Slide Show

Hi All, Here are some pictures my son Michael took at our wedding and reception. Thought this would be a good place to share. Love, Sandy & Dave

Visit to Assisi

We visited Assisi, and spent a good bit of time in the Basilica of St. Francis, one of the great Monks of all time. His teachings and writings inspire us all, especially those in recovery. Of course, his Prayer for living (as I call it) is magnificant. Here's a picture of the Basilica taken the occasion of our visit, a bright sunny day in mid-October in Italy. Dave

Google Didn't Work

Ah, the mysteries of Google's blogspot. It just would not post a second picture, the one of Sandy and I on the back of the 60s-era Camaro, so here it is again. Dave

We're on our honeymoon in Italy, at the moment in Rome and then Assisi for two days. After that, we travel to Siena, Florence, Venice and Milan. Lots of art, culture, antiquities, graffitti and motorscooters here in Rome. A little rain today, too. Here are two pictures from the Wedding and our reception, taken by daughter Lynne. The one is of us with the four grandchildren, and the second of Sandy and I riding into the reception on the back seat of a 60s era Chevy Camaro. We'll be posting more from Italy, so Stay Tuned!! Dave

The Wedding

The big ceremony went off without a hitch Saturday, and I married my lady love Sandy. The Wayfarers Chapel has to be one of the most beautiful spots in the world, truly wonderful, and having all our friends and family gather there for the event was a spiritual treat of the first order. I found myself being overwhelmed with emotions as the ceremony proceeded. At last, the minister pronounced us and then presented Mr. and Ms. David Clark to the gathering. One of the best features of our wedding was having four (countem' -- Four!!) grandchildren ages 3 up to 6 taking part in the service. Also a part were Sandy's two children (her daughter Andrea was matron of honor), and my twin daughters Lynne & Michelle as well. After the photographer did his number (and I promise to post one or two pictures), the whole wedding party rode in best man Joe Mac's big motor home all the way from Rancho Palos Verdes back to Orange County. It's a great way to travel to a wedding -- kinda' like a big, freeway-traveling party itself. We then went for a delightful party at Joe's Garage (www.joesgarage.com -- no relation to my best man), alcohol free and sugar free, with family and friends. Our day was special, spiritual, and fitting to start another part of our journey in life. With hope and honor and love, plus a good measure of the Serenity Prayer, we plan to be around and together a long time. Thank you all for being there and offering support. Dave

The Day Approaches

The great day approaches when I marry my lady love, Sandy. Saturday, October 6th, a date we picked out a full year ago. Arrangements are in full swing, and last night Aunt Susan arrived from Maine and is staying with us. Today, my daughters Lynne and Michelle arrive from Northern California, and tomorrow Sandy's son Michael, wife Carolina and daughter Elena, plus Carolina's mom and dad, all arrive from Fairfax, VA. Friday is the rehearsal at Wayfarers Chapel, and a late lunch for the wedding party at Avila's Restaurant on First Street in Santa Ana -- one of our favorite family Mexican restaurants. After that, the blushing bride Sandy and Aunt Susan are off to get their nails done at Pam and Kim's salon (Sandy even persuaded me to get my nails trimmed and buffed up -- a first for me!!). You'll meet delightful Pam and Kim at the reception. We'll be going to the Wedding on Saturday in my best man Joe McAleer and Shelly McAleer's big motor home, so you'll see it parked at the Chapel. This is a "return favor" since I was the driver of the same motor home for two of Joe & Shelly's children's weddings -- Leah's and Deena's. Joe's Garage Auto Museum (no relation to the McAleer's) will be jumping for our wedding party-reception, and in keeping with our Recovery it will be both alcohol-free and sugar-free. Even the cake will be made with non-sugar!! After the wedding and partying, on October 12th Sandy and I head of to Italy for our two-week Honeymoon. We promise to post many pictures and keep you all up-to-date on that trip, too. Well, I had my last business trip as a single guy, and keeping with tradition took my camera along -- to New York and Washington, DC. Got some nice pictures, and here's one of Times Square in NYC. The week before I also had another chance to visit the Eastern Sierra and Bodie, and here are two images from Mono Lake and that old mining town. Dave

Count Down

OK, it has been awhile - we have been very busy. Two weeks ago we met with the caterer, the venue manager, and the DJ. Picked out table arrangements, finalized food and made song selections. Paid the bills and we are good to go - I think. Just got the shorts for the boys (ring bearers), the dress still fits (a little snugger than I like), clothes have been delivered for the big day. The florist has ordered the flowers and the flower girl baskets will be delivered on Friday morning. Aunt Susan arrives Wednesday evening, Lyne and Michelle arrive on Thursday evening and Michael and family arrive on Friday. Rehearsal is Friday at 1pm with a late lunch at Avila's El Ranchito's. From there Aunt Susan and I go for manicures and pedicures while Lyne and Michelle spend some quality time with their Dad. We will all meet up for a late salad (probably at Claim Jumper) at around 7:30pm. Saturday we meet at Joe's Garage to pile into the RV at 11:30am and off to the church - arrival at 1pm. Get ready, some photos will be taken, ceremony at 2pm - more photos. All pile into the RV and back to Joe's Garage were we will party until 9pm - or earlier;-) Sunday a family brunch and more visiting.

