I can’t remember exactly when. It was within a year before our actual wedding, Nov. 14, 1987 on the Queen Mary in Long Beach., I had bought a ring in DT San Francisco with Karen Keane’s (now married to Duncan Harrod ) help. Thanks Karen, because before that, I never stepped inside a jewelry store in my life.

Then I drove the 6 hour drive down to Huntington Beach from Silicon Valley. Told my parents what I was planning and they helped me make reservations at a favorite place of theirs, Maxwell’s (on the pier).

Before going to pick up Kelly for what I told her was just another special date, I went to the beach and triangulated a spot (based on light poles on the sand which are not there anymore), and buried a bottle of Dom Pérignon (no guts to bury the ring).

I drove up Beach Blvd to her house in La Habra and asked her Mom if I could speak to her Dad alone. She was very concerned, but did allow me to do so. I said to him, “I’m going to proposed to Kelly, I hope you approve.” He laughed, and said “This a great news.” and we shook hands. Very formal, like a 1920’s movie.

Then Kelly appeared with her Mom, and they were a little concerned about me and Jim having a serious talk, but we didn’t reveal anything. I probably said something like, “Kelly, your Dad doesn’t approve of the music I play…” or some stupid joke to get her Mom laughing, which was easy to do.

Anyway, Kelly and I drove back down to H.B. pier and had a great dinner at Maxwells (which is now Duke’s).

Afterwards we walked on the sand, under a bright clear moon-lit night, I guided her, and we sat down. Then I dug, and said, “what the heck is this?”. I pulled out the bottle and gasped. She gasped and laughed, but kind of caught on to the joke.

Then I pulled out the ring, and asked her. She said yes, so I said “ok good, in that case let’s have some of this” and popped the cork. Then realized, “oh crap, I forgot the glasses!”.

If you haven’t tried it, drinking Dom straight out of the bottle is an experience perfect for celebrating, the bubbles literally pour out out of your nostrils back into your mouth again. All the better when you can’t control your laughter and happiness.

And so on this day, 33 years ago, we got married. I love you Kelly Mitchell Weimer , always will, always have.