There was a fair maiden named Carol. She lived in a beautiful house located on the north coast of the United States in a the land of orange barrels.... Cleveland, where she worked as a nurse at University Hospital. Sharing her lovely home with her dear and trusted feline friends, Chelsea and Jezebel, she lived a life full of fun and adventure. Carol had made many friends, and was a very active member of the Hi Rise Ski Club. Yet her heart was empty, and she waited for the day that her knight in shining armor would sweep her off her feet and be her husband. She feared this would never happen, but never gave up hope. Little did she know her dreams and wishes would soon come true.

Through the magic of her new computer, and the internet, fate guided her to a wonderful IRC chat channel called #30andup. Within its active and fun crowd she found many new friends from all around the US and the world, all of which offered her new perspectives on life, and shared experiences. Little did she expect that her fate was awaiting her on the internet.

It was on this glorious stream of friendly electrons that Carol met Bob. Bob was a sweet, kind and helpful young man who had recently struggled through some of the toughest obstacles life could throw at him. He too found his friends on #30andUp a great source of inspiration, encouragement and advice as he worked hard to put the pieces of his life back in order, and move on. Bob lived in Atlanta, Georgia, and had a good job working on the F-22 Fighter at Lockheed. He spent many of his waking hours building and flying radio control model aircraft. When possible, Bob travelled the far and wide pursuing his passion: pylon racing. But despite his friends and fun, he too felt lonely.

Carol met Bob for the first time at a #30andUp channel party held in Las Vegas. This was the first time either Bob or Carol would meet their new found friends in person, and they were both very pleased that everyone was exactly the same "in person" as they came across on-line. The whole group had a wonderful time together, but Carol, Bob and their friend Reiny undertook the most extreme adventures, by making the daring plunge on the MGM Sky Scream, and by riding the Big Shot atop of LasVegas' tallest building, the Stratosphere. Sharing such adventures bonded all of us together in friendships that would surely last a lifetime.

Carol and Bob became good friends, and in July 1997 Bob visited Carol at her home in Cleveland for the very first time..... and the sparks the two felt for each other burst into the full blown flames of love :)

The two love birds shared many great adventures! Bob's trips to Cleveland included visits to The Flats (and a few of the bars), Cedar Point Park... "America's Roller Coast", and of course the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Carol traveled as well, visiting Bob's home in Atlanta. Bob shared the wonders of his world, and together walked the streets of down town Atlanta, wondered at the dancing waters of the Olympic Park fountain, and watched the laser show on world famous Stone Mountain. Bob also took his Love to see several of the famous Civil War sites including Kennesaw Mountain, Chickamaunga and Chattanooga Battle Fields, and Look Out Mountain Tennessee. While at Look Out Mountain, they explored the underground wonders of Ruby Falls, rode the famous Inclined Railway, and enjoyed a romantic walk through the gardens at Rock City. Carol and Bob also did a "half way" trip where both of them traveled to West Virginia for a thrilling weekend of white water rafting on the famous New River. Both Bob and Carol exchanged gifts through the mail (Bob loved getting the big can of cookies!), and Bob being the gentleman that he is delighted his love on occation with some wonderful flowers

At long last, and seemingly endless nights talking on IRC and the telephone ($200 total phone bills were not uncommon), Bob and Carol talked about making the relationship more permanent. Bob would move to Cleveland. As a beginning to this move, Bob drove from Atlanta to Cleveland, and brought some of his "stuff" :o) Most important of all, he brought a big, shiny surprise for his love...... And after a wonderful dinner that first night, Bob got down on one knee, professed his love, and asked Carol to marry him!! Carol said yes!!

Bob moved to Cleveland in October 1997, and together the fair maiden Carol and her newly found knight began their life together. They managed to get in some skiing and assorted fun along the way, and truly enjoyed life. Among the most thrilling adventures was the fulfillment of one of Bob's dreams... swimming with dolphins.

The couple spent 8 months planning the details of the wedding you see here, and had fun doing it. We won't go into the details of the house remodeling that was done during this time too, as that tale will fill up a whole web site on its own! But rest assured, time was at a premium, there was lots to do.... but through it all.... Bob kept his armor shining, Carol kept her smile shining, and with love (and WEDDING RULE #1) they enjoyed the start of our new life together.

The wedding documented here is the result of some hard work, a lot of love, lots of phone calls, and a limited checkbook.... but it is a wedding day that both Bob and Carol will fondly remember for the rest of their lives!

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