Smooth Sailing
Diane Andrae, with two sons, knew she would never be mother of the bride, but longed for the day her first son would marry and bless her with a delightful daughter in law. Chad did just that when he married Mollie McCrary. Tall and blond, like his father, Don, Chad’s choice was a lovely, lively, articulate brunette and Diane knew they would give her something she’d talked about for years:  beautiful grandchildren.

Mollie’s mother, Suellen, traveled from Pensacola to help select the wedding gown and they invited Diane along for the fun.  Their thoughtfulness cemented an already cordial relationship, particularly important because the Andraes are a very close family. Diane said she was encouraged to help with the planning and Mollie’s parents specifically asked if there were things she felt important.  Since she was with CSU’s Schwob School of Music for 23 years, Diane was certain that the music had to be live. It was, and it was good.

Diane and Don hosted the rehearsal dinner at Ruth Chris’ flagship Steak House in New Orleans. The Andraes are ardent about cruise vacations, so Chad and Mollie had decided to marry at the Port of New Orleans aboard the Carnival Sensation. Twenty-five of the wedding party and other family members stayed aboard for the cruise to Cozumel.  “The ship is so big and there’s so much to do, everyone had all the privacy they wanted, but we also enjoyed some meals together. It was a great opportunity for the families to build a closer relationship.”

A few months after the October 2005 wedding, Chad was offered a professional opportunity in Pensacola, where he also has relatives, and he and Mollie moved to her home town. Diane and Don were constant visitors, even as Don commuted to work in Denver. Diane was there when her dream came true: Luke was born on February 11, 2008, Chad’s 30th birthday.

“I’ve heard horror stories, but wasn’t our case. We’re all family.”

As Easy as Plan B
Molly and Claude Scarbrough’s son married Allison Sheppard last October 25. A tiny, effervescent woman, Molly was delighted. “I loved every minute of it and my involvement was pretty great, thanks to Allison. She involved me in the very beginning, she was always inclusive.” Like Diane Andrae, she has no daughters so it was a special pleasure to help Allison shop for her gown. “We talked almost every day, sometimes when she just wanted to run something by me. We truly didn’t have one Bridezilla moment.

“The rehearsal dinner of low country boil was at home overlooking the water. Two days of rain forced us into Plan B in the garage with a tent in the driveway. The reception was also on our property in …

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