New Jersey, and Caley and Chris’s Wedding…

Freehold, New Jersey, was only a few hours down the drag from Port Carbon, so I did not have to get up at the crack of dawn to get there in time.

Which was a good thing, as I was still feeling a little brittle after the last few days of excitement that my body had been subjected to.

By mid-morning, and after Doug and I had squared away our usual two, (or was it three ?), cups of coffee, I was ready to roll.

The Big Fella had left New Jersey on a trailer seven months ago, and today was returning on his own steam…

After a big hug from the man who I have come to regard as one of my closest friends, I swung into the saddle and popped the Big Fella into gear. I remember taking a last long look at Doug’s grinning face and wondering when I would see him again…

Apart from the first time we had met almost a year ago, it seemed that each time we came into contact, I had needed his help with something or other pertaining to the bike, and he had always been there to help, ever-ready and more than willing…

I had done what I could to convey my appreciation to both he and Theresa, and could only hope that one day I would be able to repay the kindness and hospitality they had accorded me…

I made it to Freehold in double quick time, and without the need to refuel the Big Fella. I parked the bike in the driveway and walked up to Ken and Karen’s front door, pausing to note that many female voices were coming from within…

Patricia had told me that Caley’s bridesmaids would be there, preparing for the wedding, but I had no idea exactly what that meant…

I opened the front door and stood there unnoticed for a while, before a few beautiful young women wandered into the sitting room, dressed in…well…very little, would be the best description !!

Further down the passage, I could see Karen, Caley and many more nubile beauties having their make-up and hair done. It is not very often I find myself unsure of what to do next, but for a minute all I could do was stand there, my eyes swiveling every which way, like a chameleon’s… I was trying not to see what I was seeing, you see…but it was a difficult !!

After what seemed like an eternity, Karen looked up and caught my eye and then hurried over to greet me. I was half expecting her to push me backwards out the front door, and tell me to wipe the stupid grin off my face, but she did the exact opposite !! Taking me by the hand she dragged me into the sun room, and in a loud voice said,

“Say hello to the Gypsy Biker, girls…!! He’s home from his travels !!”

I stammered a greeting to all of them, not knowing where to look !! It was as if I had blundered into a Victoria’s Secret photo shoot !! I was surrounded by nubile young women, mostly dressed in nighties !!

Caley was sitting having her make-up done and I vaguely remember telling her how gorgeous she looked before making a hasty exit and clambering upstairs to change into my bathing costume to take a dip in the pool.

A short while later, Caley and her seven bridesmaids came out into the garden to have their group photos taken, and I just happened to have my camera at the ready…

The stunningly beautiful bride and her seven bridesmaids…

Caley looked absolutely radiant, and while she posed with her bridesmaids, I stood off to one side, watching her enjoy the moment. Standing close to me was another lady who was also taking some photos of her own, and when she commented on how beautiful Caley looked, I remember agreeing wholeheartedly with her, and telling her that I thought all brides looked beautiful on their wedding days…

And I meant every word. There is something very special about a bride… They exude confidence and elegance; nervousness and vulnerability; all at the same time. And of course, on the day, they are made to look their best in preparation for the event that will forever be a milestone in their lives.

A few minutes later Caley and her bevy of beauties were whisked away in a large bus; Patricia arrived from New York; and we were able to prepare ourselves for what was to be a very special day in the Spahn and Morton families…

Leaving home on the Party Bus…

Caley and Chris, who had dated since their high-school days, were married at the Channel Club in Monmouth Beach, not far from Sandy Hook where Patricia and I were married last year. The following few photos capture this special occasion that I was delighted to have been able to attend…

Chris and his henchmen…er, I mean groomsmen, wait for the arrival of Caley…

Proud parents, Ken and Karen Spahn, escort their eldest daughter, Caley, down the aisle.

Caley wasn’t the only stunningly beautiful woman at the wedding !! I was proud to be escorting one too…

The bridal party perform the crazy dance devised by Chris.

A gorgeous sunset to match the beautiful occasion.

By the impish look on Chris’s face, I was pretty sure what was about to happen next.

After an evening of revelry, the bride and groom together, cut the wedding cake, and Chris smeared a large chunk of it over Caley’s face !! To Caley’s credit, she took this in good humour, but I am pretty sure she is planning her revenge…

I’d sleep with one eye open for a while, if I were you Chris !!

The following day, Ken and Karen hosted a huge “after-party” at their home in Freehold, and many of the folk who had attended the wedding the day before, were there to continue with the festivities. My cousin Andrew and his family also dropped in to visit on their way up to Boston, and spent the afternoon with us.

All in all, it was a weekend that many of us will remember with huge fondness, and my compliments to Ken and Karen for making it such a special occasion for all.

Congratulations to Chris and Caley. May they enjoy a long and happy life together.

Welcome to the “next level” !!