Surprise...WEDDING!!!
07/30/2014
I've been to LOTS of wedding and receptions in my life, but last week's event takes the cake!
(Which, I might add, was as delicious as it was beautiful... created by my very energetic and talented cousin, Gail...)
We all THOUGHT the plan was this: since they were going to be married in a very small affair in Florida, Gabe and Nikki threw a pre-wedding celebration for their many friends and family here before heading to the airport.
They even put an engagement notice in the local newspaper sharing those plans with the world.
Gabe and Nikki fooled EVERYONE!
Gabe and Nikki, looking happy and cute in their party clothes, greeted us and we mingled and chatted with family as we awaited the delicious buffet meal.
Everything was so beautiful!
I'm especially fond of late summer weddings that use wild Queen Anne's Lace in the decorations...so delicate and perfectly paired with the pink roses.
My cousins Butch (Gabe's dad) and his sister Carrie smiling and chatting before the meal...
...and their other sister Denise, with her precious little granddaughter Elyse.
Asking everyone to take their seats as they were "about to serve the meal," one of Nikki's aunts got up and introduced those closest to the couple up on stage, people who would have been part of the wedding party had there been a wedding.
It was a little odd, especially when the music started playing. But before anyone could really get a sense of what was happening...
...up the aisle walked Gabe and Nikki, who had sneaked away and quickly changed into their wedding clothes.
Nikki was absolutely radiant...and Gabe was grinning from ear to ear!
A collective gasp...followed by cheers and tears...
...and sweet "I do"s ...
...and the giddy couple had pulled off their big surprise!
Our side of Gabe's family...his Grandma Caralou and his aunts and uncles were shocked and thrilled to witness the ceremony.
Reliving the happy moment with his grandma...
One happy pappy!!!
What a magical evening, and how thrilled we all were to share so much love and joy...
...with two very special young people as they begin their life together.
Congratulations, Gabe and Nikki!!!
You pulled it off...that certainly was a
...SURPRISE WEDDING!!!
Terry, thank you for sharing this on your blog! I was going to escape the nursing home and come to the "reception" but decided it was more important to be home , upon my release, after 2 weeks. So home I went and got a call from Susie about what I had missed!!!! Love the trick and love your pictures!
Posted by: Kennetha Watts | 07/30/2014 at 01:38 PM
You guys look beautiful and what a great day for everyone. Rita shared. It is fun to see such joy. Hope to visit next year in August.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Poore Brown | 07/30/2014 at 12:04 PM