European Adventures - 11. Wedding of Stefan and Ira

11. Wedding of Stefan and Ira

Heidelberg Castle

We were up early to be in Heidelberg before the rush hour Friday traffic. Today is the day Stefan Knopf weds Ira Pistorius. It is a historical event; I would have never believed it because he told me many times he would never remarry. But here it is, and I am here to witness so I can write ‘It’s true’. 

I need to interject here:  the meaning of Knopf (German) is = Button (English). The question is: Once Stefan marries he is no longer a single button, but now there will be 2 buttons, so does Stefan needs to change his name to Knöpfe (The plural for button in German)?

Ira and Stefan With "Just Married Ribbon on the Sidecar and Handle Bars

Ah, all those details to think about. The couple solved the issue by keeping their original names, she is Ira Pistorius, and he remains Stefan Knopf. 

Ah, the couple…yes…smiles all around… they came via a side car motorcycle. Ira looked lovely. Stefan, I have never seen him really dressed up, looked dapper. Everyone wore big smiles. A small close family group piled into the small chamber of the official who then legalized the union; Papers were signed, hugs and kisses exchanged and voila… we have a new couple in the world. The “Knöpfe”!

Stefan and His 4 Children Plus Ira and Her 2 Daughters

Ah, yes, I explained that already, they kept their names… 

But they got married, I was there. It is true! And many people were there to witness the affair, the celebration of joining two lives.

Outside the town hall where the wedding took place was a large contingent of motorcycles. And then there were the ladies in black dresses, white gloves and white boas each holding long,

Ah Honour Guard for the Happy Couple

yellow tipped oars. They formed an arched lane to pass through when the newly-wed couple came out of the Standesamt and then later again when everybody drove off with their motorcycles. Those ladies were from a Club Ira belongs to. They smacked the paddles together in a loud clapping sound when the couple came back from their vows.

One family member of Stefan’s, Oliver, wanted to change his clothing, pick up some meds he forgot and we drove him to his place near where Stefan lives. He guided us out of town because we did not ride in; we used the rental car we had. 

Hot Dogs, Chicken and Sausage

It was easy to get out of town, even during rush hour with a local guide in the vehicle. Thank you, Oliver.

Salads and Bread

When we got back to Stefan’s place, the celebration was in full swing already. Lots of congrats, lots of people in his rather large yard but this was not the official party yet. This was just a ‘snack’ or lunch so nobody would go hungry. We had a hot dog, some salad and water and then went back to our place and parked the car again, we were within walking distance of Stefan’s place, no need for the car.

It was a genuine good feeling to see that Stefan and Ira tied the knot.

It was a wedding celebration I will not so easily forget. 

We were just leaving when Ira told us to be back later, for some pizza.

Practicing For Tomorrow's Wedding Cake

Food, food, food…. Well, we were close enough, so we did go ‘home’ and then came back later in the afternoon to just schmooze a bit more with all the other folks that just hung out at the Knopf compound. 

A huge pile of pizza’s arrived when we were back later and everybody dove into the pile, had a slice, and had another slice.  Then Ira’ came out with a cake she made, fabulous. Yummy! The food kept on coming.

To the point where… when Chris arrived a bit later, coming back from his gym time there was no pizza left. He had to eat cake; (Which he did not like). 

Ira's Cake - Soooo Good

Ah, the youth, they have their own ways but … they will have to learn to adapt (hopefully).

Tomorrow is the real party at the Knopf’s place.  I felt for the new couple, they had lots of company; the party was still going on when we left a bit later.

Stefan Is Wearing a Pin With 2 Red Buttons Joined