Some Wedding Deets...

Mr. Tennis, The Writer and one of his best men arrived in the morning to hang the chandeliers from the tree.  Ironically, the ropes holding the chandeliers were duct taped to tennis balls and then thrown over the branches from a ladder.

It rained for about 4 hours, not heavy, but enough of a drizzle to make us wonder if we would indeed have an outdoor ceremony.

The sun broke through about 3:30pm and we were a-go for the 5pm ceremony.

Cousin Chad from Australia on the left, Marlon, high school buddy on the right.

While family and wedding participants gathered in the museum that provided the ceremony site, chairs were set up and guests began to arrive.

Orlando Grandma and Grandma of The Bride

My Bouquet!

The Maven's roommates, our wonderful neighbor Mary and Aunt Vicky and Uncle Jacques from Iowa.

My friend of 45 years, Jane with camera (from Toronto) with CG one of my local best buddies.

Behind the scenes at the reception site, Suebee and Kathy (Chic),   were extremely busy helping the wedding planner put together Sammy's dream vintage-style reception (next post - wait for it...)

See?  All those liquor bottles DID come in handy!

There was a table with old family wedding pictures and programs to greet the guests...

A close family friend to provide soothing, beautiful guitar music...

Beth and Ralph Eyman, my "second son's" parents.  He was one of the best men.

Orlando Grandma and Mr. Connor (uncle to the groom) led the procession down the path.

Followed by The Boston Lady and Mr. Tennis.

Sammy's Uncle John, Grandma and Mother of the Bride, Nicky wait for the bride and her father.

The groomsmen and the groom waited to the side while the rest of the family was seated.

The Groom heads to the wedding site.

Brian (brother of the bride), Elliott (second son), Brian B., and Mauro wait for their cue.

And then it was showtime and the groom and groomsmen arrive under the gorgeous live oak tree.

Jason (officiant), The Writer/The Groom, Chris and Elliot, Best Men

Then!  The procession of bridesmaids.

Amanda

Megan, Matron of Honor

The Maven

And the sweet, cinderella-like flower girls (neices to the bride).

Baby Rachel, her mom, Katie, Charlotte and Olivia.

In the distance we could see the beautiful bride, Sammy and her wonderful Dad, Mike.

I love the way her veil danced in the wind.

And how her face was a mix of emotions as she approached her husband-to-be.

Dad gives away the bride.

They had composed their own vows which brought tears to the eyes of not just the guests, but to the main players themselves...

...and then finally as you saw in the previous post, they were pronounced Man and Wife.

Perfection only comes when many hands are involved.

Picture credits are shared in this post by me, Suebee and my childhood friend from Toronto, Jane.

Family support and love provided by both sets of parents, two grandmas, a brother, a sister, a sister-in-law, neices, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and so many friends who we consider to be part of our family.

My next post will be some pictures from the reception which so many good friends and family helped make a reality.