How We Met

Where do I begin, to tell the story…

Coming from different parts of the world from very differing worlds, Laurence and Theresa came together in early 2002, meeting first at the top of the stairs, as he walked out of the bathroom shaking his hands, as once again there was no paper towel available.

The attraction was instant. In fact, the first proposal of a date started that day (and for those who know them) unsurprisingly via email.

The relationship however, took a few more twists and turns before being considered “real”.

Since their first date in late May of that year, the relationship blossomed and grew, to a point where people now meeting them for the first time just assume they are an old married couple that had been together for a lifetime, anyway.

Making the decision to move to   Cincinnati brought the ideal opportunity to bring the family together and formalize the relationship. Whilst the move to Cinci is still in the air, and the family is still in a state of flux, the formalization, and wedding, is to proceed and put “that formal touch” to an unusual relationship.

Over the past 50-47 years, Laurence and Tee have touched the lives of many people, and vice-versa. Equally, they have both come from larger families. "We would love to invite thousands of people to join is in celebrating the ceremony" but practical and financial reasons dictate the impracticality of this. The wedding is thus happening with three levels of participation: those attending the whole event, those invited to teh ceremony and the webcast for all to see.

Somewhat typically, there is nothing typical about this wedding. The thousand’s that would be invited will be viewing the event from their webcast whether at the family party in Melbourne, the family farm in Rochester, or (hopefully) even a laptop within the fighting in Iraq, and even a hotel internet connection in Italy.

For this loving couple, nothing is usual. At the wedding in Cincinnati a few friends and family will be representing the families unable to make the trip, the friends that are across the world, and even the many people in the association world that have met the couple and would love to be a part of what will be a great party.

For these two, the notion of a formal church wedding followed by a big time formal gala, just didn’t fit.

To Laurence and Theresa, the ceremony is very close to being just another exciting day. Wedding aficionados will see this as a weekend long party to celebrate the  formal bringing together of two very full lives.

Along with dogs and horses, the (to be) Gration family will be partying Friday evening, all day Saturday, with a  recovery on Sunday, on the long weekend in May.

The 'event' itself is too a little up-side-down. Starting with cocktails at the Little Red School House, we will lead the party into dinner, then break the party for the wedding ceremony (also held at the School house). Then back to the hall to enjoy the party, the dancing, jokes, singing, the dessert and coffee, and some great Australian wines.

Because of the many various competing interests, there is much that needs to be brought together (and explained).The aim of this website is to help you to enjoy (and understand) the wedding, the party and the people who will be sharing this whole event.

Within this site we have attempted to give you everything you need. But, feel free at anytime to email, call, or write for anything that is missing.

Of the people who will be at the wedding, virtually everyone will be from somewhere else: Australia; Rochester ; DC;  Minneapolis; Salt Lake City; Milwaukee ; San Fran; and more – so we are all in the same boat.

The aim is to here is to share the planning, enjoy the experience, and have fun…

We look forward to having you involved….