Reception, Part Deux

My sister in law got married in late November, but she and her fiance (now husband) chose a destination wedding so many friends and family members couldn't attend for various reasons. (For example, I couldn't go -- someone had to watch the kidlets.) The solution to including everyone who wanted to celebrate the happy occasion was to hold a second "reception" once the newlyweds were home from their honeymoon.

First we had to get through the holidays, and then there were several anxious weeks of job insecurities (Andrea is a teacher, in California... sigh...), but finally it was decided to hold the gathering right after school had released -- which meant early June. The weather would be more cooperative than say, March, and it would make a nice start to the summer -- perfect!

Brendan's mom and dad offered their lovely home, which is perched on a hillside overlooking the Central Valley. The decks offered the perfect spot for people to gather, and the kids could run around the yard and have their own little gathering, separate but still within sight. There were lizards to chase, and even a snake -- which Matt assured me was "only" a king snake, as if that "only" matters one whit, which it clearly DOES NOT -- and plenty of little trails to explore... the kids were in heaven! We had barely walked through the door when Megan spotted a boy her age and instantly they were deep friends, discussing everything from Harry Potter to school. (Later Megan said, "Hey, you know that boy I was talking to? We're cousin-in-laws!")

Brendan wore a nice dressy shirt and tie, and Andrea wore her wedding dress (which, by the way, I was totally impressed by -- how many of us could still fit in our wedding dresses nearly 7 months after the date? LOL) so the party really did have a feel of a reception. The photos from the wedding DVD were put on a TV in one room, and the scrapbook of the weekend wedding was on display in another room; the dining room table had finger foods and snacks stretching from one end to the other, all delicious; champagne, sodas, wine and beer were chilled on the front porch. Everyone was relaxed and comfortable, and it was easy to visit with one another throughout the afternoon... in short, it was a perfect party!

My favorite picture from the day was a silly shot of Andrea taking a small break from circulating among her guests. She had grabbed a can of beer and was sitting in a patch of sunshine on the deck, her wedding dress glowing in the sunlight... and glinting off the can of Budweiser! LOL See? I told you it was  relaxed gathering! LOL

We had a fabulous time, and it was wonderful to get a chance to celebrate Andrea and Brendan as they embark on their life together... we wish them every happiness, doubled! :)