Bert’s Blog

I had the incredible privilege to perform a wedding ceremony this past Saturday for two very special people. A couple that rides in our Harley Chapter divorced about 8 years ago, managed to stay friends, and decided that they wanted to remarry and join their family back together. It was a beautiful story of love and commitment between two people that have known each other a long time. There was no doubt to any of those who watched them during the ceremony that they were still very deeply in love. “Love is lovelier the second time around.”

The bride planned a very unique and memorable ceremony around riding, since riding is so prevalent in their life. About 25 chapter members traveled a unique route with the groom for 45 minutes before the wedding. It included a stop at a convenience store, where the groom was given a list of silly things to buy, which were disclosed during the reception.

When we arrived at the site of the outdoor wedding, the groom parked his Harley in the Groom Parking spot, and the rest of us parked in the circle driveway. Once all of the riding guests were situated with the rest of the guests, the bride’s attendant was sent via her Harley to retrieve the bride and “Mistress of Honor” who were waiting around the corner. All three of them rode up very slowly on their Harleys, horns beeping & emergency flashers blinking. The bride was glowing in a beaded wedding halter-top, white jeans, white shoes, white-framed sunglasses, and long white satin gloves.

The bride parked her Harley in the Bride Parking spot, and slowly made her way around the front lawn to the gazebo located on the side of the house. Along the way, she was greeted by each of their three sons, who later gave her away to be married. It was very sweet.

The ceremony I selected was specifically written for couples that were getting remarried. The words were just perfect for them. I watched as they recited their own vows to each other, and it was very moving. There was no doubt about their deep love for each other, and I found myself occasionally tapping my foot to keep from crying myself.

It was a truly humbling experience, and I am grateful that I got the opportunity to participate in this beautiful event. My best wishes go out to Ray & Darlene for a long, healthy and loving life.

Peggy and I hit a major milestone yesterday. We celebrated 30 years of marriage! How time flies…..yes, I know Mom that you tried to explain that to me when I was young, but you just don’t get it at that age. We did not get a chance to do anything last night since I had a class to teach. We are going to the beach for a long weekend very soon to celebrate this blessed event.

Both Peggy and I feel very lucky to have found each other again after we dated in High School, and feel fortunate that we have both grown to love each other more every day. We could not be in a better spot in our lives today. Our love and friendship with each other, great health, wonderful kids who live so close and who we enjoy hanging out with, a handsome Grandson who is a riot to be with, great friends, enjoyable careers, our newly discovered hobby of riding Harleys, our new found extended family of Harley riders, and much more that is too numerous to mention.

We wish the very best to all of our family and friends for the same happiness in life, and especially to Darlene and Ray. I have the honor of officiating their wedding this Saturday afternoon, and they have rediscovered their love for each other as well. They are getting remarried in a beautiful ceremony attending by family and friends. There will be lots of Harley’s in this wedding procession. Peggy and I wish them the very best in the renewed life with each other. Thanks to everyone for making our lives so full.