4 Continents in 21 Days Part 6: Back in North America!

Larry and Elaine's Wedding June 27, 2009

Following the sad passing of each other's spouses, Marianne and Frank, Larry (Artie's oldest brother) and Elaine met each other in a bereavement group. Long story short, their friendship developed into a close and loving relationship, and they decided to get married. The final leg of our trip brought us to this happy event.

Even before the new bride and groom arrived at the church, many friends and family members gathered, including the eager and politely waiting grandchildren shown here. Left to right, Alex (8), Max (8), and the Junior Bride's Maids Maddie (11) and Ashley (6). Note: A family and friends photo "play book" is included for reference at the end of this section to help know names and relationships.

Elaine was surprised at how many people had already arrived when she and Larry entered the church. The rest of us were set for the event, with cameras ready.

Elaine's daughter-in-law, Jane, and grand daughter, Ashley, await the start, while dear friend Regina pins on the corsage.

		Son, Joe, walks Mom down the aisle with Larry, and the wedding starts.

		Elaine and daughter, Kristina, share a sentimental moment together. Then Reverend Marc and Father Ron bring levity to the ceremony.

More than once the service brought laughter for all. More often were poignant words about the significance of this event.

Special words. Special looks. Holding hands.

In good hands, together and happy.

"You may kiss the bride."

The new "Mr. and Mrs." return down the aisle together, followed by Matron of Honor, Kristina, and Best Man, Sam. A nice social period began for all, with lots of photography, both formal and informal.

Larry, Father Ron, Ashley, Elaine, and Maddie.		Nicholas, Larry, Elaine, Kristina, Toby, and Peter.

Elaine's son, daughter and families. Adults: Joe, Jane, Larry, Elaine, Kristina and Peter. Grandchildren: Nicholas, Ashley, Alex and Toby.

		Elaine's children, plus (in group at left, and below) her brother Paul, his wife Laurie and their son Steve.

Larry's son, brothers and families. Back row: Shelley, Brian, Jill, Danny and Ray. Middle row: Larry, Elaine, Roberta, Margy and Artie. Front row: Maddie and Max.

Larry and Elaine, with Elaine's Chelsea High School friends Eddie, Regina and Barbara.		Another High School group (Brooklyn Tech): Artie, Ray, Larry and Fred (Ray and Fred were in the same year).

Artie and Margy, and at right with niece Jill in-between.

The after-wedding social time allowed all of us to meet and talk with old friends and family, and to make new friends too.

Charlie enjoys a comment from his wife Shirley		Lots of happy convesations all around

Gil and Judy		Eddie and Theresa chat with Elaine

Best Man, Sam.		Fred, Sam, Mickey and Ray enjoy catch-up time together.

Ray and Jill		Roberta, Jill and Danny

		Larry chats with Ray, as Shelley captures this moment.

Larry and Jill catch-up (top) and Roberta stands with Mom (Roberta).

		Joe and Peter (left), and the newlyweds (above).

Joe and Paul at the church doorway.		Eddie, Barbara, Regina and Theresa (above), with Steve and Laurie (right).

		Heading home from the church.

Larry and Elaine hosted the guests to a luncheon, and we all enjoyed the wedding cake and knife slice shown above.

Above, Larry's new wedding band (and Brooklyn Tech watch). At right, Roberta shares a loving moment with Larry during the luncheon. We all had a wonderful family day and enjoyed the lovely wedding ceremony. Last stop for the day: relaxing at Larry and Elaine's house and then on to Danny and Roberta's house.

Jill lounges in the living room, before we head over to Danny and Roberta's house.

When we were last here (see Web site August to October 2008), Danny was just starting this woodshed. Now it is filled to the rafters! His wood stove saved money this past winter.

A new addition to Danny and Roberta's house was this great deck and pool. The kids had a fantastic time.

The adults, and Indy the dog, just relaxed and watched, while the kids went wild in the pool, jumping, splashing and laughing all the while. Great to see them having fun together.

A fun way to end a memorable day, all about family, friends and enjoying life. Also, it was a great way to end our four-continent trip, celebrating our own 40 years of happy marriage. We hope you enjoyed this photo summary.

Here is your family reference guide:

Family and Friends photo play book reference
Elaine					Larry
Brother		Paul	wife Laurie and son Steve		Brother		Ray	wife Shelley, daughter Jill, husband Kevin (unable to attend), and their son Brian
					Brother		Artie	wife Margy
Son		Joe	wife Jane, and son Alex (8) and daughter Ashley (6)		Daughter		Ann (unable to attend)	Partner Dom
Daughter		Kristina	husband Peter, and son Nicholas (6) and son Toby (4)		Son		Stevie (unable to attend)	wife Nadine
					Son		Danny	wife Roberta, daughter Maddie (11) and son Max (8)
Friends		Regina,	Regina's brother Eddie and wife Theresa		Friends		Sam	(Best Man; Larry was his Best Man at Sam's wedding)
		Barbara	and Eddie (Note: Regina, Barbara and Eddie were High School friends, graduating from Chelsea High, class of 1954).				Fred	and Mickey
		Charlie	and Shirley				Judy	and Gil
							Roberta	and Ed, parents of Roberta, who is married to son Danny