For the first time in days, thunderstorms gathering to the west were in evidence on radar, my obsessive space on the Internet.  However, by the time we all had gathered in the Kingswood Council Circle for the 4 PM ceremony, the storms had attenuated to but a few widely scattered cells, none of which would threaten the event.  Minister  Grabill, himself a weather goon due to his numerous outdoor chores, opened the wedding with remarks which, in short, accepted some divine praise for the meteorological outcome.  As you will soon see in the photos below, it was an awesome celebration and a perfect match to the gorgeous occasion of just one week ago with Sara and Baibhav.

However, something always happens in a wedding that is memorable.  In this one, Rob Grabill had attended to all of his ministerial chores without missing a beat,  Rob Wipfler had  been cool as a cucumber, and Becky Wetterhahn Wipfler was the radiant bride who was visibly basking in the event.  Grabill was delivering the “Apache Wedding Blessing,”  and had reached this part:

When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship,
as they threaten all relationships at one time or another,
remember to focus on what is right between you,
not only the part which seems wrong.
In this way, you can ride out the storms when
clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives – remembering that
even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there.

No joke, but at the precise second that he delivered the words “in this way,” a  rumble of thunder sounded to the south of us.  Everyone roared with laughter and the successful deal was sealed.

Below is Mike Wipfler’s toast to the bride and groom, followed by just a few photos of the evening.  Many more, perhaps, over the winter.  To answer just one inevitable question:  Yes, that is Todd belting out Kingswood’s trademark song, “Rock and Roll, Let it Fill Your Soul,” in the last picture.

Rob and Becky,

What a wonderful and fitting ceremony.  I’m glad that all three mothers could witness this day – Mother Wetterhahn, Mother Wipfler, and Mother Tarleton.

Becky, I have been blessed with an incredible brother. Evidently you noticed. Never take for granted his patience, his caring, his humor, his intellect, or his love.  Know that he shared a bedroom with me till he left for college, and never complained once. Know that he would let me pal around with him and his friends, even though I was five years his younger. Know that he never got upset at me for selling all his GI Joe’s to Greg Watson and not sharing the profits. Know that as a Fourth Grade teacher he fields hundreds, if not thousands, of inane, or ridiculous, or repetitive questions every day, and responds with humor and good will till he burns out in late May.  Know that he will love you and treat you well all the days of his life, so long as you let him control the music, play handball once a week, and not seek a job at Camp Walt Whitman.

Rob, Becky is an incredible woman. Evidently you noticed. I have been amazed and impressed with the devotion she gives to the people and things she cares about. Ask any parent or any student she has worked with at Hill and they will all say the same thing: Becky will not stop until her students are getting the services, treatment, and respect they deserve. Moreover, her advocacy and tireless work does not end at Eighth grade graduation – once she’s in your corner, she’s there for life. What a wonderful attribute to have in a wife!

So a toast to Rob and Becky – enjoy tonight, and every day you get to spend together. Never forget the traits that drew you together, and never forget to say “I Love You” as often as you can.