Wedding Day

Yesterday was the *big* day for Mary and Peter, two of our friends who were getting married. I ended up more involved in this wedding than I thought I would be when first told some three months ago that it was going to take place. The bride is from Eritrea, a small country in Africa on the Red Sea. She and Peter met several years ago when he was managing a shrimp farm there. They have stayed in touch through the years and .... well that is their story and I really don't know all the particulars, but she came to America three months ago on a fiancee visa. This is were I became involved. Peter didn't start planning the wedding until about two weeks ago and neither he nor Mary knew what to do.

Mary had bought a dress but it needed to be altered. They hadn't planned anything else. Peter called me to see if I knew who might be able to do the alterations and then began asking several other questions. Mary wanted to be married in a church, did Robert or I know a pastor that would marry them, would a reception at the Chinese restaurant be okay, did he have to buy flowers etc.? As I began to work with them I suddenly was in the role of *wedding planner*.

I must say I enjoyed it. I talked with Mary at some length --- asked Peter a few more questions since he would be paying for it and then put together a very small, but nice wedding that fulfilled all of Mary's dreams ----- I hope.

There were about 15 people in attendance at the First Methodist Church yesterday morning. Peter met his bride in the foyer of the church and after Robert and I were seated he walked her down the aisle to stand before the minister. I was very impressed with Chris -- it was a very nice service and when it was time for Mary to repeat her vows, he went very slowly even repeating what she was to say so she could get it said in her broken English. She does very well speaking, but isn't confident yet.

After the kiss and the walk back up the aisle we all followed back into the foyer where we kissed the bride and hugged the groom then went back up front to take pictures. Then everyone come back to my house were we had cake, champagne, silver dollar sandwiches, and all the trimmings that go with a casual wedding reception. It was fun, and everyone seemed to have a good time.

I just looked over at my kitchen and several things remain to be cleaned and put away. That will wait though. Right now I just want to continue to enjoy the memories of the day.

This is Mary's only bridal portrait. I took it about 30 minutes before we were to leave to go to the church.

On the way to the church. Mary was very excited, nervous, anxious --- I had to keep telling her to just breath.





*The Kiss* -- They both made it through their vows and were finally pronounced husband and wife.
Robert and me with Peter and Mary after the service.


Cutting the cake and serving it to each other was an American tradition that Mary wanted. The cloth on the table is one Mary had brought with her from Eritrea and is hand embroidered.

The toast with intwined arms --- another American tradition.