Wedding Pics*
Honeymoon Pics >>Please be patient as page takes 40 seconds with 28.8 connection<<
On June 24th 2000, we are getting married in Vernon Ct!!
Engagement Story Co-Ed Shower Cookout The Wedding The Reception The Honeymoon
Golf and Shower Cookout Pics
Wedding Pics*
Honeymoon Pics
Cindy and I got engaged March 13th 1999 at Sunday River Ski Resort, Maine. Upon arriving at the Bethel Inn we were given our room keys from the tour operator (this was a Travelers Ski Club trip). We were told we were in the "old lodge" across the street. This was a big weekend for me and soon to be us, so I was a little on "edge" and after using the skeleton key to gain access to the room, it didn't get any easier.....the room was 10x10, dimly lit and nothing was plumb! Needless to say, I went berserk while Cindy raised her shoulders and said it was "quaint". I ran across the street to the main lodge to find the Inn manager (did I mention the air temp is hovering in the teens and it just snowed over a foot?). After entering the new, main lodge I thought I was somehow transported to Cesar's Palace in Vegas! The lodge was modern, clean, bright and plumb. On my way to the front desk I ran into some of the other people from our group, who must have had known my stress level by throwing fuel on the fire in asking if our room was like their room......they said the rooms were suites with mini Jacuzzi tubs in the bathroom....I'm surprised they didn't say there was a $1000 waiting on their pillow. I found the inn manager at the front desk, and after hearing my eminent plans and that I'd fork over whatever was necessary , she said, "nope, sorry no rooms." Since we were moving to New York in a month, I thought I would practice the "greasing" procedure that's so evident in day to day survival in NY......but after several attempts I found out it's not practiced in Maine ever. I retreated back to Alcatraz (10° and deep snow) for the night......though we had to sleep with the window wide open because we couldn't regulate the temperature and it was set to broil.
The next morning I ran over to Cesars, err the main lodge, with the idea that maybe someone called in overnight to cancel their arrival for Saturday night. This time I spoke with a different front desk manager who was much more sympathetic with my situation. (night manager = negative job attitude and day manager = happy job attitude) She said no one had canceled but she would hold a room for me if someone does. Ok, at least there was hope now.
During the afternoon, I found a pay phone at a mid-mountain lodge and called the activities center at the Inn. I asked for a reservation for a sleigh ride for two at 6pm. He says we are the first to sign-up for that time slot. I quickly realize that this is a "group" sleigh ride and ask him if I can buy out the entire block of time. This seems too much for him to take in and next thing I know I'm speaking with the activities manager. He asked what I was trying to do and I explained my plan. After I hear him clicking away on a calculator he gives me a dollar amount to which I agree and away we go.
As those who know me, know that I'm a long time, diehard skier who doesn't hold back.....although this day I was skiing like it was day 5....I was in a "fog". After the weekend Cindy even mentioned she noticed I was skiing inattentively. I just had so much going through my mind to make it all work. Usually I'm bummed when the lift lines close, but this day dragged on.
After skiing, back at the room, I asked Cindy if she wanted to go for one of those sleigh rides. She looked at me like I skied into the woods and hit my head on a tree. She says, " I thought we were going to soak in the heated pool?" "Yeah, yeah, after the sleigh ride. You don't want to get all warm and comfortable and have to go back out side" I say with a desert dry mouth. She agrees and we each grab a beer for the ride. I mention I'll meet her over there so I can sign us up. I actually head for the front desk to see if there's any luck on the room situation. Low and behold, someone cancelled and we got one of the rooms! Whew! Things are actually coming together.
I meet Cindy at the start of the sleigh ride and boarded the sleigh. I thought I was busted when Cindy started to question why we were the only 2 on the sleigh, but I somehow quickly changed the topic. After a few brief introductions with our driver and horse we are off. NO TURNING BACK NOW I REALIZE! During the introductions our driver said we would be going about 20 minutes out and comeing back the same way. So I decide that I would find a nice point in the ride out and propose at that point on the way back. While heading out I was so focused on where and what to say that there could have been naked people running around the woods and I would not have noticed. Cindy mentioned later that night that she thought it was odd that I hadn't even taken a sip of my beer during the ride. On the way to the turn around spot I noticed a nice section of the trail that was lit up with white Christmas style lights strung through out the trees. I decided it was at this point on the way back that I would propose. We reach the turnaround spot and headed back the way we came. It's at this time I realize I had not clued our driver in on what my intentions were for this trip. This would have been helpful since our driver, in trying to be hospitable, would not stop talking to us and asking us questions. So, I tried with some success to tactfully let her know we wanted silence by abruptly answering questions with short yes, no answers. It was actually driving me nuts because she didn't quit with the chitchat 'till about 30 feet before the "spot". Then, I think just as I was about to start my monologue Cindy pipes up with conversation.....as not to miss the opportunity I think I just interrupted her by removing the ring box from my coat and asking her to be my wife or something along those lines.....I'm sure if you asked Cindy she remembers every detail, but I was so fixated on enunciating my words so as not to repeat myself and keeping the ring from being jarred from my grasp and into the powdery snow that it's a little unclear what unfolded during those 3-5 minutes. Although, I do remember her saying yes! I think we then filled our driver in as to what just happened and she was excited as that never happened on any of her previous tours. At this point a lot of tension left my neck and I think I finally opened that beer and finished it in about 4 horse strides!
When we got back to the inn we proceeded to move our stuff out of Alcatraz and into our new room. Whew, a job well done!
We decided to combine the "traditional" Stag, Jack & Jill and Wedding Shower with an afternoon co-ed cookout consisting of a catered cookout, volleyball, softball, horseshoes and maybe some card games and stuff. Ideas are welcome, just click the mail box on the left to send us an idea. Since Kreg Bardon will be there, lets keep the lawn darts at home! We all know how he gets....
Date: June 3, 2000 Time: 12-6
Place: Cigna Grounds, Cottage Grove Rd, Bloomfield, CT
**Click road sign for map**
We are registered at Filenes's Home Store and also online at Della.com
6/6 UPDATE FROM BRYAN & CINDY>>> The Cookout Shower was a blast! Thank you all for coming and supporting us. The many gifts we received were awesome! The weather was fantastic and it was great to see all our friends and family there. Don't forget to checkout the pictures.
When: Saturday, June 24, 2000
Time: 4pm
Where: First Congregational Church Of Vernon
Maid of Honor: Kristin Hammond
Brides Maids: Vicki Miller Karen Michaud Amy Fitzgibbons
Best Man: David Insalaco
Groomsmen: Kreg Bardon Philip Maleski Kenneth Silvay
**Click road sign for map & directions**
The Manchester Country Club
Time: 5:30
Menu: Choice of Baked Stuffed Shrimp, Prime Rib of Beef au jus, Chicken with Apple Stuffing
Entertainment by 
**Click road sign for map & directions**
Bryan and Cindy will be departing Sunday the 25th, for the British Virgin Islands.
Once there they will board a chartered Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 from Tortola Marine Management Bareboat Charters. A 37.1 ft sailboat to sail around the islands with for 10 days alone.
Click on the image above to see the boat Bryan and Cindy will be sailing
CLICK CHART FOR MORE DETAILED VIEW
(327k image - Please allow time to download)