thank you!

Giles and I would like to take the opportunity thank everyone who made not only our "big day," but our "big week" the success that it was. I've had a number of people comment that it was "the best" wedding they have ever attended.

This is what we would have said if we gave a speech...

Thanks to:

Mom & Dad

For taking on the task of organising a wedding for a daughter who lives 8000 miles and 7 time zones away (only for the brave of heart). The food was fabulous, the music perfect and the flowers exquisite. We couldn't have imagined getting married anywhere other than Fox Run, and it was turned out beautifully on the day.

My sister, Allyson and her boyfriend, Jason

Who offered to paint the pier almost a year ago, and did it, as well as skimming algae from the surface of the lake and still finding time to show our niece and nephew the baby peacocks.

My other sister, Robin

Who tolerated being a go-for the entire week, dropping people off here and picking up others there, for keeping Jo company when I got stressed and wandered off, and for providing all things cosmetic when we needed them!

Clare Oesterle, my grandfather

Who acquired Fox Run almost forty years ago and unknowingly (or knowingly!) started a family tradition that fostered many fond memories and a fabulous wedding day!

Rich Oesterle Family

Who spent hours working to bring Fox Run up to form. I saw Rich every day I was home, sometime with others from his family and sometimes alone, looking after the grounds and fixing whatever needed to be fixed.

The Jeff Oesterle Family

Lauren and Jack (and Andrea and Jonny!) wouldn't have had half as much fun without the hospitality of their "new american family." By the time I arrived home, they had already spent three days together and were inseparable.

Barb and Dick Evans

Who have been supportive and helpful from the initial announcement (in their front room) through to the wedding. They hosted a fantastic pool party, that despite a small Chicago thunderstorm, was a huge success and fun was had by all! Special thanks to Barb who did all of my mother's running around - according to my mom the Wedding wouldn't have happened without her!

The Bob Evans family

Who pitched in with the baby-sitting during those "adult only" parties!

The "Entire" Crowther Family

For accepting a "Yank" into their family and treating me like one of their own. Special thanks to Andrea who endured wedding dress shopping (she's a saint) and Evelyn who made a beautiful ring pillow for the ceremony.

Bill and Jere Voight

Bill performed the wedding ceremony and in hindsight, we can't imagine how we could improve on it. He summed up exactly how we felt into a 20 minute ceremony. Accurate and concise, what more could a couple ask for? Jere not only did a fantastic job helping with the music for the ceremony, but helped to keep my Mom sane for the last year. If she isn't worth her weight in gold, we don't know who is!

Jane Langendorf, Rosemary and Sarah Nelson and Romey Colby

Jane and the Nelson's and Romey Colby both organised a Bridal Shower. Jane's started off the "Wedding Week" with a Sunday luncheon and the second, on the Wedding Eve, got us all into the spirit of the occasion! The showers were a fantastic way for me to get back in touch with the women who I grew up with and hadn't seen for so many years. Its amazing how everything just falls back into place! Thank you for making me feel special and flattered beyond belief! (And Sarah does make the best Chocolate-Chip-Cookie-Dough cheesecake ever! Yum!)

The "Brits"

As my family lovingly call them! Thank you for travelling such a distance to share our day! It wouldn't have been the same party without you.

To all of my Dad's friends: Lenny and Karen Schneider, Janet Watson, Dick and Barbara Evans, Joy Clarke and Rich Johnson,

Who, in his own words, "would lend a helping hand or a thoughtful comment."

Fred Chariton and Larry Mahler

Who seem more like "supermen" than handymen . They spend hours helping my Dad get things ready for the big day.

and last but not least, my maid of honour, Jo

Jo is not only single-handedly responsible for the entire event (its because of her I went to England in the first place!), but she's been my little light of sanity during an increasingly neurotic and stressful time. She's my best friend and without her, I don't know how I would have made it through the week.

And for everyone else who pitched in (and I was in too much of a tizz to realise) thank you for all of your help. Thank you all for coming to the wedding and for all of the fabulous gifts we've received!.

So think of this as a slightly belated, but much deserved thank you hug from Giles and I.

Love,

Tracey and Giles