Three Down, None to Go.

My brother Lee and his wife, Alexis, have three daughters. As of last Friday, all three are now married off. And that's something wonderful. True, Lex and Lee are now penniless, but think of all the joy that comes along with that wedding-induced poverty.

Stacey, Mike and I had been visiting Dani and the new baby upstate. Stacey stayed up there to act as nurse/momma while Dani recuperated and both she and Erik accustomed themselves to their new lives plus one. Mike and I, on the other hand, had to fulfill other familial obligations: the wedding of my niece (his cousin), Corey, to Alex Shurchin.

This wedding was a wonderful affair but getting there was half the fun. Of course, you realize that I'm kidding. We drove down from Dani's on a drizzly, cold Friday and reached New York at about 3:00 pm after an exhausting four hours. We quickly dressed, rested for about 10 minutes and set off again. Before starting out to Long Island we first had to pick up a family friend, Lauren, and my Aunt Sissy, both of whom were hitching rides with us. By the time both of those were ensconsed in our car it was 4:30 and weekend traffic out to the burbs had reached its usual immense proportions. An hour's trip turned into two and we reached the beautiful, old Bourne Mansion on the St. John's campus in Oakdale, NY at 6:30, just in time for family photos. Tell me again, why do people want to live out there? Is it the taxes or the traffic?

We reached the wedding just in time for family photos.

Jess, Corey and Marlo - the three Weinstein women ... now all three are married.

Quickly, the wedding got under way. Alex and Corey took their vows during a beautiful ceremony performed by a woman rabbi and surrounded by friend and family. Three of the youngest generation, Luke and Olivia (children of Marlo and Malte) and Jordan (Jessie and Ed's three-year old), were part of the procession and stole the show just by being their very adorable selves.

A proud daddy and his beautfiul daughter/bride.

Lee and Alexis pose for photos - no wonder their kids are so beautiful.

Jordan and Olivia -- charmed the gathering.

Here comes the Bride!

Alex and Corey show off the Ketubah - the Jewish marriage contract.

Mazel Tov!

A kiss to seal the deal.

OK! Let's party!

What made this wedding even more special was family! It's not often that we're all together. Duba was in with Buddy. Kris flew in from Germany. My cousin, Peter came in from Detroit. And cousin Ken Schaffer and his wife Yong Hee and their beautiful kids, Cara and Seth came in from Maryland. Of course, Aunt Sissy was there and last, but not the least, my far-away son Michael. Besides Stacey, Dani and Erik, who were sorely missed, the only other ones missing were those who have departed -- how they would have loved to have been at these cherished family gatherings: new babies, new spouses!

Kris, Duba and Buddy with Howard and Carmen behind them.

My beautfiul Aunt Sissy and way cool Cousin Peter.

Ken, Yong Hee, Cara and Seth drove in from Baltimore.

Mike and an old friend, Jennifer.

After the celebration, guests mingled at a cocktail hour which was followed by a wonderful sit-down dinner. The food was great. The drink was even greater and the dancing continued into the wee hours. The bride and groom are honeymooning in Italy, having rested for a day and then flying off to start their new life together. Let's wish them Mazel Tov, happy honeymoon and good luck for a great marriage!

Old friends Chuck and Marion give good wishes and warm hugs to the new Mrs. Shurchin.

Let's check out that ring!

To see ALL the photos from Corey and Alex's wedding,
check out my SMUGMUG photo site.