And I Love Her...

“I give her all my love
That's all I do
And if you saw my love
You'd love her too
I love her

She gives me everything
And tenderly
The kiss my lover brings
She brings to me
And I love her

A love like ours
Could never die
As long as I
Have you near me

Bright are the stars that shine
Dark is the sky
I know this love of mine
Will never die
And I love her…”

--The Beatles

Well, we had a whirlwind weekend last weekend and now the reflections have come to pass. Most folks I spoke to at work or Jen’s work had a great time at our wedding. I am happy they did and even happier that Jen and I met, fell in love, and were married.

The week before the wedding is truly a time that tries “men’s” souls, as I dealt with a few minor meltdowns and a few calm downs. Who knew that I would be the nervous one on the day before the wedding? Sometimes I need to relax, but unfortunately, I am not really able to take my favorite tonic any longer. I was surprised at how easily the rehearsal went off and the dinner was even better. Everyone had a nice time. The day of the wedding, I could not eat, I could not relax, and I could barely make sense of myself, let alone others. When I saw Jen, I knew everything was going to be perfect. She truly looked lovely in her dress and her humor helped lighten my load. She is a beautiful woman, inside and out.

The wedding was fun and we enjoyed seeing family and friends. With Mark as my best man, Milt and Bud as my honored groomsmen, Gene and Mike as my ushers, I had very close people with me the entire time. Jen had Sarah, Anna, and Karen to help her, along with the Sproutletts and little Zack. Jen’s assistant Tracy saved the day more than a few times and she proved what a beautiful person she is. Pam, our photographer, was fun and a joy. Jen’s friends are cool. Alex, singing the Ave Maria was a joy for me, personally, as the man can sing and we are still close. He even thanked Jen for taking care of me and for loving me. The best part for us was honoring our parents and grandparents. Mom said she never participated in a wedding before and Jen’s Mom and she lit a candle. Jen’s dad had some tears in his eyes as he walked Jen down the aisle and my Dad was always a calming presence for me throughout the event. This was a wedding where we tried to include our family. We did not forget our grandparents who meant such a great deal to us, Jen losing three of her grandparents a little over two years ago, and me losing the family matriarch in my Grandma Kuglich almost three years ago. We knew all were smiling down on us and would have enjoyed being there that night.

I enjoyed the reception as I saw my friends from my past in Keith, Alex, Pete, Tim, Cary, and Jeff; along with current friends and coworkers. PTHS showed up in force for me and it really meant quite a bit to have all four administrators there, along with so many current and past fellow faculty members sharing in the moment. Jen’s friends were incredible as well. I really like Mike and Gloria, Stephanie and Tim, and all of their children. Jen has more cousins than a rabbit and it was nice to see all of them, although I never remember names at her family functions. They are less like cousins and more like sisters and brothers to her. We also enjoyed chatting with relatives of aunts; uncles; my cousin Jeff and his girlfriend Dove; my niece, Angela and her beautiful daughter Alaina; second cousins; and all of the friends of either her family or me and mine.

Another highlight for me was having former student and current BNQ DJ Faith Rinker playing the wedding. Faith is highly sought after and did a perfect job for us. She played music well and I enjoyed the songs, many I selected, but she had some freedom. She did not disappoint.

Amidst the pumpkins and decorations, costumes, trick or treating, and moments of laughter, I hope everyone there could see and bear witness to the love Jen and I share.

I am truly happy and blessed.

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