The first point I would like to make is that a marriage is probably our most solemn ceremony. It is the only ceremony that I know where one is most likely to dress in a suit or formal wear. I always thought it was a little crazy to spend all that money on a wedding being the bore that I am. However, after this past weekend's experience I realize the reason for this extravagance. It gives us a chance to combine custom, ritual, drama, music, food, flowers, friendship and the hopes for two people into a transcendental experience that stirs the emotions.

With its many hills and elegant houses overlooking the bay, the city of San Francisco itself provided the perfect backdrop for this elegant event.

The formalities began with a rehearsal dinner at the Yacht Club located on the bay. One of the highlights of the evening was to witness the beautiful sunset framed by the Golden Gate bridge. I didn't have the heart to mention to anyone that we have just as beautiful sunsets here in Illinois framed by Paul Meierhofer's corn crib.

I guess that I should mention that my niece did not marry your ordinary guy. Her husband, Robert Dreyer, is one of the developers of the Pentium chip that is used in all the computers and was a legend at Intel Corporation. One of the groomsman relayed a story about Bob while making a toast at the dinner. It seems that years ago he called Steven Jobs, the founder of Apple Computer, from a bar in San Francisco and got himself a job interview to the background noise of clinking beer bottles.

While I have over 36 years of experience in the computer industry I must say that I was a little intimidated at the prospect of meeting someone who was a giant in the computer industry. I was pleased to find Bob to be as unassuming and warm as your next door neighbor.

Being a blacktie event I was obligated to wear a tuxedo and I am glad I did since everyone wore one. I have to admit that wearing the tuxedo really got me into the spirit of the event. I also have to say that I looked pretty good in it. It occured to me that if we would dress up more often for lesser occasions perhaps we would function better at those events as well.

It is impossible to check the emotions at a wedding. I found that you had to either smile or choke back tears as you witness the bonding of two people in the most important event of their lives. As I watched Sarah repeat her vows I thought of the little girl that I used to take so many photographs of years ago when I lived out East. She was so photogenic. Before the wedding, she showed me pictures that I had taken of her when she was a little girl that were displayed in her bedroom. It made me feel good that she thought so highly of those pictures.

Now here she was. Thirty years later. A beautiful woman with a successful career, living in the most beautiful city in the country and marrying a brilliant person who adores her. Pretty heady stuff. I noticed the tears in her father's eyes as he gave her away. I am sure similar flashbacks were occuring in his mind as well.

After the wedding everyone adjourned inside the mansion for the wedding feast of rack of lamb or sea bass. The tables were beautifully adorned with flowers and the string quartet provided background music. Later, the traditional wedding dance was held and toasts were made. From the huge windows one could see the lights of San Francisco Bay. It was a magical evening.

I wish Bob and Sarah much happiness as they prepare to spend the rest of their life together. I hope they find that the happiness they can obtain from a successful marriage can be much greater than the happiness of a successful career.