The marriage certificate from the District of Columbia is signed and in-hand. Kerry and I are officially civil married, and we’ve been having lots of fun calling each other “wife” at every opportunity. 🙂
The ceremony was the height of glamour: conference room decor in the basement of an office building, next door to the gym (Kerry wanted to get in a quick work out before the ceremony but I said no). We had a standing room only crowd of about 30, and Chief Judge Emily Hewitt of the United States Court of Federal Claims presided. There were tears, lots of flashes (not that kind), and the traditional exchange of Ring Pops.
We were so blessed to have so many members of our family present. While we were originally reluctant to have it be so big, it really was a wonderful way for the families to get to know each other in advance of the “real wedding” in June.Each of us said a few words to the other about how relationship developed and our promises for the future. Naturally, each of us made the other and the crowd verklempt.
After the short ceremony we all went out to dinner at Oyamel, where they are really good about Kerry’s gluten allergy. We had a private room with tons of good food, great wine, margaritas, and many happy Rosens and Chaplins. Our fathers got chocked up and gave toasts. Kerry led a shehekianu. And our baby nephew Lincoln charmed everyone.
The next morning my cousins hosted a bagels and lox brunch in their home. The whole thing was just wonderful. It was a great week and we are so happy to be civil married.
Now we are back to work/school and need to navigate the labyrinth of the Social Security office/DMV/Secretary of State’s office/State Department for name changes, lawyers and financial advisors. Plus, we have a whole wedding to plan!!
Julia and Kerry and Baby 