On July 18, 2008, just hours after taking their marriage vows at City Hall, Alexandra Budny and Steven Ketcham came to our Lower Manhattan StoryBooth to commemorate the day with a recording for future generations of their family.
The pair met for the first time when Steve helped Ali’s mother move into the home his father had just moved out of. Ali’s mother had more foresight than anyone else. When she first met Steve, she told him, “My name is Nadia, I’m going to be your future mother-in-law.” A week later, Steve and Ali were dating. Six years and two months later—after supporting each other through both their parents’ deaths—they are living in the same home where they first met, and where they hope to grow gray together. “I would be very happy living there. That house is important,” said Ali.
“It’s how we met and it’s what binds us,” said Steve. “What I see is you completely gray, with wrinkles, but still looking beautiful, still having that charm. I’m going to be gray as well, with a big round belly and I probably will have shrunk a couple inches. And just sitting there chatting, looking out on our yard.”
As their forty minutes in the booth wound down, Ali commented, “We have a very interesting story and I hope that it continues to surprise us.”
Congratulations Steve and Ali!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Steve and Ali: Congratulations! So happy for you…and looking forward to celebrating with you! Love, Brother B.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:29 am
What a wonderful story - we are so happy for both of you.
We love you! Love, Amy
July 24th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Steve and Ali, II wish you the wonderful marriage that you both deserve.
Steve, now that you are family I will have to be nice to you!
Lots of Love, dad
July 24th, 2008 at 10:41 am
What a great story! We can’t wait to read (watch/participate in) the next chapters. We all love you so much. Kathy, Pat, Robyn, Ali, and Ben
July 24th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Congratulations! Parabens! Gung hei! Sash, good job–I approve. Steve, you’re my favorite brother-in-law. Welcome to the fam!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I love you guys. : ) Congrats.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I love you two so much! And I am so, so happy for you both!
July 24th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Congratulations guys!! Lots love, Rae
July 24th, 2008 at 11:33 am
To have Ali in the Ketcham family is a dream come true! You are a match “made in heaven” and we couldn’t be happier for both of you! (or for us!) We love you! - Debbie & Grant
July 24th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Congratulations Ali & Steve! I love you both so much and wish you all the happiness in the world as you embark on this new chapter together. You have inspired me so much both as individuals and as a couple.
All my love,
Marissa
July 24th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
To a beautiful couple
Who is destined
For an even more beautiful future
All our love,
Marc and Randy
July 24th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Pretty damned exciting!!! As Johnny would have said, you guys are the bomb!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:57 am
We are so thrilled for the two of you! What a wonderful journey you will both have. You know true love and friendship and that is the bond that will keep you strong through the years. Enjoy this road together and always, always have fun!
All our love and blessings,
Anthony & Monica
July 25th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Steve and Ali Congrats to you both. God bless you both. I wish you all the best!!
July 30th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Congrats guys! What an awesome thing to come across! Best wishes.
July 31st, 2008 at 11:29 am
Dear Steve and Ali,
have a very good trip across life holding each other as you have already started!
And hope to see you in France, in the city or in Brasil, soon…
bises.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Great news, so happy for you both!
All the best.
August 7th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Ali, thanks for sharing your wonderful photos and story. Congrats to both of you!
Wishing you and Steve much happiness,
Love,
Gail