The whole basis for which I scheduled this Spring 2010 California trip was about to occur on May 1. Sure, it had worked out quite nicely to visit the Hollywood Show, the TCM Film Festival, San Diego, and Disneyland. Sure it provide a fabulous excuse to invite Erin to Los Angeles to be my date. But foremost was that this event was going to change the life of my good friend Jimmy Wiley, whom I had known since 1986. He was getting married to Ellen Bacon, a very nice gal whom he had been dating since 2008. That afternoon at 3:00pm, the nuptials would commence.
Erin and I left Anaheim that morning at about 9:30am, following our fun-filled day at Disneyland. We made the trek in Bob’s car to San Bernardino, where I met up with Bob and returned the car he had lent me three days earlier. When we arrived, I was pleased that my passport had arrived in the mail, courtesy Ashleigh. Having lost my license, I needed this to get back home. Bob and Erin and I had a nice sushi buffet and visited a couple of local locations before we headed to San Pedro for the wedding. Not wanting to include that miscellany with the wedding, I posted these brief adventures here.
After changing clothes, the three of us headed out and got there with ample time to spare to the Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. It was nice to see so many of our mutual Sons of the Desert friends who had come to celebrate the occasion: Lois Laurel Hawes and Cassidy, Kathy Luhman from San Francisco, Rick & Patty Greene, Earl Kress, John & Janet Duff, Lori Jones & Colin McCaffery, Bob Duncan, and Stan Taffel.
The Jones-McCafferys in rapt attention
It was a virtual who’s who of west coast Sons. I am sure that this greatly pleased Ellen. And of course, our good friend David was the officiating Best Man. Jimmy’s friends Mike and Gwyneth were two others whom I had met before. And I felt like I knew David’s friends John and Melinda as I’d heard much about them. Ellen’s sisters Mary and Anne were joint Matrons of Honor.
Why, you’re the best man!
Being a Catholic ceremony, it was a bit longer than some, but not as long as others that I had seen. Besides David, the only other Son that I knew who was involved in the ceremony was John Duff, who did a quiet reading from Romans. Jimmy did fine. He was perhaps a little stiff as all grooms are – and have good reason to be – but he made it through without any incidents or guffaws. And his folks did fine too. The only disruption was Erin, Patty Greene, and me getting a little case of the giggles during the ceremony. But of course, this is nothing unusual.
Jimmy looks like he has something on his mind
John Duff falls asleep at the pulpit
Lovely overview of the altar and wedding party
Jimmy states his vows
It’s almost official…
Kris and Big Jimmy after the Presentation of the Gifts
Wedding intermission, with Reverand John Provenza overseeing the time-out
When the service was over, the single Jimmy was no more. The new couple took off to do photos while many of us lingered outside for a while, socializing and admiring each other’s nice wedding garb. We were not used to seeing each other in this condition.
With the new bride and groom
Lois and Cassidy, both looking stunning
Bob catches up with his long-time friend Kathy
Lois and me. Always a pleasure. For me anyway. I hadn’t seen Lois since October 2008.
Cassidy and me, dressed to the nines. That averages out her 10 and my 8.
The worst guest meets the best man
The California trip will conclude with Jimmy and Ellen’s wedding reception – and beyond…
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