In 34 years of marriage when it comes to questions about who is right and wrong I’m about as successful as the Mets offense. 

Jane and Kevin Williams wedding picture
Jane and Kevin Williams wedding picture (Kevin Williams, Townsquare Media NJ)
loading...

It didn’t start that way as on July 25, 1981 I had a triumphant moment, in addition to the fact that Jane Viggiano was about to become Jane Williams. It started with me enjoying a nice breakfast with some friends at Barney’s Fish N’ Chips in Seaside Heights, a landmark for more than 50 years that has long since closed.  Later, my best man Tom Caffrey would pick me up for the trip to St. Veronica’s Church in Howell and this is where the seed would be planted for my one shining moment. 

Jane & I had written our own vows which is not uncommon.  She had practiced memorizing and reciting hers time and time again and felt I was not giving them the attention they deserved.  I assured her when it was “go time” I would be ready but I know she feared that in front of family and friends I would drop the ball. 

As I got dressed Tom suggested I needed something to take the edge off so he popped open a bottle of champagne.  I believe I drank most of it and we might have had another toast or two while waiting in the parking lot before entering the church.  In the true spirit of “do as I say, not as I do” I would not suggest this for any future grooms. 

As we took our place at the altar I was confident that I could handle the pressure of delivering our vows without a glitch which we were planning to record. A small cassette player (remember this was 1981) had been placed in a spot that would pick up our voices and that of Father Williams (ironically) who would be performing the ceremony.  One of my groomsmen, “Lenny” LePre had the assignment of simply pressing the record button. We’ll get to him in a second.

Kevin and Jane Williams today
Kevin and Jane Williams today (Kevin Williams, Townsquare Media NJ)
loading...

It was now show time and I could sense that Jane was not happy Tom & I had sampled some bubbly before the nuptials.  We got to the point in the ceremony where it was time for the saying of the vows and I performed mine to perfection.  However the soon to be Mrs. Williams slipped up a bit. Mot too bad but not like the pro I was.  Of course I would love to play back that tape as proof but my friend Lenny forgot to press the record button so you’ll have to take my word for it.

Tomorrow is our 34th wedding anniversary and I have clearly gotten the best out of this deal. It’s not even close. I don’t show it enough but I’m still very much in love with a woman whose smile lights up a room and my heart.

And I’m saying that without having had a sip of champagne.

 

More From Beach Radio