Well, guys, it turns out weddings aren’t just one shiny ring and saying “I do”.

Before I dropped to one knee the day before Father’s Day, I hadn’t thought all that much about all it takes to make a wedding a success.

Over the years, I have been lucky enough to take part in several weddings, so you’d think I would have some concept of how much planning, patience, and yes, money, it takes to throw a wedding together.

As a groomsman in two weddings in my lifetime, I learned how to try on a suit, show up on time, and not get in the way.

While shooting photographs at one wedding and video at another in the past, my main goals were much the same — show up on time and don’t get in the way.

I don’t think too many people involved in my upcoming nuptials would be happy if I just showed up and stood off to the side.

They tell me that’s frowned upon.

Since Rachel agreed to my proposal a few months back, I have seen first had all it takes to make a wedding happen.

We’ve met with the photographer, tasted and selected the cake and Rachel recently got her dress sized for the final time and opened gifts at her first bridal shower.

My suit and shoes are waiting in the closet, the honeymoon is planned and the flowers are ordered.

The save-the-dates have made their ways to refrigerators far and wide and the formal invitations are not far behind.

Rachel has started a wedding website and kept it update with answers to frequently asked questions.

Her mother and sister have logged hundreds of miles to make sure the tent will be delivered in time for the reception and the church decorations are ready for the big day.

My sister is polishing up on both songs she’ll play on the piano, and Rachel’s cousin is set to sing one he wrote as we make our way toward the altar.

Oh, and the wedding bands have both been purchased.

They tell me that’s important.

There are other bridal showers on the calendar and surely more errands to be run by everyone involved.

With only a few weeks remaining before our late November wedding, we are in great shape to say exchange our vows and start our life together.

I just hope my groomsmen know when to get to the church and how to not get in the way.

They tell me that’s important.

Jay Sowers is photo editor of Gulf Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at jsowers@gulfcoastnewspapers.com.