Jan and Dan Strimple
June 8, 1974
Today, Jan Strimple is known as the grand dame of Dallas modeling. But her 1974 wedding to husband Dan was a simple affair. In a sheath she had sewn herself, the then-19-year-old bride and her newly college-graduated fiancé said “I do” in front of 40 friends and family members at Dan’s father’s house in Kent, Ohio. “The birds sang throughout the ceremony,” she recalls of the outdoor vow exchange. “I cried and Dan laughed. And then I laughed—and have been laughing for 50 years.”
Best advice for a lasting marriage:
“Be clear about expectations, and don’t try to always control the narrative,” Jan says. “You bring different strengths and weaknesses to your marriage, so share who takes the lead in varied areas of your life together. Respect each other at all times.”
Best advice for registering:
“If you marry in your 20s, I don’t suggest registering for formal china or glassware,” Jan advises. “Rather, keep it real and outfit your home with all the practical things you need to run a household. If you marry in your 30s, your taste will most likely be further evolved into something you’ll appreciate for several decades.”
We still use:
1. Our fondue pot
After receiving a lot of use early on, this ’70s staple sat stagnant in a cabinet for 30 years. But Jan says they recently rediscovered it and have enjoyed giving it new life. “We bought a second one so we can do cheese in one pot and dessert in the other,” she says.
In 2025, I’d register for:
1. Shun knives
“Always buy the best tools, beginning with a set of superb knives that make food prep a breeze,” advises Jan. This brand of knives, she says, is “worth every penny.”
2. All-Clad Stainless Steel 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set
Jan especially loves these bowls for their easily grippable handles. “They stack well in small kitchens, and those handles change your relationship with your mixing bowls!” she raves.
3. Jiffy Steamer J-2000
A steamer may not be top of mind, but those in the know prefer them to irons. “Every wardrobe pro uses these to freshen up garments before a show,” Jan says. “For something smaller, Conair’s handheld steamers are great!”
4. Fruit-prepping tools
To make the chore of prepping fruit easier, Jan enjoys gifting a collection of specialty tools, including an apple corer/slicer, a cherry pitter, a strawberry huller/stem remover, and a melon baller. “Toss in a set of three Chef’n hand juicers,” she says. “If the honeymoon isn’t taking them out of town right away, gift this melange of thoughtful fruit-related items in a huge basket filled with fresh fruit. Makes a fabulous and practical gift!”
