Wedding at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

08/15/04 11:26 PM

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Rany Jennette, the son of the last lighthouse keeper at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is returning to his childhood home to be married October 28, 1995. His new bride, Lynn O'Neil, and Rany met at the lighthouse. Nothing could be more fitting than to continue the living history at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

When asked why he chose the lighthouse as his marriage site, Rany replied, "It's where I grew up. Plus, this is as much Lynn's choice as mine. There aren't too many lighthouses in Montana, where Lynn is from."

While Rany served as Park Manager at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, he told stories of growing up at the tallest brick lighthouse in the world from the front porch of the double keeper's house, next door to the modest red brick principal keeper's home where he lived as a youngster. And meanwhile, just across the courtyard at the entrance of the lighthouse, Lynn served as a volunteer who greeted up to 1,700 visitors a day.

One wonders when their eyes first met. But one thing is for sure: there is something mystical about that lighthouse. There are hundreds of stories about couples who fell in love there, renewed their vows there or patched up a relationship near the beautiful lighthouse.

We wish Rany and Lynn the best in their years together. They are two fine people who continue to serve their community with pride and energy.

PS: Due to budget cut-backs, Rany will no longer be a Park Ranger at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. However, he has been re-hired as a part time interpreter at Ft. Raleigh (site of the play LOST COLONY). It's not his choice of sites, but at least he can share his childhood stories of growing up at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse during the 1930's between tales of the first colonists who are also his ancestors.

This story appeared in the November 1995 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.

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