Some surprises are hard to keep from the recipient, but all those involved with this one were tight-lipped despite the overwhelming excitement bubbling from within.

As many of you know, Bill Smith had some heavy-duty back surgery and has been passing the time while making strides at Spaulding Rehab. His daughter Katy has been planning her wedding to Josh Markievitz for September 25. The overwhelmingly sad thought was that Bill would not be able to be there in person.

But some sneaky, hospital-savvy friends managed to spring him for the day to surprise his girl.

It was one of the many joyful moments at Katy and Josh’s wedding. Sister Samantha Smith and dear friend Micheli Lynn were co-maids of honor and each gave an especially touching speech with both laughable and sentimental thoughts. The remainder of the wedding party consisted of friends from college, work and a couple of childhood friends, including Cooper Chapman, Connor Chisholm and Bradley Carroll.

Although there were a few showers here and there, the ceremony was held under overcast skies and photos were taken after the rains parted and made way for a double rainbow high above Bliss Pond Farm. Johnny Graham fed all well and Todd Christy flowed the caffeine so partygoers could rally until the wee hours of the morning.

If you ask Katy and Josh, I think they’ll agree it was a good day. Congratulations.

Howard Harrison and Liz Burns sat a spell on Squid Row the other day, soaking up the fall sunshine and breeze. Liz mentioned they’d had an opportunity to socialize a bit over a decadent cake with Ted and Judy Mayhew in honor of their 60th anniversary. It sounds like they had some fun.

Congratulations to Hadley Chapman (daughter of Susan and Joe) and Mark Natichioni, who recently became engaged. Both are graduates of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. The proposal took place high in Menemsha Hills, overlooking the Vineyard Sound. A small gathering of friends joined them at Susan and Joe’s home on Pease’s Point Way to celebrate.

Sept. 29 marked the day Chris Carroll competed half a century. Yes, my brother in-law, the baby of the family, is now 50. Cake, family, friends and a little beach bonfire malted the event. Happy birthday, Chris.

Genevieve Flanders, big sister to Allison and Sarah, traveled with husband Zach from her home in Vermont for a quick visit. Although I didn’t have an opportunity to see her, rumor has it they managed to fit in a lot of seaside fun and departed yearning for more. You’re always supposed to leave a vacation on a high note and I’m glad they did.

Wren Christy’s cross country season at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School is off to a great start. She has taken top spots among whatever crowd she’s running with and set another personal record. She’s surrounded by a great team, including her sister Eloise who has been out for the first part of the season, but hopefully will get the green light to lace up those sneakers soon.

Johnny Graham has started his journey back to Missouri. He left on a very high note after weighing in a bluefish, bonito and false albacore at derby headquarters, completing his triple crown on one day. He and fishing buddy Joe El-Deiry had an epic day on the water. I was lucky enough to see him weigh all three fish in and give him a double high five. Safe travels.

Ava Stearns, daughter of Sarah Doyle and Bret, is an Auburn University student and member of the equestrian team. She received two southeastern conference rings and an undefeated season ring along with her teammates. There was quite a shindig at the school’s stadium to mark the occasion. Congratulations.

David, Moxie and three-year old Sophie Ginsburg departed their Loon Lane home as a threesome. But after nine months, little Zoe entered the world and made them a family of four. David was beaming ear to ear when he shared their news. Congratulations and welcome home.