Day 5 Wedding Day (continue)
The reception was given in the backyard of a friend in La Jolla, California. Brandon and Sophia had spent days cleaning up the backyard of over grown weeds and grass. They also trimmed this beautiful HUGE tree in the middle of the backyard which was PERFECT for the reception.
When we got to the house, the street was full of cars…and of course Brandon was waiting for US !! to arrive….sorry
They introduced the wedding party and finally the newlyweds. They looked so HAPPY !! Husband and Wife. They sat on the back porch while the rest of us looked up from the yard. It reminded me of all those middle age movies of the King and Queen watching over the festival. The tent all the way in the back of the yard also gave it this medieval festive look.
After everyone served themselves of some food and there were some speeches. Starting with the Best Man, Austin Suarez. He spoke of Brandon as being his leader and taking care of each other and now it will be up to Sophia to take care of his “bubba”….followed by the Bride’s maid of honor and Sophia’s brother and finally Steve the father of the bride (He gave a great speech….very glowing of the couple).
Then we played a trivia game set up by Bradley and Billy of MIT basketball team and frat brothers.
First they reassigned us to tables where there was one member from the Suarez family, one from the Harrison family, a frat brother and a gymnast….that was fun to meeting different people. Then we had 4 rounds of 6 questions. First it was Brandon, date of birth, summer jobs, pts scored in game, etc. Then Sophia, date of birth, bones broken, champion in what event, missionary work in what country, etc. Then questions about the two or them….Sophia’s answer when asked on first date (No !!), her first words when asked to marry, how Brandon got hurt with the two of them doing something, etc. And finally 6 pictures of the two of them flying, in front of bridge, playing basketball, etc. Aunt Susan from Boston table won with my table a close second. It was so much fun and we all learned so much about the bride and groom. Great job guys.
Then they cut the cake made by one of Sophia’s friends and the champagne started flowing.
Finally they broke down the back porch into a dance floor and the bride and groom danced their first dance as husband and wife. You could tell they had had dancing lessons and had practiced this song.
Then father and bride danced. And mother and groom danced. Then they open up the dance floor. We had a blast with Paul Hamm leading the way. The DJ did a nice job of mixing it up and keeping the dance floor going. Even Uncle Mel did a few dance and Uncle Charlie danced with Cristina Zakis.
Brandon requested our family favorite “We Are Family” and the Suarez family welcomed Sophia into our little circle (one of the highlights of the weekend for me).
Then the new couple left to get their picture taken at sunset by the Pacific Ocean.
What a perfect day.
Brandon and Sophia
The Wedding
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Day 5 Sat Wedding Day
Day 5 Wedding Day
Sat. Aug 20, 2011
We were surprised by Brandon’s presence at 8 am breakfast. The Suarez family was there since we were still on Eastern time. Father John also joined us.
Sophia and the bridesmaid were at the church at 8 am and Brandon and the groomsmen were there at 9 am.
I loaded up the van at 11 am…but where was Fr. John ? He came down at 11:15 saying that the maid had thrown away his father’s collar….lol
We got to the church at 11:30 as instructed by the mother of the groom. The wedding scheduled for 12 noon. B&S friend from Boston and husband of the photographer was playing the piano. The view of the window behind the alter was just breathtaking. Like one of the brothers said, it was a natural mural.
Matt (Sophia’s brother) escorted his mother to her seat and Austin escorted Kathy to her seat. I was seated next to Kathy with Margy, Xavier and Cristina next to us…Mel, Susan and Charlie and the Hammies a row behind us. The 10 or 12 MIT guys all sat together.
Then it happened Brandon and Austin came out with the minister and Fr. John, and I started to cry.
The bridesmaid were escorted up by the groomsman and then Sophia with her father, Steve. She was just radiant. The sun from the window behind the alter just lit up the church. What a beautiful bride !! and the red flowers she was carrying just brought out the red in her cheeks.
