Memories of the Wedding

Well, what does a Mother say to her son as they drive to the church for his wedding.....I stumbled out something like "it looks like the 3rd time is a charm" .  Since he has been engaged twice before, once in his 20's and again in his 30's, it appears that the 40's was the right time for Lane.  I should have been saying wonderful things like "blessings and prayers for you and Nelly on your wonderful day", but somehow I seemed to be in some kind of stupor.  So much activity, dinners, gatherings, best man getting strep throat, last minute changes, stress, tears, more stress, more tears that by the time the day actually arrived, I think I was in a wedding fog.  The day was sunny (is it anything else but sunny in So. California?) cool and a little breezy.  Remember we just went thru the terrible Santa Ana winds that were even worse than the winds that blow in Chicago.  Friends and family gathered and the ceremony began.  It was a 10:00 AM wedding with a luncheon reception immediately following.  Both Lane and Nelly were beaming and their love for each other was quite evident in their faces.  Some brides cry during the wedding ceremony, but all I saw were smiles and even a little laughter at times.  Joy and love surrounded them on this their wedding day.  Fr. Martin's service was lovely, the music was heavenly, and the bride and groom were blissful.  What else could a Mother wish for?! 

Lane, waiting in anticipation to see his bride as she walks down the aisle to their new life together.

Nelly and her Dad.  I think he looks more nervous than she does.  

Exchanging of the rings is always such a sweet and tender moment....

Don't they look happy now that they are Mr. & Mrs. ?

My handsome son, Lane.....

The beautiful bride, Nelly.....

The tender kiss.....

Lane & I spent the night together Friday night before the wedding.  He had the rings so I was able to take this picture before the wedding. 

After the wedding, Nelly's Dad looked happy and relaxed....



Kelvin stepped in as Best Man at the last minute, because Lane's Best Man ended up in bed sick with fever and a strep throat.



Kelvin took his job as best man seriously....who looks more scared, Lane or Kelvin??

Nelly's sister, Patsy was Nelly's Maid of Honor.  I think Patsy and Nelly look so much alike.  They are both beautiful ladies. 

Since the reception (luncheon) was held immediately after the wedding and the Bride & Groom really didn't want alchohol served at their reception, the toast was sparkling cider.  Personally I like the cider much better than champagne.  And who needs alchohol in the middle of the day?? 

After the wonderful luncheon, cake was served, but not before the bride and groom tasted it first.  I think the two of them must be on some kind of sugar high. 

My brother (the Colorado brother, actually my only brother) and his wife were the only family besides myself that was able to attend the wedding.  Too many obligations during the month of December prevented Lane's sister, Lisa to attend.   

Me and my son....

What a lovely couple standing by the Christmas Tree.  

Lovely day, lovely memories.....

"The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It's a choice you make - not just on your wedding day, but over and over again - and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife."   ~  Barbara de Angelis

Until next time......