This may be one for the record books.

I got an e-mail about this from Jim Alt, editor and publisher of Deacon Digest. It’s the surprising story of a wedding where the father of the bride and the father of the groom were both deacons — and both men took part in the ceremony.

From the Catholic Herald:

Deacon Keith Marx has officiated at four marriage ceremonies and assisted at two during his two years serving Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, West Allis. But this time, it was different.

Deacon Marx was not only the officiant, but the father of the groom.

In addition, the father of the bride is also a deacon serving the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Mich. Deacon Al Lazaga was ordained in the Milwaukee Archdiocese in 1992, and is still incardinated in the archdiocese.

After walking his daughter Debbie down the aisle of St. Joseph Parish in Grafton, he sat next to his wife Raquel (Rocki), as any father would, and moments later turned around and assisted Deacon Marx with the homily.

“We did this as a surprise to Debbie and Brian,” he said. “We both wanted to speak to the new couple.”

After meeting on Match.com in May 2007, Brian, 35, and Debbie, 39, were eager to learn about each other’s history, their likes and dislikes. Most young couples would be surprised at the coincidence upon learning that their fathers were both Catholic deacons, but this couple took it in stride because, as Brian put it, God used a sledgehammer to get their attention.

“The fact that our dads are both deacons made it easier for them to meet by having something in common to talk about,” admitted Brian. “But that was just among our many coincidences. For starters, Debbie is in radio; my sister is in radio. Debbie’s sister is a teacher; I am a teacher.”

An avid geocacher, Brian was delighted to learn that a few months before they met Debbie also developed the same love for geocaching, and outdoor treasure-hunting sport.

As a youth, Brian spent many summer vacations with his family in a cottage on Sister Lakes, in Michigan. Debbie also spent her summers in that area.

Both consider “Wicked” one of their favorite musicals.

When the couple first met Debbie had just recovered from a badly sprained ankle. So had Brian.

While she acknowledged the many coincidences, Debbie, who worked for 10 years as a radio broadcaster, and is the drama director at Grafton High School, is quick to point out that it was the Holy Spirit that brought them together.

“I am convinced of this, but our meeting didn’t specifically have anything to do with our fathers’ connection to the church,” she said. “We met online and, because of my career, I was quite cautious with my identity. I can say, however, that I was much more comfortable making contact with him once he told me his father was about to be ordained. My parents were thrilled to find that out and, as a matter of fact, my father was invited to that very ordination.”

There’s much more at the link, including pictures of the happy couple — and their happy fathers.