Sunday, 7/7/19

This was the day for Lara and Annie's wedding celebration.

The venue was called El Venero and it was a little island of green in an ocean of brown. When we arrived and when we left, there were sprinklers going.

Here is the spot where the ceremony was to be held. To the left is a piece of artwork created by one of Lara and Annie's friends, Rachel.

Here is a picture of the artwork. This was the backdrop for the ceremony.

The ceremony was scheduled for noon and Meg kicked it off with a blessing.

Natalie, a bi-lingual mutual friend, served as the "MC".

We were wondering about the traditional "walking down the aisle" since Lara lost her dad a few years ago and no one had asked me to do anything. This was anything but traditional. While attention was focused on the center aisle, the sound technician cranked up "Americans" by Janelle Monae and Lara and Annie danced down opposite sides of the seats, meeting at center stage.

Here's Lara.

And here's Annie.

We did some testimonials. I did a testamonial but since I am putting this together, there is no picture of me. Phew.

Here it is (Natalie did most of the Spanish): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sYsapG3Az2_mKbCeWdgU_9LU6BSJ0zVxKf6tstmovkk/edit?usp=sharing

This is Maissa, Lara's mom.

Here are the newly-weds resting in the shade. (We were sitting in the sun.)

They did their vows. They told us they did not know what the other person had prepared. That is trust!

And then we were done!

It was beautiful, creative, festive and joyous. They created a ceremony that was uniquely theirs.

The reception was an orgy of food and drink as they usually are.

Here's one of the side tables.

Here's Connie at the cheese table.

This was the table for the main dishes but they weren't all out yet. They had veggie burgers by "Moving Mountains" (https://movingmountainsfoods.com/veggie-burger/). Lara and Annie said they got mixed reviews. They were a little too much like burgers for my taste.

And of course, a jamon carving station.

Then there were the toasts.

Here is Meg with her testimonial. I thought she did her own Spanish so I am not sure what Natalie is doing in this picture.

Here is Pedro with Natalie translating.

I seem to have missed Angel.

And here is Honora.

Here is the sister hug after the testimonial.

The woman in the red is the wedding planner. She was great. She apparently got something in her eye.

Here they are taking it all in.

And later, more comfortable.