Dearest All, It's like a broken record but we have yet another update regarding our wedding. Unfortunately, our hand has been forced by the times, so we have to cancel the December 12 date for the obvious reasons. The future is too uncertain, travel is practically impossible, and there is just no way to plan for this. We envisioned this party as a joyous celebration, unfettered by masks, plexiglass, rules and worry. Additionally one cannot trust a socially distanced Hava Nagila - way too dangerous. The good news is that we were officially married at a small but beautiful ceremony this past Saturday. Though we cannot say when, we have every intention to hold a large party at a future date when all of this is in the past. We hope everyone is well and flourishing despite the times and will keep you posted when planning becomes feasible. With much love, Erica & Carl-Johan LUTHER!

Once upon a time in a faraway land called SimCorp, I was a Marketing Manager seated across from a mysterious ginger Swede Consultant. Though usually outgoing, I was uncharacteristically shy around this intriguing person. I would find myself listening to his phone conversations (ALWAYS on the phone) and would giggle at his wit and admire his diplomatic yet firm tone with the more pesky clients, and over time he started to speak to me! We found ourselves as part of a group around various happy hour tables and outings. On one particular outing that lasted about 12 hours, the group seemed to fade away and we spent most of the time talking. The night ended with us in a bathtub (sorry to disappoint, it was a prop at a gin bar) and ultimately concluded in a kiss (shy no more, I made that move) and from that day on, it was ON. Since then, we have been through births, deaths, traveled the world from Tennessee to Thailand, moved to the suburbs, got a car and became homeowners. We are parents to our greyhound that fills our lives with joy and laughter. He cooks the meals, I do the laundry. He does the garden, I....watch. I have never before experienced such a ying and a yang, such simpatico and adoration. So five years later almost to the date of the bathtub, I am thrilled, overjoyed and honored to become Mrs. Luther and to share this day with everyone we love.

I’d had the talk. My future in-laws had approved and we were all excited! I’d hinted that the proposal would probably happen early April when we were off to the Caribbean. Rings were ordered and planned to arrive before we left. It all looked good. Until I followed up a week before departure asking for confirmation. Rings would be a week delayed. Plan A could not be completed, and it was time to refine the fallback alternative. In hindsight that was for the best. Without knowing it (I swear!) we had managed to book the number one honeymoon hotel on the island. Everyone but us were basically newlyweds and it was cheesy enough as it was. Plan B. Thursday April 18 would be the day. The rings would be picked up first thing on April 15 and then go with me to the Midwest and back. I would have to get in a cab from the store in Manhattan straight to the airport to catch a flight to Des Moines. The rings would see America, and I was hoping airport security wouldn’t think I was smuggling contraband! Me being away for work every week is hard for both of us, so Thursdays we normally go to our favorite restaurant and celebrate the reunion. This day was no different, except that the host had been asked to do a bit more than he’d otherwise do. During the meal I slipped him a note to put in as the bill when the time came. Meal finished and the host handed us the bill. Erica put her credit card into the bill holder as one usually does. This time she had to look at the bill again. And again. The bill came out to: “Erica, You are my best friend and my true love. Every day with you is a blessing. When I’m away I hurt from missing you. When I’m coming home I’m beyond excited. There is clapping! I love you more and more with the dawn of each new day and have known from the first kiss that you are the one. I talked to dogger and she agrees. Will you marry me?”