- When was the big day?
Well, we weren't able to answer that question until just before we left for Italy. We had been waiting for an appointment at the Italian Consolate in Detroit. We finally got that on March 19, 1999. There, we received a document called an "Atto di Notorieta," upon which we needed the signatures of four witnesses. With this paperwork in hand, we were able to secure some dates for appointments in Italy. After a few more stops to fill out paperwork, and a dramatic day in Firenze, we were married right around noon on the 7th of April, 1999.
- Is your wife Italian?
As I'm sure most of you know, the answer to that is "no." Lots of people seem to think that in order to be married in Italy, someone has to be Italian. That is not the case. Purebred Americans, both of us. Unless you really are what you eat.... in which case, "Yes," we're both Italian.
- Well if niether one of you are Italian, why Italy?
Why Italy, indeed. A fantastic question. A question that deserves a fantastic answer.... But there isn't one. We talked a lot about trying to have a nice wedding, something a little on the unique side, but we didn't have a lot of luck. One idea was offered, and then it was shot down by one of us for one reason or another. After much tension, we settled on trying to get married in Europe — Woody Allen could do it, why couldn't we? After a little investigation, we found that being married in France, Germany, England and a few other countries was out of the question. Had to wait too long, or had to establish citizenship, etc. Italy, however, would let us do it. Three to five business days is all it takes. Oh, and a little patience.
- So where did you get married?
The city where we were married is called Fiesole (fee-AY-so-lay). It's a small town just a few kilometers north of Firenze (Florence). The town actually overlooks downtown Firenze. We stayed in a castle south of Firenze, and to the east of Siena. It's called Montalto, and it's got quite a history. We used that as a base, and made day trips to the Siena, Arezzo, Firenze, San Giminiano, Castelnuevo Berardenga and Pisa. We spent the last night of our trip in Rome.
- Why didn't you have the Pope marry you?
That's a really dumb question.
Neither of us are Catholic. Just a small thing that stood in the way. It was a city hall kind of thing. But what an exotic city hall. Very nice people there who deserve many thanks for helping us out. But not one of them was the Pope.
- Did anyone go with you?
On our honeymoon? Are you crazy? The answer is "Yes, we are crazy" and "Yes, people went with us." My parents, Penny's parents, her sister, an aunt and several friends either travelled and stayed with us or met us for the wedding. We had a total of 15 people at the ceremony. It was a very fun group. Lots of laughs, lots of "A" material.
- How's married life? Does it feel different?
I'm bewildered at the number of people who insist on asking this question. They even preface it by saying something like "I know you've heard this a million times, and it's a really dumb question, but..." And then they say it. Amazing. I should put this address on a card to hand out to people. It's great. We're having a great time enjoying each other's company. Things haven't changed that much, except for the fact that now I wear a ring. (Thanks, Larisa!)
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