Monday, March 19, 2007

Lee Ann and Rick Stief late bloomers

Some would say that Lee Ann was a late bloomer, but the truth was that she just enjoying the ride of life in her convertible. She was independent, she has the most friends them I know, and good friends at that, she was close to her family, she had a career that took her to places like Alaska, Chicago, Tallahassee, Atlanta where she met some of her best girlfriends. When she finally did begin to settle down closer to home, she got a little place with her sister and picked up a side job, not only for the extra money, but for a social outlet too. Maybe marriage wasn't in the cards for a girl of 30, but it wasn't something she dwelled on as life was busy. Most weeks she looked forward to her side job and the regulars/friends that began requested her especially because of her contagious laugh and personaility. One of the guys was Rick Steif, he seemed a little shy and after weeks of coming in and ordering a sandwich and a beer, Lee Ann announced to the guys that she was heading out the following week for a week on the beach with a friend and she would see them sometime after the trip. And just like anyone that was smitted with someone, Lee Ann thought about the shy guy Rick and was determined that the next time she saw him she would give him her phone number. The following week Thursday came, but Rick and the boys did not, imagine the anxiety that occured, did they find a different bar to hang out, did she miss her chance. The next week the boys return to their former haunt, Lee Ann prepared a piece of paper with her number on it, and walked out to give it to Rick. As she approached Rick called her from behind and asked if he could speak with her and then asked her out. It would be another year before she mentioned to him about the piece of paper she was about to give to him that evening. After 5 year courtship, on Christmas eve, Rick and Lee Ann made a trip to Cape May to attend mass and enjoy a great seafood dinner at the Crab Trap. As they walked along the beach, Rick and Lee Ann enjoyed the sunset, and Rick asked Lee Ann for her hand in marriage. She said yes, she couldn't eat dinner, and they rushed home to be with their families and friends to celebrate. A year or so late on March 20, 2004 they were married. (**I took the following pictures at the wedding and I can assure you they are not the best as I was late to the wedding and quite haggard**) [I love this photo of Lee Ann laying flowers at the statue of Mary.]
The happy couple prepared to walk back down the aisle. At this point there was an enormous cheer from the crowd, it was really heartwarming to know all their friends and family were so excited with their union.
Lee Ann, Rick and a 2007 Daytona 500 driver
Their babies - Stella, Gandolf, the other dog and nephew Quinn.Gandolf and Stella
Happy 3rd Anniversary Rick and Lee Ann.