Wedding Wrap-Up

The last of the wedding guests left town late yesterday afternoon. El Jefe, Babs and I crashed--tired, but very very happy. Here's a full report for those of you who have been kind enough to ask. If you're interested in seeing the wedding announcement in Sunday's Houston Chronicle (written by El Jefe) click here.

The bride was radiant and gorgeous. The groom was handsome and glowing. The bridesmaids and flower girls could have stepped out of the pages of Bride magazine (which I am proud to report, we NEVER consulted!). The ring-bearer was so adorable in his toddler tuxedo, but he didn't make it down the aisle due to typical two year old temperment. The MOB received many compliments on her appearance and dress as well.

The wedding music was glorious! We had a string quartet accompanied by Maestro (our wonderful church organist). I had chills down my back as they finished the Pastoral Symphony from Messiah and went into Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, sung by my beloved neice, which was the opening anthem. Then the processionals followed--the bridesmaids came in to "Sheep May Safely Graze" and Portia and El Jefe entered with Trumpet Voluntary.

Our "presbyterian wedding committee" (thanks, Rev Dave!) were wonderful. The senior pastor welcomed the congregation and set the tone for the service. Then the officiating pastor gave a personal and inspiring reflection on the scriptures Portia and DK chose for the service: Isaiah 40: 6-8 and 1 John 4: 7-12, 16.

After the exchange of rings and vows, Portia's longtime friend sang "Jesus, Shepherd, Be Thou Near Them", an anthem set to the "Sheep May Safely Graze" tune. It was at this point that the bride, the sister of the bride and the mother of the bride lost it. Note to self: give the bride and the bridesmaids handkerchiefs to hold with their bouquets next time.

The third pastor, who married El Jefe and I 28 years ago, gave the charge and blessing to our couple, using the Celtic "Maker's Blessing." Then the congregation sang the hymn "Joyful, Joyful" as the strings and organ accompanied. The bridal party then recessed as the strings continued to play Beethoven's Hymn to Joy.

It could not have been a more beautiful, elegant and worshipful wedding service. The Holy Spirit was in the house. DK's parents, family and friends were very pleased and touched.

The reception was a lot of fun. I hear the food was wonderful, but neither El Jefe, Babs nor I ate enough to know. We never sat down! Portia and DK got to visit with all the guests at the beautiful Richmond House and then left in the glow of many sparklers for their wedding night. Bouquet Toss Report--Babs snagged it! As she said, "they set me up by making me be in the middle and then Portia threw it at my head!" As I said, "way to be tall, Babsy!"

Portia and DK were back Sunday morning for a brunch given by some family and friends for the out of town guests. That worked out wonderfully well as they had a chance to really visit some of these folks before they left. They are taking a delayed honeymoon trip the first week of October when DK has a week break from his graduate studies. When they return Portia begins work at the Big Law Firm Downtown.

So now it's back to everyday life. It will seem a bit strange not to be planning a wedding, after 9 months of living with it. It's been so much fun to share it with all of you who read the blog. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything!

Praise God!