On Oct 17, 1987 your Dad and I were married. It was a beautiful day on the warmer side, with foliage at its peak. 35 years ago this month! I was 22 and Dad was 28, we had already been together for 6 years. Marrying young was more common then, and I had graduated college over a year earlier. Also, it was a more conservative time and not socially acceptable to live together - our parents definitely disapproved of what was euphemistically called "living in sin". Thankfully social mores have changed. I definitely believe you should live together with your partners before considering marriage, which is a significant commitment.
There was a bridal shower in September, in Wilkes-Barre. We got many lovely gifts, and it was a fun party. It was typical to make many baked goods, so everyone could bring home a plate of cookies. So much baking in advance, and at that time Grandma could prepare amazing quantities of food - so she made a lot of the effort. I was not at all comfortable standing up in front of the group to open gifts, but I got through it. I still don't like being the center of attention.
The wedding was at St Stephen's in Wilkes-Barre (which had been my grandfather Burke Rivers' parish) in the afternoon. The service was shared by Grandad and Rev. Virginia Miner (who since our camp days had gone to Princeton Divinity School and been ordained a Presbyterian pastor). The reception was at the Newberry Estates in Dallas - off Pioneer Ave, which had a rustic reception building. I was living with GrandNana on Lehman Ave in Dallas, so pictures began there. The photo in front of her house includes a close family friend from Gloria Dei Church - Dottie Smith. You will also see a photo of your great grandparents (Grammie's Mom & Dad) Mary Lee and Joe Zeller. And I think you will be interested in seeing Aunt Julie and Mike, Meagan & Nick's Dad. My bridesmaids were Aunt Julie, Aunt Di, Aunt Pam and a friend from college Sue Chokola. Dad's groomsmen were friends Chris Chokola (Sue's brother), John Lasher, Dave Berretta and his cousin David Gerboc (Uncle Jason's older brother).
It was an exciting and happy day - a wedding day seems to be "your" day more than any other. We were lucky to have all our parents then, along with 3 of my grandparents. There was a band and plenty of dancing, including the locally traditional Polish chicken dance and dancing with the bride. We had a lot of fun. On our wedding night, we stayed for the first time in back apartment behind Grandma's house which had recently been built (and was not quite finished). You might be interested in these pictures of the construction time - you'll notice one picture includes Grandpa's MG and Dad's Triumph (both of which were later parked in the garage under the apartment).
Our honeymoon was in Cancun, Mexico, and was also memorable. Dad and I enjoyed time at the beach, shopping in town and day trips to go snorkeling, on a catamaran boat trip and to see Mayan ruins. Dad planned the entire trip - fantastic job!! Then it was on to life as a married couple (the final picture below was from a later trip to the Caribbean). Alex, you came long about 9 years later. And then after a wait and prayers, Rob you arrived 5 1/2 years after that. You are our blessings born from a happy union.
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