Amanda's Wedding

My niece Amanda was married Saturday, September 29. She and her mother Tracy worked on the wedding plans and details for almost ten months and it showed. The wedding venue was beautiful and there were many tiny details that made the entire event wonderful.

This is Amanda on her way to the area for photos before the wedding ceremony.

Amanda's dad fixes her train. The young woman to the right is Shannon, the maid of honor and Amanda's friend for many years. Shannon is married to Jeremy's brother. (Jeremy is the groom).

Various family members wait until the photographer needs them.

This is the seating area with the altar at the left of the picture. Tracy planned for rain and rented canopies and tents. Good thing because it rained off and on during the day, but Amanda didn't mind. She was too happy to be bothered by rain.

The Altar

Amanda wanted to include her Japanese heritage in the wedding and the Taiko drummers provided the music before the ceremony.

Jeremy is at the altar waiting for the candles to be lit, waiting for Amanda to appear at the top of the aisle.

And they walk hand in hand as husband and wife.

This is just one of the multiple trees displaying Japanese lanterns.

The main reception area was in the pagoda. This was in the center. One of Amanda's friends made 1000 origami cranes as a Japanese gesture of best wishes and congratulations. This is how Amanda displayed the gift.

The wedding cake

The dance with her dad.

Amanda and Jeremy are now on their honeymoon; a cruise from California to Mexico and Amanda celebrates her birthday during the cruise.

I did not wear a dress to the wedding, but did replace my jeans and t-shirt by wearing dressy slacks and top. I even wore makeup and nail polish and instead of my usual crocs or sneakers I put on dress shoes.

My niece is now married. I cried when my brother stood at the altar with her giving his daughter to the care of Jeremy. I remember Amanda as a six year old living next door to an elderly couple named Wilson and her happiness with Mrs. Wilson having fresh baked cookies. Much like the Dennis the Menace comic strip. And now Amanda is married and may have children who are blessed with a Mrs. Wilson next door neighbor baking cookies.