The Reception

As the Service of Union completed, trumpets blared the start of the recessional, a triumphant organ-and-choir rendition of Beethoven's Song of Joy (arrangement Paul S. Cilwa). Michael and I marched to the rear doors, then greeted and thanked the various attendees as they filed past us into the reception area. The music segued into a dance version of the same tune, playing long enough for everyone to exit.

The reception was held in the social hall of the church, so as people left the sanctuary they found themselves at the party! The DJ had set up during the service, so music was waiting to greet them.

Each guest found his or her place at table marked by a gold-embossed name card, along with a miniature gift basket of twelve rainbow-colored Jordan almonds wrapped in tulle, with a hand-written (in gold ink!) ribbon with our names and the date of our wedding. The flatware was gold plastic (to match the gold plastic plates), and the tablecloths were Bermuda blue or teal, with complementary teal or blue napkins. In the center of the table was a fresh floral arrangement with a green or blue center candle, and a bucket of ice and two bottles: One of Corbel champagne, the other of Martinelli's sparkling cider.

Also on the table, each guest found a green menu card printed in blue:

Michael's sister, Dorothy Ann, was the Master of Ceremonies and introduced the members of the wedding party: first, our ushers, Jay Kyser and Dorothy Ann's husband, Bob Zembruski; then my attendants, my children Karen and John; then Michael's, our dear friends Barbara and Peter Lafford; and, finally, Michael and I. It was very moving to see so many of our friends and relatives—about a hundred of them!—gathered in front of us, applauding.

We then got to eat. My goodness! The food, prepared by our friend Al Jamison (assisted by Kathy Gifford, Ruth Cobos, and Michael's sister, Surya), was five-star all the way. The beef stroganoff, one of my favorites, was the best I'd ever had.

After dinner, the attendants of honor, and Bob, toasted Michael and me.

We then danced the traditional First Dances: Michael and I; Michael and his sister, Surya; my mother, Edna Mae, and I; and Michael and his other sister, Dorothy Ann. Here are the songs to which we danced:

Michael and Paul	Face of An Angel by Paul S. Cilwa
Michael and Surya	Higher Ground by Barbra Streisand
Paul and Edna Mae	God Must Have Spent a Little More Time On You by Alabama
Michael and Dorothy Ann	The Sweetest Thing I've Ever Known by Juice Newton

Then the dance floor was opened up to everyone. However, we had to take a break, as the squares of the floor, which was defective, began to separate, creating a dangerous situation. We quickly removed the floor and dancing resumed on the carpet.

After everyone had a chance to dance, Michael and I cut the wedding cake and fed each other a slice.

"Oops…the sugar roses are a little hard to chew…!"

Family members had come in from all around—as far as Denmark!—so the reception gave relatives who hadn't seen each other in years, time to chat and get reacquainted.

Next to Michael and Paul, Michael's sister Dorothy Ann and her husband, Bob, were the sweetest couple on the dance floor. And Michael's other sister, Surya, didn't hesitate to doff her minister's garb and cut a rug, either.

Mary, Paul's ex-wife, looked very happy to see Paul re-hooked!

Even Zachary enjoyed himself, dancing to the music and filling himself with crackers and charming all the guests.

Dancing and even karaoke continued for hours, until the guests began to leave. Finally, about five o'clock, we began to strike the decorations, return the rented components, and prepare to leave for the next segment of our wedding celebration: a quick, family trip to Grand Canyon.

Thanks so much to our friends who made this incredible event possible. From left to right, back to front:

• Bob and Dorothy Ann Zembruski
• Chris Kaae-Hjorth (decorating)
• Paul D. Jacobowitz-Cain (Singing)
• Al Jamison (chef)
• Michael and Paul (production)
• Surya (kitchen)
• Barbara Lafford (decorating)
• Ruth Cobos and Kathy Gifford (kitchen)

Peter, Barbara, Dorothy Ann, and Surya sang The Rose.

Michael's nephew, Donald Muccigrosso, Jr., entertained us with his rendition of the famous jazz tune Cat Style, and the James Taylor hit Fire and Rain.