Ann Lowenstein of Mobile attended school at the University of Michigan, and at age 19 was engaged to an older man who had already given her an engagement ring and a beautiful watch. Ann’s aunt, Josie Forcheimer, didn’t approve and wanted Ann to meet Morris Burka from New Orleans. Morris called up Ann, and her reply was, “I’m engaged.”
She finally consented to meet him when she was in New Orleans and when she did, it was love at first sight. They dated for a month and were married on October 18, 1944. The jilted suitor sent a telegram that said, “Send back the ring and the watch, love, Juni,” which she promptly did.
Ann had lost both parents at a very young age, and her aunts and friends in Mobile, Alabama, “wrapped her up” and helped her plan the wedding and all of the parties. She flew to New York City, and her lovely traditional satin dress was called The Sophie and was designed by Eve Arden. She carried her aunt Josie’s Rose Point fan, accented with three white orchids and garlanded stephanotis. She also wore the family veil of Rose Point lace.
The bridesmaids all wore smart dinner gowns of yellow crepe with simple lines; they carried fuschia-colored chrysanthemums and carnations in their bouquets and in their hair.
More than 500 guests attended the wedding and reception at the Mobile Country Club, of which her father was a founding member. She had an exquisite cake and flowers created by the best florist in Mobile, Alabama at the time: Goodbrad’s. After dinner and dancing, they spent the first night at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama, and then honeymooned at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Ann Burka recently celebrated her 90th birthday. She and her beloved late husband Morris had a long and happy marriage.
