Published: Friday, January 16, 2004 at:11:32 PM




Mary Jo’s
Most Romantic Couple

On November 19, 2000 at midday, Bert & Berit Olsson of Niantic, CT, renewed their wedding vows at Bitter End’s Wedding Point—in this their 30th year of marriage. The Olssons were both born in Sweden, but did not meet until they both had moved to Connecticut. Their union in 1970 took place before a Connecticut Justice of the Peace. As avid sailors, they currently reside in Niantic, CT, and are members of the Niantic Bay Yacht Club, and the Baldwin Yacht Club.

Described by Mary Jo as “classic nordic-looking Swedes,” the Olssons first came to Bitter End by boat in 1978, and have visited occasionally in the years since. They maintained a connection to Bitter End, however, through former Sailing School and Quarterdeck staffer Grant Rawding. This was their first visit as hotel guests; one they, and another couple will remember for a lifetime.

Soon after arriving, the Olssons met a younger honeymoon couple who were so captivated by their story that they approached Mary Jo about organizing a special renewal ceremony. Mary Jo swung into action, putting all the details in place. The small affair, with the honeymoon couple looking on as witnesses, took place under glorious sunshine. Wedding Point has been the site of numerous happy occasions over the last few years, and according to Mary Jo, is the ideal spot for intimate functions such as this. In the shade of a small thatched bohio, many toasts ensued, with the honeymoon couple anticipating renewing their own vows 30 years hence. Not only were vows renewed, but new friendships were forged!

Editors Note: Repeat guests will recognize Mary Jo Ryan’s name. She has been with Bitter End 20 years, meeting and greeting guests. But honeymoon, wedding, and anniversary couples often have a special affinity for Mary Jo. That’s because she is our resident “romance planner.” She has been known to organize weddings (big and small), anniversary parties, and she typically gives special attention to newly arrived honeymoon couples. For the North Soundings, we’ve asked Mary Jo to identify a recent pair of guests that typify romance at Bitter End.