I had the honor and the privilege to stand up with my little sister when she got married on April 10, 2009 in a beautiful sunset wedding held on the beach in Oceanside, CA. It was an absolutely gorgeous evening as the sunset was breathtaking, as were the bride and groom. I have never seen my little sister so incredibly happy; she was completely glowing. Her groom looked so handsome in his military dress blues. It was a picture to behold; the two of them standing together, Ira in his dress blues and Marni in her white flowing dress, lots of smiles and happy tears, as two hearts joined as one as the waves crashed behind us. It is memory that I will not soon forget.
I truly believe that some people come into your life when you really need them to be there. I don't think that this happens by accident. I think that is very true with Marni and Ira. It is rare to find two people who are so complimentary to each other, so accepting and encouraging of one another. Marriage is something that you have to work at each and every day, there are going to be hard times along with the wonderful ones. As long as you can lean on each other and always be partners and ultimately best friends, I think that any storm can be weathered. I have no doubts that this will hold true for Marni and Ira.
In addition to the wonderful ambience of that evening...the tiki torch lined walk way complete with rose petals strewn on the sand, the sky painted with brilliant pinks and oranges as the sun was setting and all of the friends and family that gathered to share in their special moment, there is something else that I will not forget that happened after the ceremony was over. As we were walking to our cars to leave a gentleman and his wife, who were watching the wedding ceremony from their beach front property balcony, came up to my sister and Ira and gave them a bottle of champagne and told them how beautiful their wedding was. A complete stranger! But I will never forget the next moment as he held out his hand to Ira and shook his stating "and thank you so much for your service to our country". I thought this was such a wonderful gesture by a complete stranger!
As for me, I am so excited that I was able to be a part of their special day. I not only gained a new brother in law that day but a friend and a wonderful addition to our family. I am so excited for what the future might hold for them as they grow together in love, laughter and experiences.
Congratulations Marni and Ira, we love you!
