A wedding day becomes the ultimate test of fatherly strength when Mark's three-year-old son, serving as best man, demands to be held throughout the entire ceremony. "I'm holding him in the cradle position for what felt like eternity," Mark recounts, "sweating in my suit while trying to focus on my vows and looking like I'm enjoying every second." It's a perfect metaphor for parenthood - finding beauty in challenging moments while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Whispering Springs glamping resort, the podcast hosts share an intimate, laugh-filled retelling of Mark and Robin's long-awaited wedding after nine years of engagement. Their seven-year-old daughter stepped in as maid of honor while their son brought charm, chaos, and a handful of sticks to the ceremony. The universe seemed to align perfectly, delivering beautiful weather despite ominous forecasts just days before.

The celebration was made more meaningful by thoughtful tributes to absent loved ones. Pictures honoring Mark's grandmother and Robin's father were placed on ceremony benches, while Robin carried her father's ashes wrapped around her bouquet. "I'm so grateful that we're able to give her the wedding of her dreams," Mark reflects, even if his own experience felt at times like "a rat on fire."

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway comes in Mark's advice for future couples: "You really need to carve out five or ten minutes of just you and your wife time... after you've signed the papers, when guests are at cocktail hour. No photographers, no wedding party, just the two of you." In a day filled with obligations and performances, these stolen moments become the true heart of celebration.

Whether you're planning a wedding, navigating parenthood, or simply trying to balance life's chaos with its beauty, this episode reminds us that imperfection often creates our most treasured stories. As Mark puts it, "Everything in our story has played out perfectly the way it's supposed to."