I Planned a Wedding in Three Days
- Pamela D. Marshall
- Feb 22
- 5 min read
I planned a wedding in three days! No, the bride wasn't about to deliver a baby, and the groom wasn't heading to war. The bride and groom were my baby brother, Reginald, and my soon-to-be baby sister, Sheena.
The Story Behind it All
They are farmers, souls of the earth. People who understand planting, patience, and harvest. Sheena didn’t want the stress of planning an event. Her desire was simple: Invite a few family members to their farm in Millington, Tennessee, just outside of Memphis. This would be a simple outdoor ceremony in the barn and be done.
Peace mattered more than production. But ol’ man winter dropped the temperature to a wind-chill of 1. Yes, 1 degree!
I asked Sheena if she would allow me to help find a warmer venue. As we talked, Sheena shared something tender. Her mother died when she was nine years old, and since that day, she had never had anyone to dote over her.
I gently asked, “Would you allow me to make it do what Source can do?” She paused, then gave me the green light. And when permission meets intention, Source responds.
I called my friend Ephram Urevbu, who owns a beautiful art gallery on South Main Street in the heart of the historic district. He immediately agreed to let us use his space, even during the hours he would normally be open. The gallery itself was already a work of art, filled with stunning pieces that became the most beautiful backdrop for a wedding.
I called my son’s former violin teacher Mario Williams. He was booked, but without hesitation, he sent one of his fellow musicians who was willing to share his musical genius on the strings. Jason Milton was amazing. The sound of the violin filled the space with love before a single word was spoken.
The couple loves Nothing Bundt Cakes, so I ordered their favorite, strawberry, decorated with smaller cakes around the 9-inch centerpiece.
Next, I called the restaurant next door to the gallery, The Artist Table. Though they were already busy, they graciously wedged us into their schedule. The location made everything seamless; food moved directly from the kitchen into the gallery, as if it had always been part of the plan.
I called a college friend, Vida Cooper, who lives in Memphis. We’ve remained friends over the years. I told her the colors. She said, “Purple is my favorite. I’m on it.” She ordered beautiful flowers that she loved with the colors accented with a lemon yellow.
We couldn’t access the gallery until two hours before the ceremony.
I am deeply thankful my husband, Scott, was traveling with me on this adventure. Together, we set up chairs and tables, decorating the space for one of the most sacred moments, the joining of husband and wife.
The Seed Planting Ceremony: A Unique Twist
Instead of a unity candle ceremony, Source created a Seed Planting Ceremony. During the ceremony, Reginald and Sheena each poured a cup of soil into a moss-covered flower pot that Source helped me decorate. It was symbolic, deeply so.
Side note: It was winter in Tennessee, and there were no seeds to be found. But the Source of creativity stepped in, and I used a flower bulb instead.
During the ceremony, I held the bulb up and reminded them: the only thing that can grow from this bulb is what’s already inside it.
The DNA of the bulb determines the harvest.
Marriage is the same way. What grows in their marriage will be the seeds they choose to plant with their words and actions. I reminded them that weeds of discord will grow without being planted at all. That’s why tending the soil matters. You must be prepared to uproot those weeds before they choke the life out of the love being planted today during the sacred ceremony.
Reginald and Sheena recited their vows from memory to each other. So heart-felt. Tears flowed, tears of joy, gratitude, and recognition. The audience was sniffling right along with them.
This was my first time officiating a wedding. It was very special. I don’t know what happens on the other side but if possible I hope my parents were watching their baby girl and baby boy working to honor the teaching to always put God first in everything that we do.
My focus wasn’t on perfection; it was on presence. I wanted the atmosphere to be filled with love. The violin did that. The art gallery did that. The people did that. But most importantly, the message was clear: Everyone came as workers in helping to support Reginald and Sheena in this lifelong commitment called marriage.
Celebrating what was planted, a lifetime of love and commitment. And once again, Source showed me: When we trust, when we release control, when we say yes, everything we need shows up. Sometimes in three days. Sometimes in a lifetime. Either way... we go thru it, as Peace beckons us for the journey.
Reflections
Where in your life are you being asked to trust Source with what feels impossible or rushed?
What might grow if you said yes?
Today, let gratitude be your native tongue. Speak it into your relationships. Speak it over your work. Speak it into the soil you walk every day. When peace is your destination and gratitude is your language, abundance will meet you there. My Performances and Events
Explore my transformative one-woman shows celebrating historical women, including Passion Dey Couldn't Steal - A Zora Neale Hurston Story.
Below, find previews, testimonials, and upcoming events to experience the power of story, resilience, and peace.
Watch Previews on YouTube
Bringing Zora's Voice to the Stage:
A short clip of me embodying Zora Neale Hurston, feel the spirit and passion come alive Audience Testimonials from Passion Dey Couldn't Steal: Hear what attendees say about the show's impact on healing and inspiration. Watch on YouTube
Upcoming Events
Passion Dey Couldn’t Steal Date: March 8, 2026, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Alachua County Library District Millhopper Branch, 3145 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606 Details: Free one-woman performance with book signing of When Zora Spoke, I Remembered My Name. Open to the public, join for an afternoon of cultural celebration and reflection.
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If this message stirs something deep within you, I invite you to embrace the Go Thru It movement. Whether it's planning a wedding, trusting Source in unexpected challenges, or nurturing relationships through gratitude and forgiveness, there is a sacred path thru it all. And on the other side? True resilience. Deep peace. Profound healing. Lasting freedom.
Uncover resources to guide your own journey toward peace:
Remember, you're not walking this path alone. Let's go thru it together, forgiveness awaits, and peace is your birthright.
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