The Night Paul Stookey Wrote “The Wedding Song (There Is Love)” As A Surprise Gift

April 2, 2025

It was a quiet evening in 1969 when Paul Stookey found himself sitting in a cozy little room, the sweet scent of old wood and the sound of gentle rain tapping against the windows. Outside, the world was busy, filled with the laughter of friends and families enjoying summer. But Paul was lost in his thoughts, pondering a special gift for a dear friend who was about to get married. This wasn’t just any wedding; it was a celebration of love that he wanted to honor in a unique way. With a guitar in hand and a heart full of emotions, he set out to create something magical.

As he strummed the strings, the notes floated around the room like whispers of dreams. Paul remembered the love stories he had witnessed throughout his life—stories of joy, heartache, and resilience. Each memory inspired him, filling him with a sense of hope and purpose. He wanted to write a song that captured the essence of love, one that would resonate with couples embarking on their journey together. The words began to flow, and as he penned the lyrics, he felt an overwhelming connection to the emotion he was trying to convey.

“Love is patient, love is kind,” he wrote, feeling each word pulse with truth. It was a revelation for Paul, realizing that this song wasn’t just for his friend; it was a testament to the power of love itself. He envisioned the couple standing together, surrounded by their loved ones, pledging their lives to one another, and he wanted them to have a soundtrack that would echo their hearts. As the night wore on, the song, which he titled “The Wedding Song (There Is Love),” took on a life of its own. It was like a melody that had been waiting for this moment, and now it soared forth like a bird taking flight.

The very next day, Paul performed the song at the wedding, nervously adjusting his guitar strap as he watched the couple exchange vows. As the first notes filled the air, he caught sight of the bride’s eyes shimmering with tears of joy. The audience listened intently, swaying to the music, captivated by the heartfelt lyrics. In that moment, as the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife, Paul realized he had created something powerful—something that would touch the hearts of many more couples in the years to come.

“The Wedding Song” quickly became a staple at weddings across the country, gaining immense popularity and traveling far beyond that little room where it was born. The song not only enriched the lives of countless couples but also marked a significant turning point in Paul’s own career. He went from being a lesser-known folk singer to a beloved voice of love and romance, inspiring himself and others to embrace the beauty of relationships. Through the years, he would perform the song with pride, always remembering the night of creativity and emotion that brought it to life.

Paul Stookey’s experience that night taught him that music has a remarkable way of connecting people, capturing emotions that words alone sometimes cannot express. It was about more than just notes and lyrics; it was about creating a legacy of love that would resonate through generations. As he strummed his guitar, he couldn’t help but smile, knowing that every time someone danced to his song, a piece of magic from that rainy night was shared, a reminder that love truly is the most powerful force of all.