Consequences (57 page)

VF
: Will either of you share the story of the proposal?

Claire volunteered, “Oh, I will. He was amazing. First it was dinner in Manhattan. He took me to the theater district. We dined at the Crown Plaza Hotel and our table had a view of Time Square. I had no idea what his plans were for the evening, he enjoys surprises. After dinner we went to see ‘The Merchant of Venice’ with Al Pacino, fantastic by the way. Afterward, I was honestly tired and ready to go back to my hotel. But instead we went to Central Park.” Laughing she recalled that it was very cold that night, the night before Thanksgiving. It hadn’t snowed, but she repeated, very cold. However, he had planned for that with mittens and blankets. After each sentence she would look into his eyes. Even this reporter saw the twinkle in her green eyes as she recounted his proposal. Claire went on to say that she had not expected a proposal. She was completely shocked. But there he was, in a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park, under the lights, with a diamond ring.

Vanity
Fair
will add that her “diamond ring” is actually a designer original Tiffany & Co. 4.3 carat brilliant center stone bordered by a delicate diamond bead set in mil-grain detail in platinum. The matching wedding band is also platinum, with delicate inset diamonds. While actual value would not be released by Mr. Rawlings or Tiffany & Co., New York, where he is said to have purchased the set, due to the size, clarity, and unique cut, it is estimated above $400,000.

VF
: Did you say yes immediately? (Now come on, ladies, think about what you would have done.)

Claire sat back. “No.” At this Anthony smiled and put his hand on his wife’s knee. He goes on with the answer, “No, she didn’t. She made me wait for what seemed like an eternity.” But leaning over to kiss his bride, he added, “She finally relented. And I was elated.”

The
worst
thing
you
can
do
for
love
is
deny
it;
so
when
you
find
that
special
someone,
don’t
let
anyone
or
anything
get
in
your
way.

VF:
Now some people have questioned the quickness of your nuptials. What do you have to say to those critiques?

Anthony answered, “I guess they have never been as in love.” Claire continued, “We didn’t want to wait. We had made our decision. We wanted our family and friends to share in our happiness.”

VF
: The personal accounts were extremely complimentary. How did you pull off the wedding of the century in less than a month?

Mrs. Rawlings replied, “With the best wedding planner and coordinator in the world! They were amazing. We never worried about a thing.”

According to the press releases the wedding was magnificent. The bride was gorgeous in an exquisite Vera Wang gown, reportedly from an elite Manhattan boutique. The groom was dazzling in a custom Armani tuxedo. The estate was impressively decorated with a Christmas theme. Lights and evergreens were everywhere, with deep red accents. The guest list was limited and exclusive, but was said to contain some powerful business and political individuals, as well as personal friends and family of the bride. The groom’s only family is now his wife. (Photo of Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings in wedding attire standing at the base of the grand stairway, decorations can be seen behind them. Note: multiple wedding pictures and decorations can be seen in a collage of pictures at the end of the article.)

VF
: Addressing Claire Rawlings, how has it been to be thrust into the public eye? It seems that the stigma that accompanied the death of Princess Diana has begun to fade and reporters are once again brazenly pursuing celebrities.

Claire blushed and glanced at Anthony. “May I say first I do not feel that I am a celebrity. I have done nothing to warrant celebrity status. That is why when you asked your question the first response I could think of was it has been unreal. I still find it amazing that anyone would think my clothes, my shopping habits, or my hairstyle newsworthy. It is something that I am learning to handle. Anthony has been superb at buffering the media as much as possible.” Claire added, “
You
can be overwhelming at times.” Addressing this reporter, she continued, “
You
meaning the press,” smiling a lovely smile, “not
you
. However, if being married to this marvelous man means seeing myself on an occasional magazine,” she leans toward his protection, “it is more than worth it.” Mr. Rawlings included that he desired to shelter her from too much unwanted exposure. After all, he preferred to remain as private as possible.

A
s the couple walked hand in hand to share a tour of their home it wasn’t hard to imagine that a splendid wedding ceremony could easily occur within these walls. The grand hall is breathtaking on this February afternoon. The two-story winding staircase ascended to a railed landing which appeared to extend down various hallways. The ceiling, at least another story high, holds a magnificent chandelier that illuminates the foyer. The intricate marble flooring extends behind the stairs to a window-lined sitting room. These areas were all utilized during the ceremony. Beyond the sitting room, which also contains a magnificent fireplace, is a comfortable sunporch that Mrs. Rawlings says is one of her favorite rooms in their home. She enjoys reading and sunlight very much. Even in the winter months, if it’s not too cold she can enjoy the sun’s rays on the porch. However, it is in the summer with the windows open and the fresh breeze that the room is ideal. Not far from these exquisite rooms is a grand dining room that the newlyweds claim to utilize regularly. Mr. Rawlings commented that just being with his bride was a special occasion worthy of a formal dining.