Well, we are back from our east coast visit with family. It was very hot and I had hoped to come back to some cool west coast weather - NOT! Although, I must admit we do not have the humidity. We are only fours weeks and some days from our big event and I am beginning to get a bit anxious. I just ordered the shoes for our granddaughters and saw that they have already been delivered! Gosh, I sure love on line shopping. I think the shoes will look great with the dresses. Let's see, what is left. Oh, just ordered sandals for the boys (Theron and Elijah) and should have them by the end of the week. Men's shirts are ready, kids clothes are ready, flowers are ordered and final payment is due September 15 - check! The venue, Joe's Garage is paid for - check! DJ requires final payment by September 26 - check! Meeting with our consultant, Pat, at Joe's Garage along with Parties by Panache (caterer) to go over table arrangements and finalize menu -check! Pray for cool weather - check. Manicure and pedicure for me and Aunt Susan the day before the wedding - check! Rehearsal arranged on Friday, October 5 - check! Things are looking pretty good. I have decided to look at this day not only a day to pledge my commitment to my life partner but also to PARTY with family and friends. Sandy

Elena & Sandy

We are visiting Fairfax, VA, and the Figueroa family Michael, Carolina, and grandchild Elena -- shown here with Sandy at a DC United tailgate party. The local team won and beat NY Red Bull, 3 to 1. Elena will be a flower girl in our wedding, and you can meet her and the whole Figueroa family. Tomorrow we leave for Lancaster County, PA, to visit with Jamison (Sandy's mom's family) for the annual family reunion. Dave

A News Clipping

Sandy works at UC Irvine, known as the "Anteaters," and we found this browsing the Internet. Enjoy!!! Dave

The Invitations are Out!

Well, the invitations were mailed and RSVPs are steadily coming in. As is the case with any "party" planning someone always gets left off the list for whatever reason. I am embaressed to say I missed some very special people and I do hope they will forgive me - the invitation is on its way! We are down to the 60 day mark and I believe all is going along. We sent the final payment to the photographer last week. I am taking a break this weekend - it's a surprise so I can't post it here. Will tell you all next week.

Marriage License

Sandy & I went to the Old Orange County Courthouse, which you see is really old -- built in 1901, to pick up our Marriage License. The building is now the Marriage License Bureau and a museum located in the heart of OC's county seat, Santa Ana, and just a few blocks from the real Court House there. My office used to be literally across the street from this Courthouse building. Now it's in Tustin in the Stevens Square complex -- take a look at www.clarklawfirm.com where there's a picture of the signature building. Dave

The invitations are almost done and should be mailed this week. I can't believe how close the date is coming. Sometimes I think, "Do I really want all the fanfare?" The answer - most of the time - is, "Yes." I have been looking for sandals for the kids to wear and found the perfect sandals for Kai and Elena to go with their dresses. Just $94.00! Well, needless to say, these, although perfect, are not the sandals they will be wearing. Target, here I come! My daughter just called and said she had a dream last night where she was surrounded by sandals (we were shopping she says). When she finally looked at me and said, "There sandals, does it really matter what they look like!?" Or something to the effect./ As you see by the previous post, Dave has a new toy but has promised me I don't have to ride it to or from the wedding/reception. I may have some want and daring but not that much./ Those who are reading this be sure to look for your invitation in the mail./ More to follow, still haven't decided on the limo yet.

Dave's Motorcycle

I've promised not to ride the Honda Shadow to the wedding, but insisted on posting this picture. I'm being "green" and get great gas mileage commuting to the office. And those nice looking saddlebags carry my laptop around!! Dave

Time is Closing In.....

