Thanks to Skype, father in Poland watches daughter wed in Heights Posted On: Sunday, Mar. 1 2009 06:48 AM By Hayley Kappes
Killeen Daily Herald

Kasia Deorsam's father gave his daughter away at her wedding to husband Beau from across the Atlantic.

Her father lives in Wroclaw, Poland, with a population of just under 700,000, and could not afford the flight to Texas.

Pastor Mike Tracy, who officiated the couple's wedding last weekend at New Beginnings Assembly of God church in Harker Heights, suggested Kasia's father watch the wedding via Skype, software that allows people to make telephone calls over the Internet, send instant messages and videoconference.

Kasia uses Skype every day to speak with her family in Poland.

Large TV screens in the church were hooked up to the Internet and a computer connected to Kasia's father in Poland. Her brother and sister-in-law were also watching with Kasia's father.

Tracy counseled Kasia and Beau before their wedding. What stood out to him during their sessions was how sad Kasia was her father would miss her big day.

It was the first time the church used computer technology to connect a faraway loved one for a wedding.

"I felt the Lord guided me in coming to the decision that her father should be there on Skype," Tracy said.

Kasia came to Texas at age 17 and attended Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Temple. She planned on staying in Temple for 10 months in order to learn English.

She studies psychology at Tarleton State University-Central Texas.

"I came here for 10 months and I'm here for eight years already," Kasia said. "I kept saying I will go back next year, and I started school, made friends and didn't think about it."

Kasia met Beau at El Chico, where she works. She said he would come in frequently with his friends.

About 40 close friends and family members attended their wedding.

Kasia said she misses her family. Her mother was able to come for the wedding and just left Tuesday.

"Now I have family here," she said. "My father could be there even though he's in another continent. I didn't even imagine it would be possible."

The wedding party and guests ate at El Chico after the ceremony, "because that's where Beau and I met," Kasia said.

Her dad told her after the wedding that he loved the ceremony and her dress, and he was happy that he could see the ceremony.

When it came time to give his daughter away, Kasia's father recited the phrase in English.

"It was absolutely beautiful," Tracy said.

"In my opinion, that's what technology is for; it's to connect people so they don't miss these important events."

Tracy said he would be willing to assist other couples in a similar situation.

"I know some people may be opposed to bringing technology into a sanctuary," Tracy said. "It seems so appropriate any means possible to connect people for something like this."

Contact Hayley Kappes at hayleyk@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7559.