Some Additional Wedding Weekend Photos...

Most of these are from the day of the rehearsal for Anne and Steven's wedding...

Historic Dubsdread - Where Anne and Steven Were Married

Anne and Steven's Wedding - A Scrapbook of Photos

Here are some snapshots I made the day of Anne and Steven's Wedding...

The Azaleas Were In Bloom By The Front Door



The Bride and Groom Were Welcomed by Historic Dubsdread

All of the Guests Were Welcomed by Watson as He Stood (Sat) Guard In Front of the Grooms' Room.

The Welcome Display in the Foyer Included Anne and Steven's Engagement Photos

Through the Archway to the Reception Table

Anne Made All of the Place Cards

Mimi and Papa Beforehand at Our House

My Boutonniere - Succulents Were the Theme

Judy Beforehand - At Our House

Judy's Corsage

The Patio at Dubsdread

The Ballroom is Ready

The Guests at The Wedding Brunch

A View of the Tables Decorated by Patty Joyner

Anne and Steven's Wedding

Here are a few photos from Anne and Steven's wedding day, on February 22nd. Yes I have been a tad slow in posting these. Mainly because we have been busy enjoying life, taking care of Anne and Steven's dog while they were on their honeymoon out West, keeping an eye on Papa as he was in the hospital and rehab (he is home now, hooray), having a grandchild, helping Anne and Steven move into our house where they will live with us for six months or so until they save up for a house, and so forth. Oh yes and then did I mention there was Lent and Holy Week and Easter?

(I have to laugh when I hear teenagers say "I'm bored...!" I would enjoy about fifteen minutes of boredom now and then).

But it is all good.

And the wedding was wonderful. Anne had long dreamed of an outdoor wedding (most of those dreams had to do with a beach setting). As the time for planning got nearer, she and Steven rightly decided that outdoor with a backup plan of indoor at the same location made much sense. So they selected Historic Dubsdread Country Club in the heart of College Park, a great location indeed, with its outdoor patio and 1920s era clubhouse.

The day dawned greyish... but we did not let that dampen our spirits. Nor did we let the fact that nearly all of Judy's family were grounded by weather up north in South Bend and Washington, DC, (or prevented from travelling due to illness), keep us from focusing on the main event, as Anne and Steven said their vows. They had a very nice collection of family and friends in the wedding party and their dog, Watson, whom I say is the most photographed dog in creation, was one of the two ring-bearers, which was a first for me even though this was my 208th wedding. The photos I am posting here are my own--there are many other great ones that the professional photographer made (he also did their engagment photos--which Anne and Steven both love), and Steve Valtinson did a wonderful job of doing a "photo booth" that was fun and fantastic for all...thanks so much Steve...!

To see Steve's photobooth photos, click this link: PHOTOBOOTH BY STEVE

But the father-of-the-bride has his own perspective on things, and some of that can be seen in these photos.

For instance, when they told me it was time to get ready for the processional, I was allowed into the inner sanctum where the bride and her bridesmaids were assembled. You see what I saw, and what only I saw, as I entered the room. Even the "pro" did not get that shot of all of the ladies and their Patty Joyner designed flowers surrouding Anne. I think it is a treasure, and the photos is not as yellow in reality as it shows on line--something about blogs and so forth.

Also as we were about to go outside, Anne said, "Take my picture!" so I did, first in one direction and then in the other. Later, the professional photographer took some photos of Anne in that same spot - his are better but mine capture the actual moment. I also like the view of Anne and Steven in their wedding dance, and at their table that was set just for the two of them.

Anne had placed both sets of parents, and the grandparents, and her brother's inlaws, at the "parent table" so we enjoyed a nice time together. Judy's Mom's place would have gone empty since Dottie was stranded in The Bend, but we were glad that it was filled by her cousin Ginny, who as it turned out was the only member of the Taylor side of the family who could get out of the frozen North for the festivities. We were so glad Ginny was here, and spent a great day with her the day after the wedding, going to see the Manatee at Blue Springs. More on that later.

The old oak trees and the Spanish Moss contributed to the charm of the day as did the calling of various birds including a red shouldered hawk who perched right overhead and let his presence be known. What a treat! We had Bob Joyner on the keyboard and Jeni Valtinson on guitar and singing, for a very pastoral and pleasant mood. Yes the occasional "thwunk" of golf balls on the fairway were part of the background, but did not impinge on the beauty of the day. As they departed or as we say in church lingo, recessed, their attendants lined the aisle and threw rose petalt into the air to greet them--very pretty indeed.

The skys opened up just after the ceremony, complete with hail! By that time we were all indoors snug and dry. We loved having family and friends surronding Anne and Steven as they began their life together. Such a wonderful day.

I Peter 5:10 – So, look for that restoration that is surely coming to you, as this verse promises. Do not get discouraged. Do not allow yourself to fall into the sloppy habit of whining and complaining. Do not go about today looking long-faced. Do you trust in God? Then look and act like you do! This is a Wekivaword.

Taylor Anne's Baptism Was On Sunday...

Our new little granddaughter Taylor Anne's Baptism was on Sunday - Mother's Day - as Taylor was just turning a month old...

What a thrill it was, to be blessed to be able to baptize one's first grandchild! I was so pleased that Tara and John asked me to do this.

The day was wonderful, unique, special. It also reminded me of her father’s baptism many years ago at Fox Chapel… 'Not sure if Judy thought of it when she got ready for the day, but the dress she chose to wear even reminded me of the one she wore then.

And as for Miss Taylor Anne...

She was so good. When I took her from her mother Tara's arms, Taylor peeked at me with just one eye (the right one) when I first held her, and I could see that look of recognition, “Ok I know you…” and then she settled in for the proceedings. She is fascinated with light--and the combination of the sanctuary lights and the skylight kept her very focused and occupied as the congregation sang to welcome her. She wore, by the way, her mother's baptismal gown. So sweet!

We always sing Ron Cole-Turner's baptismal hymn "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise" here at Wekiva. Ron was part of our worshiping congregation in my former church, and so that is a nice connection to those who were with us in spirit if not in the flesh. I also wore a few items that brought those who have entered the Church Triumphant to my mind, including the watch that my great-aunt and great-uncle gave to my Dad when he graduated from Aspinwall High School, and a very small U S Steel tie tac, with the well-known logo that our friends' the Bennett's grandfather designed for US Steel and which now adorns the Steelers' gear. My own personal shout out to the Pittsburgh side of the family and to Pittsburgh friends.

We felt so blessed that the three great-grandparents were here. Papa had been quite ill from the week of Anne's birth till he got home last week. Mimi is doing such a great job of getting him strong again. Grammy was here from South Bend--we are so glad that all worked out that she could make the trip. We were sad that Anne’s husband Steven had to work and could not be here for the baptism itself, but glad he could join us later for our family dinner.

It was a nice weekend all around.

'Hope you enjoy the photos!