Ali Takes a Haas-band!

First let me apologize for the duplicate photographic images in the previous post. What a knucklehead. I am happy to say that they are all fixed, if you scroll down and have a look.

Well, it is now official, as the evidence below proves. Ali and I are definitely hitched, some twenty-two years after first meeting in Señora Rosen’s Spanish class (a class in which I would not finish the year, as a result of growing animosity between me and the aforementioned señora).

Who could have thunk it, especially after our dramatic collegiate break-up, the culmination of a high school romance during what Ali refers to as the “too-too” adolescence? Of course, everything in adolescence can be said to be prefaced by the word “too,” and yet one never seems quite enough when you’re that age. Still, it happened in a strange twist of fate. So here is a visual and textual sampling of the recent event.

Photo: Ken, Keri, and I wait for the Bride

If the old adages are true, then we should have a glorious future ahead of us, no doubt. Our week leading up to the big day in Chicagoland went exceedingly well. We were busy but managed to address all details ahead of schedule. The weather was glorious. Both the day before and the day of the event things had cooled from their high 80°s-low 90°s, to a very lovely low 80°s. Everything was set for a magnificent event as we left to get dressed at our hotel room for our auspicious return. Then the thunderstorms materialized, positively out of nowhere, and commenced with not severe but rather steady rains, just as we got out of the car to get things going. Being an outdoor wedding this was a wrinkle we had anticipated, but were convinced would not be an issue. Surprise, surprise!

Photo: View of the Ceremony

Needless to say, there was a great deal of activity upon our arrival. My second family the Eastman’s rushed into action-mode, calling in in-law Eddie who lives just down the street. Before most people were the wiser, a team of Eastman relatives were assembling an additional tent where we were to have a front lawn ceremony. Bravo!

Photo: First Married Kiss

In a short time, we were able to rally the event and make due with some make-shift alternative arrangements. Everyone was really rather sporting about the whole thing. They must have been taking their cue from Ali, who was positively unfazed by the circumstances. In fact, she was even quite jovial about things, a mood which I must admit I did not share at the time. Fortunately, with so many people rushing to assist, it was hard for me to stay so dour.

Delayed and a little wet, we were married under the big tent in the backyard, amidst thunder and a gentle shower, which even produced a rainbow we were told. Everyone huddled under the canvas and helped us celebrate a fantastic ceremony, courtesy of my long-time friend Joanne, performing as minister. Joanne was marvelous, as were my Best Man Ken and Maid of Honor Keri. Our little bridal party made sure everything went smoothly amidst the circumstances. Before it was all over, Ali took me as her Haas-band, her new turn of phrase that she has become quite fond of using.

Photo: Traditional Toast

From then on, it was barbecue and cake, combined with the meet and greet. Ali and I were so busy we were barely able to stuff a few of our designer cupcakes down our cake holes, and we still didn’t get to everyone. Again, everyone was amazing and really made the day memorable and, more to the point, extremely special for the both of us. So thanks to all that were present. Hell, we even managed to celebrate the birthday of Ali’s sister and father!

Photo: Keri and Henry with Birthday Cake

Unfortunately, the images are still slowly rolling into my mits. So this is just a taste. The official pics should arrive in a couple of weeks. Thus, this is simply the first post that will cover the event. Hopefully, these will give those of you not in attendance a sense of what it was like.

Photo: Me and Ali - Newly Married

More on the big day to come.

One thought on “Ali Takes a Haas-band!

  1. Fred,
    I came across an old email you sent after Macbeth and put this link in there. Well I was just going back to look at some old emails because I canged accounts and I found it. I see you got Married CONGRATS!!! I hope everything is going well and you are happy. What are you up to these days, Teaching?? I hope all is well I would love to hear from you. Take care and talk to you soon. supastar81@sbcglobal.net
    Becky Crawford
    Lady McDuffy

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