Susan and Bob met over 28 years ago in High School. Bob dated Susan's best friend's sister, and because they were also in the drama club, they sometimes crossed paths. As the years went by, Susan went away to school and eventually moved to New York City, but when she visited Austin, she occasionally saw Bob at a restaurant where he worked. They were still just acquaintances. However, a year after Susan moved back to Austin, Luckily, Bob found her on Match.com. They finally sat down and got to know each other, and realized how much they had in common. Amazingly, Bob 46, and Susan 45 had never been married.

After being a couple for three and a half years, Bob suddenly said, "I think we should get married.&rdquo He said that he was overcome with feeling that everything was so comfortable, right and happy between them, and that he wanted it to be forever. Of course, Susan said yes!

Susan planned the wedding herself. The couple had some very specific and unusual ideas about what they wanted for their wedding, and because Susan had a lot of experience in theatre, it felt like producing a show. One fun detail added was the creative invitations that looked like famous movie posters of various genres, with inserted cartoon versions of Susan and Bob and twisted titles like "Dial M for Marriage&rdquo or "They Wed with their Boots On.&rdquo Bob came up with the idea and Susan drew them.

The ceremony was held indoors in the Artisan Ballroom of The Barr Mansion, just before dusk. One rather unconventional aspect of the wedding was the Bridal Party. On Susan's side, she had a Matron of Honor, 2 Bridesmaids, and a Bride's fellow (a man). Bob had a Best Man, and 3 Groom's Ladies. The six women all wore different custom-made tea-length dresses, though all were made of assorted navy blue silk fabrics, and all were based on 1950's vintage patterns. The men wore navy blue suits with different custom-made vest. Susan designed her own dress that was made by a dear friend in a New York City costume shop. Susan's cousin Rev. Dr. Appletree Rodden, not only walked her down the aisle, but also officiated the wedding. Along with the traditional vows and scripture readings, highlights included a Shakespeare sonnet and the songs &quotLove Me Tender&rdquo and &quotWhat Are You Doing for Your Life?&rdquo

Because Susan and Bob were blessed with many very talented friends in the worlds of music and theatre, they decided instead of the usual dancing and mingling, their reception would feature a live cabaret stage show with songs themed around love and marriage. Performers from Austin and NYC entertained the enthusiastic crowd for about 40 minutes. Two of the selections were songs that Bob and Susan chose for each other secretly, and were not revealed until their performance in the show that night. Before the stage show, Bob presented a beautiful short film that he created just for the occasion. The first half depicted their childhoods and their journeys to find one another against comically unlikely odds. The second half was a touching tribute to their fathers, both deceased, but who were very much in their thoughts that evening.

For their honeymoon, they went to New England, specifically to Boston, Newport, and Cape Cod. Susan said, &quotNewport was especially beautiful with its rocky beaches and the many glorious mansions open for tours.&rdquo Susan and Bob found each other through their love for Drama and Theatre, even though it was 28 years later. Their marriage and wedding was the &quotCabaret show of the year!&rdquo

Austin Resources

Ceremony and Reception:
The Barr Mansion

Catering:
The Barr Mansion

Bride's Cake:
The Cake Plate

Photography:
Whitney Lee

Bridal Portrait:
Kara Bliss McGregor