USA Today
06/30/00- Updated 09:43 AM ET
By Arlene Vigoda

Despite last-minute prenuptial jitters, Gary Chapman says he couldn't be happier as he heads to the altar Saturday.

"I'm pleasantly excited and I'm loving it," says the Nashville-based country singer/songwriter of his bride-to-be Jennifer Pittman. "That's her name for the moment. It's so great because this will be the first time in my life someone is taking my name!"

Chapman is referring to ex-wife Amy Grant, with whom he has three children. The couple split up last June; Grant married country singer Vince Gill in March. "My divorce from Amy will always be a bittersweet scenario, but we are cordial to one another and we are all learning to make the best of the choices we made."

Chapman, 42, and Pittman, 31, will tie the knot at their Franklin, Tenn., home called Riverstone Farm. Among the 350 invited guests: Tom Arnold; Wynonna, Ashley and Naomi Judd; Waylon Jennings and Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.

The couple met last year at Universal Studios in Orlando, where Chapman was on location for his now-defunct variety show on The Nashville Network. He was shooting a segment on primates; she was one of the animal trainers. "She's got me sitting up and begging like you wouldn't believe," he says with a laugh. "She's very funny and may just be more gorgeous on the inside than the outside. She's the kindest person I ever met."

Pittman says the feelings are mutual. "He's intelligent, witty and kind, and training him will be easy as long as I give him positive reinforcement and food," she says.

On Monday, the duo will honeymoon in Monte Carlo. "We've rented a convertible and we're going to terrorize the Riviera," says Chapman.

Until then, Chapman hopes the wedding holds no surprise glitches. Their English mastiff, Simon, will be the couple's ring bearer. "We've been practicing all week," he says. "We're attaching the rings to his collar and if there's enough meat at the altar, the wedding will go on."

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