My daughter was born and raised on an island in Alaska. Whenever she got married, she always pictured the ocean as the backdrop for the occasion -- probably on Apple Island or Pirate's Cove, or perhaps just Sandy Beach so the guests could arrive by car. Then, while attending Washburn Law School, she met Eric Heath. To make a long story shorter, they fell in love, started planning the perfect wedding, but -- not a drop of water was to be found. Oh! How about the Rock Garden in Gage Park?

Everything was lovely as the string quartet played Wagner's Bridal Chorus. Eric and the men walked over to the water's edge from the Rose Garden; Amy and the girls processed through the carefully arranged park benches. The photographs cleverly captured the reflection on the waters of the wedding party.

Grandma's pearls were old; Amy's dress was new. Her toenails painted blue worked well, barefoot in the park -- sand on Alaska beaches is usually quite cold anyway!

The Heaths live and work in Las Vegas.

As told by Amy's mother: Amy Ross, Sitka, Alaska, received her bachelor's degree from Alaska Pacific University. Eric Heath, Wichita, graduated from Notre Dame. Both received their juris doctorates from Washburn University in 1996. They were married May 31, 1997.

-- JUDY ROSS, Silver Lake.