We are Charles and Debi Darden. Charles’ roots in Southampton County date back to 1642. In 1993 Debi made what was supposed to be a temporary move here from rural Virginia Beach, met Charles, married him and temporary became permanent. After long and fruitful careers we were gingerly welcoming retirement. Along came a pandemic resulting in personal lock downs and limitations on gatherings. This wreaked havoc on the plans and lives of so many. One such situation was the upcoming wedding of a personal friend. It was time to be creative and get to work. Within 3 weeks an open, grassy field transformed to a secluded “nook” overlooking a pond for the ceremony and accommodated a reception under a tent that supported 200 guests, a band, a dance floor and a catering truck, with room left over for onsite parking. We were overwhelmed with joy that we were able to help this bride and groom have the day they planned and hoped it would be. The seeds of inspiration for “Gatherings In SoCo” were sewn.