Keep that Breathless Charm

From L, Steve's groomswomen, Trudy Whitener, & Randi Firus, Steve, Helayne,  Helayne's bridesmaids, sister Cheryl Ross and cousin Deborah Glasser Barr.

Helayne and her entourage

Last night my son, Steve Elders, promised Helayne Perry that, as suggested by four wise men half a century ago, he would love her eight days a week. Kevin Brief, Steve's friend since childhood, officiated. Both bride and groom read their own poignant vows.

Helayne, who met Steve when he went to work on the Register,  related how their friendship of nearly 30 years evolved. They'd always been close enough to know one another's interests, tastes and even secrets. When Steve first proposed the idea a little over a year ago that maybe they could become more, Helayne admitted she hesitated, wondering if as a couple they'd be able to reconcile her "emotionalism" with Steve's pragmatism. But the idea grew on her. They became engaged last August when they went to Oregon for the total eclipse of the sun.

Both Steve and Helayne have spent their professional lives in the daily newspaper business, Helayne as a graphics designer for the Orange County Register, and Steve as a copy editor for the Long Beach Press Telegram, the Daily News, the Orange County Register and for the past fifteen years as chief copy editor for the Los Angeles Times Sunday Calendar. Additionally, he'd been editor of the LBCC Viking and an editor for the Cal State Long Beach 49er. Friends from all these venues burst into cheers when Steve announced that he and Helayne shared a joint pride in their work as "enemies of the people."

 Not only the Beatles, but Dorothy Field's lyrics to Jerome Kern's haunting melody, got a nod as Steve referenced this song as reminding him of his bride:
Some day, when I'm awfully low

When the world is cold
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight

Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight

With each word your tenderness grows
Tearin' my fear apart
And that laugh, wrinkles your nose
Touches my foolish heart

Lovely, never, never change
Keep that breathless charm
Won't you please arrange it?
'Cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight.

Kevin and Pam Brief

First dance with lot of kisses

Mother of the groom with escort, Dr. Frank Stern

Toasting the couple...Mazel Tov

Maria Laso and Terri Elders, "the moms."