The Big Day!

The wedding day finally arrived after a year-long engagement! The festivities began about 3 p.m. when folks started arriving at the Carmel Mountain Golf Club to set up table place cards, set out the sign-in book,place the toasting glasses and cake topper etc. The bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the bride and groom arrived to have pre-ceremony photos taken. You could feel the excitement and tension in the air.

Jay's funny moment came when he showed up with the tux all ready to change and looked down at his socks. Oh no, white athletic socks!! The minister's wife Hailey, and Brian's wife Patience, dashed off to a local store to grab some black dress socks! LOL.

The wedding coordinator, Mary Ann, was there plenty early giving last minute directions and support. The afternoon was sunny and warm in Carmel Mountain Valley, but a nice breeze kept everyone comfortable. Mary Ann surprised us by bringing 7 large white umbrellas that the groomsmen used to escort the guests down the isle. It was an added touch that was charming and different. The outdoor gazebo where the ceremony was to be held was decorated with beautiful pink and white flowers and the isle runner had pink flower petals along the sides. Lots of white chairs on the green grass completed the picture.

The ceremony was a combination of seriousness and humor as Dave, the minister, was a long-time friend of Jay's. They go back to high school days, so a few good stories were shared. It was

a beautiful ceremony and a few tears were shed on both sides of the isle. After the ceremony, a few more pictures were taken while guests had appetizers and cocktails inside the clubhouse.

Once the reception began a caricaturist sketched pictures of guests. It was a great idea rather than giving out little party favors that many folks really don't use or want. It was a big hit and the guy was really good! I have a princess crown on mine...hummmmm I wonder which sister told him?

The toasts were wonderful! Brian, the best man reminisced childhood memories and wished them well. Korissa, the maid of honor did the same. Then the dad's let loose! Dan referred to him as Jay as "Jaybuddy" and wished them well on their new journey together. Don, Heidi's dad read a wonderful poem from a dear family member and shared a few short stories from her past. Lots of tears by the time toasts were done.

The evening ended with dancing and visiting with old friends, family members and meeting family and friends from the Sutton side. Around 10 the kids left for a "date" somewhere in the city.

The honeymoon

to Maui didn't begin until Monday, so on Sunday my 2 cousins from Indiana and their kids (6 in all) along with my sisters and their families all had a huge family BBQ dinner. We were honored to have Heidi and Jay join us so we had 16 of us all together. It was such a special time. Unfortunately, Brian and Patience had left earlier in the morning, but we had the week before the wedding with them. The week after the wedding my Indy cousins were here and we played San Diego tourists.

It was an amazing 2 weeks of family and loved ones and a time Dan and I will never forget. When the kids return from the honeymoon, the Sutton's, along with us are going to watch Jay and Heidi open their wedding gifts.