I held off on posting about this last week, because I figured that you may have been slightly incredulous if I was posting once a week to announce a new set of friends who have gotten engaged.

But it’s true. It’s happening. Bring on the happy!

Last week, Rob’s best friend and bandmate from high school proposed to his girl. (That’s what you call your girlfriend when you are in a band.)

Then this week, Rob’s best friend and roommate from college proposed to his lady friend. (That’s what you call your girlfriend when you are a John Bang.)

Barry, wanting a private, romantic proposal, surprised Val with a house full of candles, a piano serenade, and a beautiful ring from Isaac. Then John gave Jeannie the shock of her life by recreating their first date and getting down on one knee in the Millennium Park ice rink with another beautiful ring from Isaac.

(Seriously, Rob and I are keeping Isaac in business. I think we should get free wedding bands or something, no?)

I am happy to report that both John and Barry let me meddle a little bit in their plans. Barry now knows the difference between tea lights and votive candles, and, of course, you will remember a few months ago that John let me come with to the jeweler and try on all the rings.

It is so nice to see them all so happy. Life had been particularly unfair to Barry for awhile, but when he met Val, the shift in him was palpable. When, at dinner one night, Val swooned over the sweet song Barry had written and sassed him for chewing with his mouth open all in one breath, I knew Barry had met his match. (And that I had made a great new friend.)

Then there’s John, who has the most thoughtful and thought-provoking things to say, if you are quiet and patient enough for him to get it out. It took me awhile to figure that out, but I’m sure Jeannie saw it right away.

Ever since they moved out of their college apartment, Rob has been campaigning for me to let John move in with us. But now that he is marrying Jeannie, there is no longer any possibility that our kids will grow up with an Uncle John who lives in the apartment over our garage.

So, as they say, all’s well that ends well.

Congratulations to you all!


John and Jeannie on our back porch in Chicago.


John will come up with any excuse to spend the evening by the pigs in a blanket.


Barry uses his guitar skills to capture Val’s heart.


Val is buying it!