On Friday, December 18, before a crowd of family and friends, Prince Charming married his Cinderella. The groom, George Wagner, has been a lifelong collector and proprietor of Bahoukas in downtown Havre de Grace. Many are surprised to hear that this tough guy (former member of the 82nd  Airborne that had 38 jumps to his credit as well as an avid hunter and sportsmen) has had an obsession with collecting Cinderella memorabilia. In fact, his home was recently on the Candle Light Tour of Havre de Grace and many witnessed his Cinderella Room which featured a framed (yes, on the wall) Cinderella sleeping bag. George's new wife, Barbara (a.k.a. Cinderella) had to clear up the misconception that this was her room: "Oh no, this belongs to George." "He's been a lifelong collector of Cinderella ever since he was a young boy."
When they decided to get married, George wanted to do a short and sweet version but because there was a two day wait for the wedding license, Barbara decided she wanted to surprise him with something a little more special. She assured George the wedding would remain a small affair - but he didn't really believe her. Barbara mentioned her idea of surprising George with a Cinderella Wedding to her good friend, Mary Anne Spurlin of Salon Marielle By The Bay. Mary Anne was excited and wanted to help. She could perform the wedding as she was a licensed minister and she also offered to lend Barbara a dress from the large selection she happened to have on hand. Mary Anne recalls finding a garment and thinking, "I don't remember this, I wonder what's inside?" Turns out it was a dress chosen for someone's wedding many years ago and it was - a Cinderella dress! No alterations were needed as it was an exact fit. Since Mary Anne owns a hair salon, she would also be doing Barbara's Cinderella hairdo.
It was wonderful to see the other downtown businesses come together on such short notice to make this a special day for George and Barbara. Robert Buden offered the use of his building (The Christmas Gallery at 220 N. Washington Street) after the wedding party quickly outgrew their original location. Sharon Duncan of Vancherie's Union Ave Cafe assisted with the decorations and the reception, Chesapeake Sport and Cycle owner, Ed Sheets, provided a chariot (pedi cab) ride after the wedding to the reception for the newly married couple and Teresa Yost -Bennett  decorated the chariot with strings of jingle bills off the back. Rob Otis of OtisPhotography.net provided professional wedding pictures of the happy occasion which captured George's surprise in seeing his Cinderella bride for the first time. And who gave away the bride? Santa Claus of course! And Mrs. Claus was also on hand to assist with the festivities.
Once Barbara was all dressed - complete with Cinderella hairdo, and dress - she caught a glimpse in the mirror and couldn't stop laughing! After about 10 minutes she was able to collect herself and walk down the aisle so Santa could give George the best Christmas gift ever - his very own Cinderella.
After the wedding there was a Cinderella Cake which George liked so much he didn't want to cut. Another sheet cake was offered to the guests and the Cinderella cake would be saved for George and Barbara's one year anniversary - and I'm sure there will be many more to come. You see, George stole Barbara's heart long ago when he told her, "I've finally found my Cinderella."
You can view additional pictures of the Cinderella Wedding at Otisphotography.net