Wedding to soften 9/11 tribute at convention

Wednesday, July 3, 2002 | 3:53 a.m.

Native Las Vegans Ken Teeters and Destiny Esposito met at Kenny Guinn Junior High School, became best friends at Clark High School, started dating while attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and have courted for 12 years.

The 34-year-old Las Vegas firefighter and 33-year-old Hollywood film editor have been together so long few would argue that they haven't earned a free wedding.

And because of a promotional event by the Las Vegas-based North American Bridal Association to honor all firefighters, the couple will exchange vows on Sept. 13 at an all-expense-paid wedding in front of 150 friends and family and 1,200 conventioneers at the Tropicana. It will be a high point of the convention, expected to draw 7,000.

The couple said they hope getting married two days after the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks that killed more than 400 firefighters at the World Trade Center will serve as one of the symbols that the United States is focusing on its future with determination and optimism.

"At first I was concerned about getting married at such a solemn time, but I also felt it would be a positive thing because we will focus on heroism and support for our heroes," said Esposito, who edits trailers and TV spots for The Ant Farm production company in Hollywood.

"Of course I worry about Ken enormously, but I've known him for more than half of his life, and I cannot think of a job he is more suited for than firefighter. I am very proud of what he does."

Teeters, who six years ago gave up a career as a general contractor to join the Las Vegas Fire Department, said he too was initially concerned whether such a time of remembrance and reflection would be appropriate for a wedding.

"Yes we mourn those who gave their lives by rushing into the buildings to save people, but part of the healing process is to move forward," said Teeters, who serves as a paramedic as well as a firefighter. "A wedding is one way to demonstrate that we are going forward."

The North American Bridal Association's convention Sept. 11-14, which is expected to draw 7,000 industry representatives, will kick off with a solemn ceremony, said Pat Friedman, who with her husband, Randy, is a local organizer.

"We will have a memorial service at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, and some of our exhibitors from New York will not show their exhibits that day," she said. "But we wanted an uplifting, happy event to conclude the convention, and what happier event can there be but a wedding?"

In late May the names of eight local firefighters and their fiancees were put into a fireman's boot, and Teeters' name was drawn for the free wedding package valued at about $20,000. The prizes include a six-day honeymoon to anywhere. They say they are leaning toward Hawaii or Tahiti or anyplace with tropical breezes, sand and an ocean.

"This wedding gives us a chance to thank firefighters in our own way," Pat Friedman said. "We could not have gotten a more perfect couple than Ken and Destiny to accept that thank you."

Esposito said the couple had planned to marry in the spring. She says Teeters had a crush on her in high school -- Teeters denies it -- but there was no real romantic spark for her until the two were in college.

"We've waited so long to get married because I wanted to establish my career first," said Esposito, a graduate of the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.

In Hollywood, Esposito is considered a top editor of so-called date movie trailers. She often is assigned to create interesting two-minute preview films for romantic movies that do not have the benefit of explosions that are common in action-adventures or the terror that makes horror films exciting.

She recently edited the trailer for Woody Allen's "Hollywood Ending," which had footage of the twin towers of the World Trade Center. She opted not to use that footage in the trailer.

Teeters, who on Sept. 11 stood in front of the TV set at Station 1 with fellow firefighters watching the collapse of the World Trade Center, said he feels fortunate to be part of an industry that in the past year has received great public support and appreciation.

Teeters' best man will be his brother, Brian Teeters, a 30-year-old firefighter for the Clark County Fire Department. They will wear their Class A uniforms for the ceremony.

Esposito will wear a wedding gown designed by Alfred Angelo. The gown is made of ivory Mikado faille fabric embellished with crystal beads at the scoop neckline and on the straps. It features a princess line bodice with lace and cording, a full-line princess skirt and a semi-cathedral train. The gown will be featured on the cover of Brides magazine's August-September issue.

Designer Mori Lee will provide the bridesmaids' gowns. Mary's Bridal Inc. will provide the flower girl's dress. Dyeables Shoes will provide free shoes to the bride's party.

Esposito's sister, 21-year-old UNLV student Bliss Esposito, will be the maid of honor.

Vows magazine has donated the use of an official photographer. Birchcraft Studios will provide the invitations. The Tropicana is providing the room for the services and the dinner buffet and disc jockey for the reception.

Some members of the groom's party will wear tuxedos provided by Selix Formal Wear.