Introducing
THE PEOPLE THAT WE LOVE
OUR FAMILY
OUR LOVED ONES ON OUR WEDDING DAY!
WE WERE BOTH FORTUNATE TO GROW UP IN STABLE, LOVING ENVIRONMENTS.
Steve’s parents have been married now for more than fifty years, and so have Lori’s parents. Steve was born in Brooklyn and comes from a fun family that loves to cook, eat, and get together whenever possible. Steve has a sister, a brother-in-law, and two nieces. His parents regularly volunteer at the soup kitchen where he works.
Lori was born in a small town in rural Wisconsin. She comes from a big, happy, Catholic family with six brothers and sisters and seventeen nieces and nephews. Her family enjoys playing music and board games and spending time together as much as possible. They are so happy Steve is part of the family. At Steve and Lori’s wedding, Lori’s dad brought his guitar and sang a song called “Living on Love” to mark the occasion.
LORI & HER PARENTS
STEVE & HIS PARENTS
LORI & HER SISTERS
FESTIVITIES WITH LORI’S FAMILY
With such a large extended family, there are many family traditions we enjoy throughout the year. Some are quirky, like the annual jigsaw puzzle-making contest and when the ladies of the family all wear hats on the same day. Others are more traditional, like celebrating together on the holidays.
For example, on Thanksgiving, we often go to Lori’s sister Michelle’s house where our parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews come join in the fun. The day begins with a “turkey trot” around the neighborhood, with neighbors on hand to cheer on the walkers and runners. Afterwards, we head back to Michelle’s house to begin preparing the meal together. Wandering around Michelle’s house on Thanksgiving Day feels like an opportunity to “choose your own adventure.” There are different people and activities in each room–football on the TV in the living room with a fire crackling in the background, children playing board games or running around outside playing tag, and people in the kitchen cooking, talking, and laughing. There is never a dull moment, and we always return home with fond memories of the holiday with loved ones.
FROM
OUR FRIENDS
It takes a village to raise a child. Our friends and family are excited to see our family grow, and they promise to welcome a new little one with open arms and hearts. Here are some of the things they had to say when asked for their perspective on us.
One friend describes Lori as generous, “starting with the undivided attention and genuine care that she shows to each person she meets. She is sunny, consistently positive and resourceful. Steve is a very kind man. He is soft spoken and reflective. He shows patience and the attitudes of a very good listener. They share common faith, their optimistic outlook on life’s challenges, and the harmony and peace they share as a couple. They also enjoy very healthy relations with their immediate families, and have an extensive network of love with enduring friendships.”
Another friend who has known Steve for over 25 years describes him as a man whose “kindness, selflessness and integrity are enormous.” He describes Lori as having “intelligence, kindness, and trustworthiness” and their marriage as “caring, loving and wonderful.” It is stable,” he says, adding, “They are the kind of couple who care deeply about people and family.”
A third friend also weighed in. She describes Lori as “one of the most graceful, positive, generous souls who continues to show her thoughtfulness and intentionality in every interaction. Lori has the patience to be an intentional parent. She will be curious with a child, and teach them that curiosity is how to build empathy and joy. Steve is a kind and generous person. Lori and Steve have the skills, love, and energy to be parents. They are amazing and thoughtful listeners. They are a team in every sense of the word. The love that this child would receive from their community would truly be diverse and long lasting. They both know how to honor differences in a way that also honors collective humanity.”
