WEDDING TIME

I’ve been on the move here in the U.S. almost as much as when I was traveling abroad.  I just returned from two separate trips—the first to California for a family wedding and the second to visit a friend in Virginia.

My niece’s oldest daughter got married at age 20.  She and her husband looked like children to me, but that’s just because I’m at the other end of the lifeline.

But I’m sure most of my friends will agree that this looks pretty young.  

Madison, or Maddie as we call her, is a beautiful person, and she was a glowing, beautiful bride.  Her new husband Kenny, clearly adores her, which makes him okay with me. 

My sister’s house was a whirlwind from the moment I arrived.  Maddie requested that her Grammy make her famous apple crumble pie as a dessert for the wedding party, so my sister made 15 apple pies.  The first day I was there, I peeled apples for a few of these.  I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but my sister’s apple pie is definitely worth the calories.

My younger sister Tonya and I helped my niece Shelley with preparations for the wedding party, which took place at her house.  

Each table had a beautiful flower arrangement and candles.

There were candles in glass jars hanging from the trees.

Madison chose to have a barbeque, so we ate pulled pork, smoked brisket of beef, macaroni and cheese, grilled vegetables, and cornbread.  Besides my sister’s apple pies, there were also chocolate pies and a wedding cake.  It was a step away from the norm as wedding dinners go.

It was hard to keep dry eyes when the newlyweds danced for the first time as a married couple.

I lost it during the father/daughter dance—it was just too touching to hold back the happy tears.

This is the very proud mother, my niece Shelley, and my lovely sister Kendra.  They were just beaming all evening.  

Madison's lovely bridesmaids were all dressed in yellow, but with different dresses--I liked that.  The girl on the far left is my great niece Ellie and the one to the right of the bride is her sister Katie.  

The young fellow in front is the fourth of my niece's children, Jonathan, who struck this pose whenever he knew his picture would be taken.  Pretty silly, but funny.

The couple will have a delayed honeymoon in December, a generous gift from my sister and her husband.  They are both still in college and will enjoy this belated celebration of their nuptials during their winter break from school.  

My wish for these two is enduring love and happiness.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLYWEDS!