Alicia Wesley and Presten McCalip, both 17, exchange vows in front of minister John T. Snelson V and Wesley's daughter, Raydeeian Graham, 2, as best man Torree Coone stands during their wedding Dec. 28 in Oklahoma City. [Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman]

Outside a northwest Oklahoma City chapel on a warm December morning, Presten McCalip chats with a friend until his grandmother hurries over and gently tells him something few 17-year-olds hear.

“You're wife-to-be just drove up,” Judy Walker says. “You're not supposed to be here. Go inside.”

Dressed for his wedding in black slacks and a matching vest, with a blue shirt and white tie, McCalip and best man Torree Coone quickly slip through the chapel doors. They hide in a side room steps away from the altar. It's 11:45 a.m. He'll be a husband just past noon.

McCalip's bride is 17, too. Her mother will giver her away. The bride's 2-year-old daughter will be the ring bearer. McCalip is nervous about the ceremony and looks to Coone for reassurance. In 17 words, the 17-year-old sums up why they're here.