The Wedding!

We were concerned that the remnants of Hurricane Isaac might reach Cleveland by Saturday afternoon.  In fact, Bob checked the weather on his iPhone and found rain all around the area, but none fell on the wedding!  Instead, clouds muted the sun and the temperatures were much lower than during the rehearsal.  Perfect wedding weather!

Everyone assembled at the beachside amphitheater around 4:00, in preparation for the 4:30 service.  Just as we were about to start, an 11-year-old boy found himself in trouble out in the lake.  He had swum out to a buoy, took on water, and had to be brought in by his father.  When he called for help, bystanders summoned the police.  Scott, who used to work as an EMT, watched from a distance and concluded from the handling of the incident that the young man was OK.  The wedding started a few minutes later.

Pam pins flowers on her brother-in-law.  Pam was the
invaluable "detail person" for the wedding.

Joyce arrives at the wedding venue.  She flew in from
Rochester, NY, the previous afternoon.

Police and ambulance personnel scrambled when a young
man found himself in deep water off the beach.

Joyce, Bob and David stayed at the top of the amphitheater,
but said they could hear pretty well.

The service went off perfectly, as far as I could see.  Jen looked spectacular, and was walked down the stairs by her father.  I read two lessons, Brad followed with the gospel and a sermon, the couple exchanged their vows and rings, and Fr. Brother bestowed God's blessing upon their relationship.  May they share many happy years together!

Jen arrives on her father's arm, looking like a million.

Jen and Justin exchange vows.

Brad pronounces the Nuptial Blessing.

Joyce looked fantastic at the wedding!

Scott greets Bob in the receiving line, as David looks on,
and Justin and Jen greet Joyce.

After the ceremony, Jen, Justin and the rest of the wedding party formed a receiving line.  After each guest was greeted, they walked over the Rose Cafe, the park's event building, for the reception.  More on that in my next post. •••