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Tim Backus, rector of St. Francis of Assisi in Gulf Breeze, and Sarah Geiger Slay were married at Old Christ Church in downtown Pensacola, Saturday, April 23. Every seat was taken in the historic church, built in 1832. People lined the back wall and spilled out into the courtyard on a day that all acknowledged as the most beautiful day of the year. The couple was married by Tim’s father, the Rev. Dr. Howard Backus. Sarah’s daughter, Haven, was one of five bridesmaids while young son, Simon, was the ring bearer. Following the ceremony, several hundred guests, including Bishop Russell Kendrick, boarded a “Wedding Trolley” to the Museum of Art for a buffet luncheon and dancing.
The Geiger family hosted the reception. The St. Francis Flower Guild worked with the family to construct an impressive floral arch to frame the wedding cake.
A week later, on Saturday, April 30, St. Francis welcomed its rector and his new bride home. Several hundred well-wishers from St. Francis and Christ Church parishes gathered to wish the couple a joyful and blessed start to their new life together. The women of St. Francis transformed the parish hall into a wonderland featuring the bride’s favorite colors and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for the celebration. St. Francis’ Senior Warden Ann Woll concluded the festivities with a toast to the newlyweds and a check from parishioners to help with their new home expenses.