When Paul announced in February that he was getting married in April, his mother, Linden Kalinin, felt a rush of joy - quickly followed by the realisation that two months was a very short time to plan a wedding. But as a librarian, she had a secret weapon: the Dewey Decimal System.

What started as a flurry of excitement quickly turned into a research project. Wedding etiquette? Shelf 395.22. Project management? 658.404. Speech writing? 808.51 - oh, the nerves! Table settings, napkin folding, stress management… all neatly catalogued in the world of books.

Gerringong was the perfect location, a place filled with beauty and community. Paul and Satomi, his Japanese bride, chose to be married at the Uniting Church, with the reception at the Surf Club, where the hardworking Children’s Medical Research Foundation ladies catered a meal to remember.

Yet some things - love, joy, the sheer emotion of the day - could not be found in any library. As Linden watched Satomi, who had been a cherished visitor in their lives for so long, finally become family, she realised that no book could capture that feeling.

The rain fell, but instead of dampening spirits, it made for a cosy celebration, with guests gathering close, sharing stories, and savouring the simple pleasure of being together.

In the end, despite lists, research, and meticulous planning, the day was defined not by its perfect execution but by the love that filled the room. And yet, Paul still insists it was a "simple little wedding" in Gerringong.

But Linden Kalinin, the librarian, knows better.

This story was originally written by Linden Kalinin for the TAFE Library newsletter and has been adapted for The Bugle.