Ellen and Gerardo were married in a civil ceremony last December with no fanfare. But, they also wanted to make their vows to each other in the presence of their families. So, they arranged a "wedding" for Sunday June 6, 2010 in Raleigh which was technically a renewal of vows. During this year of 2010, they plan to share their joy with their families who are scattered across the Americas by going to where they are. Gerardo is from Venezuela and Ellen is from Boston.They like to say they met in the middle between Boston and Caracas. They scouted out shady places in the lovely J.C. Raulston Arboretum and located a wonderful spot under a canopy of two huge oak trees, one a Japanese Blue Oak with larger leaves and the other an Urbane Oak with smaller leaves. The ground was a thick carpet of oak leaves. A cathedral in the trees.
Ellen's sister, Anne, was her Matron of Honor, and Gerardo's eldest son, Luis, was his best man.
Their families gathered around us for this special occasion.Ellen and Gerardo had written special words thanking each one of them for being there.
Anne presented a reading with some humor.
Luis, on the right, with his wife, Megan, in the middle, were joined by Emma, from Ellen's side of the family, to sing a song for the couple.
They wrote their own vows to each other and read them from my book.
The rings..........
The kiss...........
The happy couple........
Ellen's older brother, Kevin, surprised us with two songs, one in memory of their father taught to him by his father, and the other for the couple. They are an Irish family and he sang with the Irish accent. He was really good! We all enjoyed this treat.
Out in the sun, everyone gathered for a group photo which I took with Gerardo's camera. This one Marty took with mine. They were off to Chef Mario's for a private luncheon with Ellen and Gerardo, then to their home for more visiting. It was a wonderful day they planned.
Ellen and Gerardo, I am so happy for you that you found each other! You were meant to be together. May all your dreams come true, and if they don't may new dreams arise............
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