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A wedding out of nowhere
This couple never saw today coming. And they'll never forget it.
By BRADY DENNIS
Published November 10, 2006
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[ Courtesy of the Cooper family]
Sgt. Christopher Cooper is home on leave from Iraq. They don't know it yet, but he and Sheryl Lucas will marry tonight in a full ceremony.
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The soldier's name is Chris Cooper. The Army recently gave him two weeks' leave from Iraq. So he flew home to Jacksonville. His fiance, Sheryl, flew in from Arizona. They planned to get married at the county courthouse before he headed back to the desert. But Chris' mother and three older sisters had a different idea. "It's the only real wedding day they'll ever have," one sister said. "It might as well be a fabulously wonderful day." So they hastily planned a wedding. A real wedding. A surprise wedding. They scrambled around town, asking for help. Winn-Dixie donated the cake. Embassy Suites offered two free nights for the newlyweds. Village Inn chipped in 10 pies. Men's Warehouse kicked in tuxedoes. A photographer agreed to take pictures. A limo company offered a free ride. Chris' uncle, a Baptist minister, flew in from Virginia to perform the ceremony. Pretty soon, the schemers had a $10,000 wedding lined up. They didn't tell the bride and groom. One sister's house has grown cluttered with the makings of hurried matrimony - champagne glasses and sparkling grape juice, flower girl baskets, rose petals, party favors, guest books, the bride's bouquet, purple this and purple that. Chris' mother, Shirley Cooper, smiled proudly at their work. Every mother wants her son to have a proper wedding. "We wanted to make it special," she said. "Getting married at the courthouse isn't very romantic." And so tonight at 5, even though they don't know it yet, Sheryl, 32, and her 30-year-old soldier will say their vows under a cypress tree on the banks of the St. Johns River. They will share a too-short honeymoon at a hotel off Interstate 95. And then the soldier will head back to Baghdad, with more reasons than ever to come home again. Brady Dennis can be reached at dennis@sptimes.com or 813 226-3386.
[Last modified November 10, 2006, 01:13:46]
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Comments on this article
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by Trisha
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11/20/06 02:31 PM
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What an awesome story. How wonderful to have such sister's and a mother who cares so deeply about each other. Beautiful love story!
Congratulations!
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by Barb
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11/15/06 08:25 AM
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Chris's sister, Vicki, told me about the surprise wedding and all of the preparations. The family should be commended for making Chris and his new bride very happy. What wonderful memories they'll have!
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by Amy
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11/13/06 10:23 AM
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This is a great story. I am sure they were surprise and appreciated all the hard work and good intentions. This story brought tears to my eyes.
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by LuLu
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11/12/06 02:34 PM
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I attended this wedding and it was amazing. The bride and groom were both surprised and thrilled. Evidently they were going to get married at the courthouse not by choice but due to time and financial constraints.
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by Elizabeth
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11/11/06 03:04 PM
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My husband and I were married at the courthouse because we wanted to get married at the courthouse. Not everyone wants a big ol' shindig. The whishes of the bride and groom should have been respected.
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by Danielle
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11/10/06 05:16 PM
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I've been following this story and it brings tears to my eyes. THANK you all that donated! THANK you all that worked to put this beautiful event together!. And I hope and pray for MANY YEARS of happiness and love for Sheryl and Chris. :)
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by Harriet
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11/10/06 04:47 PM
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Congratulations to the lucky couple - they and their family should be very grateful to their sister Vicki who was able to coordinate this wedding from almost 100% donations from strangers in the Jacksonville community!
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by Barbara
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11/10/06 02:09 PM
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What a wonderful family you have. May God Bless you and keep you safe until you return home again. I agree everyone should have a real wedding. God is smiling....
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by Diane
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11/10/06 01:41 PM
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What a beautiful story. My daughter's fiancee is in Iraq also and they are getting married as soon as he gets back. May God Bless Them Both on there special day
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by Barbara
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11/10/06 01:32 PM
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Kudos to the newspaper on an uplifting story in tough times, and congrats to the happy couple - in more ways than one, it is an unforgettable day!
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by Becky
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11/10/06 12:54 PM
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it's not a surprise now - now is it? My guess is this family will be very angry you aired this and blew it for them.
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by jazmin
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11/10/06 12:10 PM
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god look i am so happy for them god blees them
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by Patsy
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11/10/06 10:11 AM
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Good luck to you both, all my love and good wishes are always with you, See you soon Sheryl, from all of us here left at work!!!, We Love you Ms Cooper
Your Friend and BOSS, Patsy and also Susan, Kathy, Carly and Melinda
See you soon
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by John
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11/10/06 09:25 AM
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Wow, great story. Thank you for your service Mr. Cooper, stay safe over there.
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by Cindy
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11/10/06 08:43 AM
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Great Story!! I wish the newlyweds peace, love, joy and happiness!! And to Chris...God Speed!! Our prayers are with ALL the men and women serving our country.....
Sheryl and Chris I wish many happy years!!!
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by Michael
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11/10/06 08:33 AM
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What a nice story. A round of applause to the Cooper family, your reporter and especially the vendors with the big hearts.
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by Hallie
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11/10/06 07:51 AM
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More families should love each other like this! This is an awesome story that made me smile!
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