Justin and Keri Embree met and fell in love at Camp Unity Eastside in the Bellevue First United Methodist Church parking lot. When they announced their plans to wed at the church before CUE’s move to Woodinville, congregation members made the couple’s special day a fast-paced mission that coalesced in a full ceremony on Thursday (Nov. 14).

“We met through Camp Unity. I had been a long-time camper and she moved in,” said Justin Embree, recalling standing over his barbecue grill when she approached him. “I asked her if she was hungry.”

“And all I noticed was his blue eyes,” said Keri Embree.

There was no hesitation by the church to conduct the couple’s wedding ceremony and reception, said congregation member Sheri Yeatts, however, they were worried about the short window in which they had to plan the event.

“My first thought was, ‘I don’t think we can do this,’ and then my second thought was, ‘Yes, we can,’ ” said Yeatts.

Through solicitation efforts by camp member Margaret Brady, donors started pouring in. Sterling silver wedding bands were donated by Gold and Silver Traders and a bouquet and boutenier were provided by Lawrence the Florist. Obadiah Salon did Keri Embree’s hair and nails and Bellevue First United Methodist members provided a suit for the groom and white dress for the bride.

“Everything was settled in three days,” Yeatts said, “the whole wedding.”

Pastor Steve Tarr agreed to officiate the wedding, which was unrehearsed.

“I’ve never done anything quite like this,” he said. “This is a great thing to be able to do. We’ve really liked having Camp Unity here, and to be able to do this before they go is a great thing.”

Rather than a band, music for the ceremony was provided by two members of the church choir and the church also handled photography, though many camp members also jumped in with their smartphones.

“As I was standing up there, I could feel my legs shaking,” said Justin Embree.

Following the ceremony and reception, the Embrees spent their wedding night at the Sheraton Bellevue, which provided a room and breakfast. Embree said it would be difficult to relax because he still needed to tear down his home at the campsite, which moved to the Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday (Nov. 16). The couple hopes to renew their vows at the methodist church next year.

“To be able to make their dream come true is just a privilege,” Yeatts said. “To me, it was God in control and it just kind of happened.”