In January 2001, I attended an academic conferenece about electronic entertainment at USC in Los Angeles. While I was there, my boss called me on my mobile phone to tell me I had been laid off as "Director of Innovation" at Gamers.com. Returning to the event from my exit interview just out, I met Jen Pahlka leaving a long-winded presentation. We hit it off, talking about Oakland and travel and food. "You would really get along with my boyfriend" she decided.

I think it was my asking if she/they'd been to Thai brunch at a buddhist temple in Berkeley. They hadn't and so I believe that was our first meeting, in Spring 2001. Knowing them, I was probably invited to come to their marvellous little wood-lined house in the Berkeley flatlands. And then Chris started talking.

Jen holds up a happy Chris, in the Berkeley yard, July 2001.

Jen and Chris lounging in the basement library of My Hotel, in London, August 2001.

Chris and Jen share an intimate moment admist the Indie Game Jam, March 2002.

Then in July, they invited friends and family to watch them wed.

The night before the ceremony/reenaction, a BBQ outside; inside, Casey and Chris Dance Dance Revolution while Chris's brother looks on.	Looking down on the garden party in progress from the door-leading-to-nowhere.	Jane stands in distinguished profile as Casey sights a photographer.
Jen and Chris share mirth, as presiding Armond smiles upon us.	This was the first wedding I had been to where the participants ad-libbed the ceremony-in-progress. They reminded us that they had actually been married months earlier and so this was a "dramatic re-enactment." Also the first wedding ceremony I have been to where the family and friends attended laughed appropriately throughout.	Jen's grandfather welcomes Chris into his family with tales of a simple mustard sandwich.
Spectators at table 4 look on,	As Jen prepares her knife,	Spectators at table 4 are pleased.
"You're cuuute!" she declared. A dashing gent and his dashing denim pal - Jon and Jen's grandmother.	Happy Jon.	Amidst the early evening dancing, one stands still - in a white dress.