up to the Asheville Civic Center. We filed in and took our seats in the upper bowl, readying ourselves for a night of action and mayhem.

     While peering around homemade poster-board signs, we witnessed stars such as Steve Austin, the Rock ’n’ Roll Express, and Davey Boy Smith. For me, each match was better than the last, and soon my favorite wrestler, Sting, would be in the ring. Just as Barry Windham defeated the Great Muta, our family was approached by two guys offering my brother and me their tickets. My mother, in her infinite wisdom, let us accept them, and, like a Flash, we were off to find the seats before the main event began. After what seemed like an endless journey through spilled popcorn and soda, we found them….

FLOOR SEATS!!!! OMG!!! HOW, WHAT?!?! YES!!!!

     I got to see Sting up close—it was as awesome as I had imagined. We got to hear the leather smack against skin, see the sweat fly off with each hit and kick, and hear Sting howl. Unfortunately, that night, Sting lost to the dastardly Vader. The trip home was filled with excited banter as we recounted the night and our great fortune. From that night on, I was a little Stinger no matter where my journey took me.

Wedding Ballad

 

   It was 981 days from our non-rooftop, wouldn’t-have-it-any-other-way engagement to our most memorable, magical wedding. Along the way, we met with many vendors—some who were instantly cast aside and some who completely wowed us. The chapel chosen for our ceremony was Pretty Place Chapel, with a view that God painted with His own hands. 

     The morning was a blur of makeup sessions, exchanging gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, getting dressed in our best tuxes and dresses, and a few pictures here and there. Then came the part I had been anticipating all morning: the first look, where I would see my bride-to-be in her dress for the first time. When the doors opened and our eyes locked, I suddenly felt like a kid discovering ice cream for the first time. 

     The route to the venue took us through downtown Brevard, NC—a place we had spent many weekends shopping, trying new foods, spending time with our kids, and having mini adventures that would help shape who we are as a couple. 

     When we arrived at the venue, Matty, Elle, Izzie, and a few friends went to the bridal suite to await the ceremony. I found myself meandering about and making small talk with friends and family. I eventually made my way over to the Reverend, and she and I discussed the proper pronunciation of my last name: “Qualls—kinda like walls, but with a Qu.” 

 “Now she’s got me twisted, like an old beach roller coaster.” – Roller Coaster by Luke Bryan 

     The first strands of a masterfully crafted instrumental began, and I was instantly back to our first concert where we had our first dance to this very song—the kind of close-quarters, crowded-aisle concert dance where she and I became the only two people in the arena. Elle, Izzie, and I made our way down the stairs, took our places, and awaited what was next. 

     “I believe in a thing called love, just listen to the rhythm of my heart.” – I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness 

     I knew what song our flower guy, Stephen, had chosen, but I had no idea about the spectacle we were about to witness! Light-up shoes, a fanny pack, and a gold jacket that sparkled as the light hit it were just the start. Then, out of the fanny pack? Rose petals! A creatively choreographed entrance that left the aisle covered in flowers and awesomeness. After a brief pause, the Reverend asked everyone to stand. 

 “In ogni passo che muoverai qui, è un viaggio infinito.” – Fall on Me by Andrea Bocelli 

     The piano’s soft notes filled the chapel, and I steadied myself as she appeared at the top of the steps. Her elegance, grace, beauty, intelligence, and all the other million things I love about her were wrapped in a dress as black and shimmering as the midnight sky. Colten and Slade led her to the altar. They gave her away, then took their places beside me as she took her place across from me. We said our vows, and I kissed the bride! 

     I was recounting all of the day’s events that led up to that moment. We had dodged rain on our way to Pretty Place, none of the guests got lost, Matty, the wedding party, and I had all made it down the steps from the top of the chapel to the altar without incident, and I had not dropped her when I dipped her for the first kiss. Minor disasters averted all around! 

     “Now pronouncing for the first time as a married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Quails.” 

 “You holdin’ me, holdin’ you, it’s a hell of a view.” – Hell of a View by Eric Church