Our big day was September 16, 1995. Beth and I had always wanted an outdoor wedding, so we chose the Bellwood Mansion in Madison, New Jersey for both the ceremony and reception. After a summer of drought in New Jersey, we kept our fingers crossed that the weather would remain dry for us. I suppose that every couple feels this way about their wedding, but for us, it was every bit as magical as we dreamed it would be. Many friends and relatives joined us at 6 pm on the lawn for a ceremony punctuated by a harp and flute.

I am told that had I been smiling any bigger as we walked down the aisle together, I would have certainly pulled a muscle. As the night wore on, we kept busy trying to spend enough time with every guest, dancing like crazy and then cooling off on the back patio. Our only regret was that the time passed so quickly. Not until the last guest had departed at 11:15 pm did the rain begin to fall. We certainly had been blessed. Many of our "party animal" friends and relatives continued to party back at the Madison Hotel until 5 am. We wisely retired to the Bridal Suite fully spent at a respectable 2 am.

Our wedding was a beautiful moment in time that we will always cherish. We spent the next two weeks comparing wedding memories and exploring Yosemite Park, Las Vegas, Sedona, Arizona and the Grand Canyon. Late September was the perfect time for a vacation. The weather was amazing and since Labor Day had passed, there were no crowds. We spoiled ourselves so badly in fancy hotels and restaurants that we were sure our blood was turning blue. We returned happy, well rested and ready for new challenges.