Well the church has been secured. The flowers have been ordered from a loving little flower shop (The Ruffled Tulip) in old town Tustin, CA - Thanks to Maria for helping me with this. Leis for the wedding party, centerpieces for the table at the reception and some stemmed orchids for me to carry as I walk down the aisle. Now don't get me wrong, I did not want the standard bouquet as I am not, as I see it, the standard bride. I did want something to carry as I make that walk alone to my Love. Someone asked if my son was going to give me away. I had to chuckled and joked, "I think it would be more appropriate for my ex-husband to give me away, don't you?!" Well, neither is going to happen. It would not have happened 30 years ago, I don't feel I need anyone to GIVE me away but I do feel I need something in my arms as I make that walk. So, flowers seems the best choice - I don't think chickens are allowed and pigs are noisy. The caterers are good to go, just have to let them know the color of table clothes. I have chosen five different colors to go with the silk leis and sunglasses provided to each guest at the reception. My daughter, Andrea, will be my matron of honor for two very good reasons. One, she is my best friend and two, with her at the alter the kids are sure to make a straight line down the aisle to her. I believe I have mentioned before, the theme is Hawaiian. The flower girls have dresses of bright colors and will wear orchid crowns and carry baskets of orchids. I have forgotten their exact name but there are very popular in Hawaii (I have never been there) and they come in all sorts of colors from white (I will carry) to purple and white (the crowns). The boys will wear Hawaiian shirts to match the flower girls dresses and have shell necklaces - very cute. I think they will wear shorts and sandals but have not decided that yet. The matron of honor, best man, and ushers will wear the same pattern of dress/shirt, a cross between a dark teal/sage. Hard to explain the color but you can go to shaketime.com and look at the Hana display to see the shirts. If this does not work just do a Ggoogle search for Hawaiian wedding dresses and www.shakatime.com is one of the selections. The color is very pretty. Dave's shirt will match my dress - and no he has not seen the dress yet. The envelopes for the invitations are being addresses as I write. The hardest part of planning any event is the guest list (in my opinion). The church only holds 100 guests and I work with 25 people, if each of them bring a guest that is 50 right off the bat! Then there is my family, Dave's family and those that Dave works with, THEN friends and neighbors! Who do you cut out? It has been a difficult task. My Aunt thinks I should just invite everyone and anticipate many may not make the 40 mile drive to the church. I would just feel awful if I invited everyone and everyone came and the church was overflowing to the point the fire marshal is called and citations are issues!!! OK, maybe a bit extreme but I think you get where I'm going here. We can anticipate the absences of some due to distance and the ability to travel but they will still get invitations. I guess you could say, those who are meant to be there will be there. Let's see, what else has to be done? No limo yet, still thinking about that. I find planning a wedding is much like planning a dinner party only a bit more grandiose with more people and more food. Ah, the food. We will try to stay with the Hawaiian theme with salmon and chicken kabobs, along with fresh fruit kabobs for our vegetarian friends. Also there will be julienne veggies and rich pilaf (with some dried fruit). There will also be a Cesar salad and some fun appetizers. Oh, and of course, cake. The cake is three tiered and will not stack in the traditional sense but will cascade down so all three tiers will be separate and unique. The cakes will be white with lemon curd filling, chocolate with chocolate mousse filling and the final will be a pineapple upside down cake where the upside down part is actually the filling and the cake yellow. Sounds like fun.

OK, so I decided to post something on this blog that Dave created for our wedding. It is currently June 8 and I am finding myself getting a bit frantic. I don't know why though. I venue is set for the ceremony (The Wayfarers Chapel in Palos Verdes Estates), the venue is set for the reception (Joe's Garage Automotive Museum in Tustin, CA), theme is Hawaiian (let's relax and have fun!), the caterer is booked and menu almost finalized, the DJ is sending a contract for signatures, the photographer is sending a contract for signatures. What else could there be? Then we met with the wedding coordinator and she asked, "Will the groom see the bride on the wedding day?" It would be hard to miss me since we live together, although I had thought I might move into a motel for a week before the wedding. Dave was not really keen on that idea. So I replied, "Yes." Then she asked, "Will you be arriving in a limo?" Limo! We didn't even think of a limo! What a great idea. Dave and I looked at each other and I replied, "Hmmm, I figured we would just drive up together." As I have now had time to think, I guess riding up in a limo would certainly take the stress away. Now I am thinking I, the girls and the kids could ride up in the limo and the "men folk" can follow in the jeep or whatever. I like that idea - I really do. Ok, there are still some things to do. Like meet with a florist, have not done that but then again it is only June and the wedding is in October - plenty of time right............ More later.

The Big Day

All of you know that our big day to tie the knot is October 6, 2007. We picked it because that is the fifth anniversary of our very first date back in 2002, and it gives us plenty of time to work everything together. The first thing we did was select a place for the ceremony, and that is Wayfarers Chapel in Palos Verdes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Go to http://www.wayfarerschapel.org/ for an excellent look at this beautiful place. Then we wanted to find a good venue for the reception, one that we and our guests would both enjoy and that would be part of the celebration. What better place than Joe's Garage in Tustin, CA, an automobile museum and party place. Take a look at their website, www.joesgarage.com. In the meantime, life goes on and Sandy & Dave are both working on their photography. Dave's photographs are here: http://home.earthlink.net/~dc1999/ http://web.mac.com/dave28c/ Dave's office site is here: www.clarklawfirm.com You can reach Sandy at ladyhawk2005@cox.net, or Dave at dc1999@cox.net. Note that these are new addresses, so change your address books.