Meet Issue Three's Anniversary Couple: Gail and Jeff

Gail and Jeff’s Anniversary Story from Issue Three

Meet Gail and Jeff. The pair have been married for 37 years and I just knew they would be Issue Three’s anniversary couple after Gail, owner of Weddings by Gail, submitted their 35th wedding anniversary celebration to us for publication consideration.  I was so smitten with their chemistry and thrilled to see that she was a fellow wedding professional, I was sold on telling their love story.

I felt their intro was best explained in Gail’s own words from her original submission: 

My story begins at meeting the man who later became my husband. I was a commercial, print, and runway model, and he was a struggling musician and teaching voice-over classes at a local Dallas, Texas, modeling agency. We were called out to be extras on the same commercial set for an ad for Color-Tyme TV Rental Company, starring celebrity sports personality Willie Stargell. Long hours on the set at a local park on a hot summer day gave us ample opportunity to converse between takes. Even though we exchanged phone numbers at the end of the day, circumstances conspired such that it was six months before we actually started dating. From our first date, getting to know this man has been the true highlight of my life. Never had I met a more compassionate, kind, giving person. Jeff King, my now husband of over 37 years, is still my best friend. He is someone I can count on to be there whether I am sad, happy, frustrated, confused, you name it. He also happens to be the most brilliant human being I know personally. These last 37+ years with Dr. Jeff King have been the best years of my life. I truly like him as much as I love him. As I have been working with my clients as a wedding and event planner for the last 14 years, I have always hoped that every one of my couples has the same joy and enduring passion for each other that I have been able to enjoy over the years with my husband. Sure, there will be tough times, difficult times, times of frustration. But setting a foundation of trust, respect, clear communication, emotional support, and the true ability to listen to each other will carry you far. Give your partner space to explore their dreams and be there to support those dreams. Don’t feel like you have to always have the answers. Sometimes what is needed more is just to listen. I am so proud of my husband, who is an Executive Director at the University of Central Oklahoma. He has gone on to do remarkable work in his field, has been published, and is a sought-after speaker in the education community.

Gail and Jeff invited me to their home for our interview and photo session. I could not help but smile when I confirmed my suspicions…these two had tender and romantic chemistry. 

I asked my usual questions and each answered without hesitation when I asked about what they remembered from their wedding day 37 years ago.  Gail said, “That's easy for me. Because it was very special. Jeff actually wrote a song for our wedding.” As the wedding day loomed, Gail told me she fretted about not being able to hear the song since it would be played before she walked down the aisle, but Jeff had other plans.  He had the song played as she walked in so she could hear it.  Gail smiles and says, “I am a cool-as-a-cucumber type of person, so I am walking that way and I am fine, but the minute the song started, I just lost it.” Jeff cited feelings of happiness and pride when he saw Gail heading down the aisle. Gail glowed as he recalled the moment and added, “I smiled a lot because we pretty much locked eyes the whole time, I just remember smiling and the tears when the song started—a trickle of tears.”

We chatted about the perspective on weddings and marriage that Gail has because of her career in Event Planning and I asked her what advice she would give to couples getting frequently stuck on the details. “Focus on the real reason you’re getting married. Focus on the person you’re actually going to spend the rest of your days with. The small stuff? I’ll handle that. Don’t sweat it.”  

We moved the conversation to the obvious but ever-important question of how do you make it work for over 35 years? Jeff responds with an answer both fitting for marriage and for the current climate of 2020 when he answers, “Accepting and seeing differences as something that is not necessarily bad. Everyone is different. Everyone has different takes on things. That’s a good rule…well, for society [too.]”  Gail and I nod and verbally agree.

We wrapped up the interview by talking about the kindest things they have done for each other. I admit, I fought back tears when Gail pointed to a sizable chest she’d moved into the room and mused that it held every single card he’d ever given her since they met. They took turns doting on each other and their kind deeds. They each hinted at the other being the more thoughtful of the two while the other would shake their head in protest, insisting the opposite.  This is so telling of their entire love story and catching a glimpse of it was a profound honor. 

Gail and Jeff’s favorite date night includes Jazz, wine, and dinner or simply watching Dancing with the Stars together.  

Their favorite local spots include Hefner Grill, Bistro 22, and Eddie’s.  

story credits

Photography // AJ Stegall

Gail’s Oklahoma Wedding Planning Business // Weddings by Gail

For more heart-warming love stories, B.E Wed Oklahoma Issue Three just released and is available now in the shop!

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