Beyond the sunporch this reporter could see the expanse of their backyard. Apparently, during the wedding it contained a large tent that created the hall for their reception. On this day it was snow covered and pristine. The yard is encased by trees. Currently, the trees are bare and one can see into the depths of the forest, but Anthony explained that within months the green leaves will obstruct the view into the forest and the lawn will appear an oasis in itself. He also pointed out the deck, pool area, and patio. He is proud of the house which he helped design from memories and ideas of other dwellings. He believes the result is exquisite, and this reporter agrees wholeheartedly.

M
r. Rawlings also showed
Vanity
Fair
his home office. As an entrepreneur who began his fortune with the Internet, it seems only appropriate that his home contained high-tech electronics. Not only does his desk contain multiple computer screens, but behind his desk on the wall was also a collage of screens second only to the ones this reporter has seen in television studios. His office is decorated in a masculine tone of wood and leather. When asked if he often works from home, Anthony responded that he did when he could. It gave him an excuse to be close to Claire when she was not out and about. (Photo of Mr. Rawlings behind his impressive desk, working on his computer with screens illuminated behind him.)

Mrs. Rawlings took that opportunity to tell
Vanity
Fair
a little about her recent philanthropic endeavor. While working as a meteorologist, Claire saw the damage and devastation that natural disasters can wreak upon our country. She never imagined that she’d be in a position where she could make a difference to people, but now she is. Claire has recently begun to work with the Red Cross of Iowa, the Greater Quad Cities, and of the United States. She’s been diligently working to facilitate their fund-raising efforts. The economy has had a dreadful effect on the Red Cross’s reserves. These are essential for the organization to be able to continue their efforts on a daily basis, and especially in case of disaster. The sad reality is that the reserve is dwindling. With Anthony’s connections and her understanding of disasters and the resources needed, she hoped to be of help to the organization. Anthony’s admiration for his wife’s endeavors was evident in his expression as she discussed the work the Red Cross could possibly do if adequately funded.

T
he tour continued to the lower level of the main house, where a large welcoming entertainment/ recreation room exists. There’s a pool table, game table, comfortable sofas and chairs, a large flat-screen television with four smaller screens around it, and a handsome handcrafted mahogany bar with intricate tile in the mini kitchen behind the bar. Adjoining this room was a theater room complete with plush seating for six, and a screen large enough for twenty-six. The other direction from the recreation room leads to an exercise gym, with every piece of exercise equipment you would want or need. Mr. Rawlings explained that he liked to workout. He finds himself needing to burn off energy after a day of business dealings, which usually occur while seated.
Vanity
Fair
noted that he appeared fit, as did Mrs. Rawlings. She, however, leads our crew to her favorite workout, an indoor lap pool complete with spa and sauna. Claire Rawlings said she preferred the outdoor pool, but during the colder months, which are numerous in Iowa, the indoor pool was an ideal alternative.

Back in the sitting room,
Vanity
Fair
tries once again to learn more about this stunning couple.

(Photo of the couple with warm coats standing on the front steps of their home and another of them sitting on the floor before a roaring fire in a grand six-foot tall fireplace. Note the portrait of Mrs. Rawlings in her wedding gown above the fireplace.)

VF:
Mrs. Rawlings, how do you feel about living in Iowa after living in Atlanta, Georgia?

Rubbing the sleeves of her soft cashmere sweater, Claire responded, “I would gladly live any place with Anthony. However, if he chose some place warmer it would be all right.” They both smile. “Seriously,” she continued, “I grew up in Indiana. Iowa isn’t much different. The Midwest is a beautiful area. I love sunshine and warmth, but the change of seasons and newness of each spring is in my blood. From my short experience with Iowa, I think it is a wonderful state with wonderful people.”

VF
: It was rumored that you, Anthony, wanted to surprise your wife with your honeymoon destination. Is that true?

Smiling with a smirking grin, he answered, “Yes, I tried diligently to surprise Claire for our honeymoon. And I almost succeeded.” VF had to ask, “Almost?” Anthony looked at his wife, she continued the story. “He would have succeeded had it not been for the TSA agent in Hawaii.” Mrs. Rawlings was obviously amused by the story. “I wasn’t the least bit upset. I’d sought to learn the destination for some time. No one would betray his confidence, no matter how much I tried. So after arriving in Oahu, Hawaii, all I knew was that we had farther to fly and we were crossing the International Date Line.” Anthony chimed in, “Actually, she figured that out from a hint,” and he winked at Claire. She continued, “So when the agent looked at our passports and asked us our destination, I wasn’t able to answer.” Smiling, she added, “But Anthony had to. And it was then I learned that we were going to Fiji.” (Photo released by the Rawlingses of the two of them dining on a torch-lit deck with a magnificent sunset and the ocean in front of them.)

VF
: Mrs. Rawlings, were you pleased with your husband’s destination choice? Some women would want to be more involved in the planning.

“That may be true, but my husband planned ten days in paradise. It was amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like it. It was a tropical oasis. I know we have pictures for your publication to release, but honestly photos can’t do it justice. The climate, atmosphere, cuisine, beach, and leaning close to Anthony, smiling into his big brown eyes, his company, all made it a dream. I’m not sure heaven can compare.”

VF
: So you did not mind not being involved in the planning?

“If all his decisions are as amazing as our honeymoon, I do not mind at all.” He kissed her cheek.