Gregory and Gwen O’Connor:
Setting their sights on love
Malibu’s Dr. Gregory O’Connor and Gwen Lurie married on Nov. 6, 2002 in a very private and romantic ceremony overlooking the 18th hole at Pebble Beach.
The couple met when Gwen, who has a doctorate in special education, moved from Birmingham, Ala. to change her life. She chose Greg as her eye doctor. She had not been in for an eye exam for more than two years. On Feb. 16, 2002 she went to the Eye Center to make an appointment. Greg told her he would see her immediately.
After the eye exam, he invited her to see The Who that July. She accepted and two days later found a note in her mailbox from Greg. He said he fell in love with her spirit as soon as they met.
They began their courtship that deepened into love based on trust, faith, commitment and a sense of humor. They believe in the sacred vows they made to each other on their wedding day to share their lives together.
No matter how difficult the times, they will be there for each other in friendship and tireless compassion. They hope this will inspire others to make this beautiful journey with a soul mate.
The couple will continue to live and work in Malibu.
Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson: Nothing says love like vegetables
“The sparks flew across the conference table,” said Sharon, my assistant. “I could actually see electricity arcing between you two.”
Fifteen years ago, as I sat across from my future husband, whom Sharon had asked to bid on a video job for me, I had no clue that I would become Mrs. Thompson.
My only thought was that this was the most adorable guy that I had ever met. Immediately attracted to each other, we began making rude comments and playfully punching each other.
I knew Marshall was a keeper when he bought me a huge bouquet made out of vegetables-artichokes, chard and broccoli. As our work and love developed, we spent countless hours together, and finally, in 1994, married at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westwood.
Our children were best men and bridesmaids. We had the first vegetarian wedding the church had ever experienced (later written up in the religion section of the L.A. Times). The men wore radish boutonnires and the women carried carrot and lettuce bouquets. My bouquet was a delicious assortment of celery, chard, artichokes, cauliflower, baby carrots and other veggies.
We had three large deer next to the altar made out of twigs (we wanted live turtles, but the church said no). It was fantastic and still is. After 15 years, Marshall and I carpool almost every day and never tire of each other’s company. Other people say, “Gosh, I’d have killed my husband by now-not sure how you do it.”
Love, respect and a great sense of humor keep our love alive.
The Malibu Times is accepting submissions for “Tales from the Altar,” our new wedding stories section. This special section runs monthly, at the end of each month.
It features stories about recently married, longtime married and about-to-get-hitched couples and how they met, what they cherish about each other, any challenges they’ve faced or any humorous incidents they’ve encountered in their married lives.
If you would like to participate, send in a short story, no longer than 250 words, include a photograph and information about what you do in your life such as career or other interests.
Send by e-mail to malibunews@malibu times.com, U.S. mail or hand deliver to 3864 Las Flores Canyon Rd., Malibu, CA 90265.