Wedding Bells!

I know this post will be far more interesting to my family and those who know them than it is to most of you, but bear with me.I recently had the joy of attending the wedding of Mark, my cousin's oldest son, and his wonderful Katie in the Cleveland area.

This is Mark and his brother, best man, best friend, Jeff -- waiting for a first spotting of Katie!

Mark was the first of the kids from "our gang" of cousins. I think of him more as a nephew because his mom, aunt and uncle are more like siblings to me. He waited a long time to find just the right woman -- but he scored big!

Our day began with a ride to the church along the beautiful Chagrin River. It, too, was decked out in its best for the big day!

This was the first interfaith wedding service I'd ever been to and it was remarkable. Held in a Catholic church, it also included a rabbi, along with the priest, and many of the traditions of both faiths were implemented.

Among those I found especially moving were Katie's giving flowers to Mary, as in the Virgin Mary, at an altar by the side. This confused some of us when we saw it in the program because we thought they were giving flowers to Mark's mom and couldn't understand why Katie's mom wasn't getting them too. (We Protestants had as much trouble with this one as anyone else!). (That bouquet is Katie's wedding flowers -- Mary's are beside her.)

 In one of the Jewish traditions, the couple drank from a wine glass. Later a different glass was broken as we shouted "Mazeltov!" (The rabbi said that was the last time Mark would be able to put his foot down -- and at the reception, Katie's 10-year-old nephew told Mark that was true -- he saw it in his house all the time!)

And the rabbi read the marriage contract, called the Katuba, which they both signed.

Finally, they were married! Applause and cheers!

Outside we waited for them to appear as bubble bottles were passed out.

Some of us had more fun with the bubbles than others! Check out David's beard! I love my family!

 
(This is the same photo taken after the bubbles dissipated. I think I like the bubbles best!

Of course, we had to take the "gee, we finally cleaned up -- and we're not too bad shots!" My cousin was one happy Groom-mum!

           

And then the departure. It was off to the reception -- but not before a hug for dad!
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Mark and Katie greeted us at the reception -- in a manner of speaking!

Some fun things at the reception -- cut outs where you could have your photo taken. I love this one of my cousin Patty ...

and of course Rick and me!

There was delicate and graceful cake cutting.

 

And in the toast department, Mark's brother Jeff rocked it with a funny and loving toast.

 

You can't beat a wonderful family time -- especially when a lot of love is involved!

Soon I'll take you to some terrific spots around the Cleveland area and share another special day with you! But this post is long enough for now!