.png)
Its build up lasted months, but then, it seems, the unforgettable day was over in the blink of an eye.
While the anticipation was long in coming, with both the rehearsal dinner and wedding itself – its culmination was memorable as my son, Michael, the kid who grew up in South Pasadena, attending local schools, taking part in youth sports, playing high school baseball, before graduating from the University of Oregon and launching into a sales career, is now a married man.
He can proudly call Brooke, the daughter of Mark and Heidi Sampson, from the South Bay coastal community of Palos Verdes, his beautiful bride.
With a couple of hundred guests on hand, the couple said their vows during an outdoor setting at the California Club in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, April 29, ahead of the sounds of a six-piece band taking center stage as part of a lively reception inside.
I couldn’t be more thrilled when I look back on Michael’s upbringing, watching him grow up in South Pasadena, with its own special uniqueness as the perfect backdrop to raise a child. The city enriched his life in so many ways, as it helped to open the door for so many experiences an opportunities.
What I’ve always admired about Michael are the friendships he’s maintained over the years, starting at Monterey Hills Elementary, the local middle school, South Pasadena High School and later in college.
The greatest compliment a parent can receive is hearing from others saying you did a great job with your child. Sincerely, seeing him well-mannered, good to others, always exhibiting strong morals and values, well, is heartwarming. I credit much of that to the environment, the people, and the beauty of the city that has made such a major impact on him.
In Brooke, a graduate of the University of Pacific, he has found someone who is outgoing, caring, bright, and brings out the best in Michael. Of major significance, her moral compass is the same as his.
Some simple advice from someone who was married for 30 years before losing his loving wife Stephanie to cancer: Compromise, communicate and never go to bed angry. When you give each other everything it becomes an even trade. Everyone wins!
Oh, and one more: Always be humble and be kind!
Of course, Stephanie’s presence was felt throughout the ceremony with a front row seat in her honor filled with flowers and message on a placard reading: “In memory of Stephanie Glazier, mother of the groom.”
Brooke’s father added an additional measure of respect as part of his toast during the reception, saying she was deeply missed.
A special thank you goes out to Diane Cavenee, longtime at my side, for her tremendous effort in making the wedding rehearsal dinner at El Cholo restaurant in Los Angeles a huge success.
The two of us are so happy for a wonderful couple in Michael and Brooke Glazier and wish them the very best in life.
