Love story

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, November 14, 2006

The connection between Gloria Etherington and Michael Briggs was instant the night they met while playing pool in downtown Seattle.

Mike was in a band and Gloria began going to his gigs. They both were involved in the Seattle music scene, and they soon found they had many mutual friends.

“It seems like we should have met each other,” Mike said.

The couple have been together almost every day since meeting in February 2004.

Then one night when Mike went to work, Gloria sent him a text message asking him to marry her.

“I said, ‘Sure,’ ” Mike said.

Gloria Laurice Etherington and Michael Elwin Briggs, both of Mukilteo, were married Oct. 31 at The Dubliner pub in Seattle.

Parents are John Parker of Philadelphia, Kenneth and Frances Briggs of Ellenton, Fla., and the late Daryl Parker.

Gloria and Mike’s wedding day, Halloween, also was Mike’s birthday.

The evening began with the reception as Gloria’s 6-year-old daughter, Daryl, handed out Halloween candy. Family and friends showed up to attend the event and listen to several bands, including Mike’s group, Agent 86.

The ceremony was held at the end of the night. And although the couple had to find a last-minute replacement to perform the ceremony, the wedding was not stressful, they said. A singer in one of the bands stepped up to do the job.

“He said, ‘Well, I’m ordained. I’ll do it,’ ” Mike said.

Gloria describes the wedding as being worry-free, with no concern about colors or what flowers were going to look like. The focus was on the couple, and on having fun.

Mike and Gloria have a 6-month-old daughter. They hope to do a lot of traveling in the future, especially in Europe.

Gloria works at Check Masters in Lynnwood. Mike works at The Dubliner.

Mike describes his relationship with Gloria as secure and loving. They are best friends, he said. Gloria says Mike has given her so much, and by being with him, she has learned a lot about herself.

“He keeps me on my toes,” Gloria said. “I get support from him. Love and stability.”

For information on Love Story and Celebrations, call Christina Harper at 425-339-3491 or e-mail harper@heraldnet.com.