It was a beautiful service and Fr. John gave a wonderful sermon. You could tell that Brandon and Sophia were in love. They moved around the alter as one. I especially liked the sign of peace when everyone kissed….the bride and groom making their way to the wedding parties. I went back and gave the MIT guys a thumbs up. We did it !!
Everyone cheered and clapped as the newlyweds went down the aisle beaming with happiness.
They decided to have a receiving line outside the church and we greeted many people. Some from Sophia’s lab where she works at and some from Brandon’s job in San Diego. And finally all the pictures by the alter.
Load up the van again and off to the reception….oops have to go by the hotel for some people to change into cooler clothes.
Sat. Aug 20, 2011
We were surprised by Brandon’s presence at 8 am breakfast. The Suarez family was there since we were still on Eastern time. Father John also joined us.
Sophia and the bridesmaid were at the church at 8 am and Brandon and the groomsmen were there at 9 am.
I loaded up the van at 11 am…but where was Fr. John ? He came down at 11:15 saying that the maid had thrown away his father’s collar….lol
We got to the church at 11:30 as instructed by the mother of the groom. The wedding scheduled for 12 noon. B&S friend from Boston and husband of the photographer was playing the piano. The view of the window behind the alter was just breathtaking. Like one of the brothers said, it was a natural mural.
Matt (Sophia’s brother) escorted his mother to her seat and Austin escorted Kathy to her seat. I was seated next to Kathy with Margy, Xavier and Cristina next to us…Mel, Susan and Charlie and the Hammies a row behind us. The 10 or 12 MIT guys all sat together.
Then it happened Brandon and Austin came out with the minister and Fr. John, and I started to cry.
The bridesmaid were escorted up by the groomsman and then Sophia with her father, Steve. She was just radiant. The sun from the window behind the alter just lit up the church. What a beautiful bride !! and the red flowers she was carrying just brought out the red in her cheeks.
It was a beautiful service and Fr. John gave a wonderful sermon. You could tell that Brandon and Sophia were in love. They moved around the alter as one. I especially liked the sign of peace when everyone kissed….the bride and groom making their way to the wedding parties. I went back and gave the MIT guys a thumbs up. We did it !!
Everyone cheered and clapped as the newlyweds went down the aisle beaming with happiness.
They decided to have a receiving line outside the church and we greeted many people. Some from Sophia’s lab where she works at and some from Brandon’s job in San Diego. And finally all the pictures by the alter.
Load up the van again and off to the reception….oops have to go by the hotel for some people to change into cooler clothes.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Day 4 Friday
Day 4 Friday
It started with the traditional Suarez basketball game the day before the wedding. Like Brandon had written on his website, “my Dad will be there with a ball”. Yes, I was !! Then Mel appeared and I was so glad to see Brandon and Austin. MY BOYS !!! and finally the Hammies…
We played a little 3 on 3 and this old man hit a few threes. Of course I had Austin and Brandon on my team, so that always helps.
Then the MIT guys appeared. I had to make teams quickly….i gave them Billy (6’9” plays professionally in Costa Rica) and we took Bradley (MIT’s point guard). I also took 6’7” Tommy (MIT football player…about 300 lbs). We won 3 out of 5 games with Bradley hitting the winning three.
Then Sophia (the bride) showed up and the MIT guys all gave her a sweaty hug. It was cute.
Then I had to run with Kathy to pick up Charlie (from NJ), Cristina (Atlanta), Margy (Seattle) and Father John from Boston. It was fun piling them all into the mini-van with all their luggage.
As we drove into LaJolla, I drove along the water and let them out to see the coves and sea lions and surfers, etc…..they were all thrilled.
Friday nite was the rehearsal at the church…the “hitler” at the church took over…actually these poor woman are usually volunteers and no one pays attention during rehearsals….lol…..
Then we drove up to the Cross where B&S got engaged…again Cristina, Charlie, Kathy, Father John all piled out to see the wonderful view of La Jolla and San Diego in the distance…you can also see the mountains to the east.
Brandon had found this Mexican place for the dinner. We had about 50 people there. It was pork and black beans and rice. The usual. After about an hour, I stood up (as the father of the groom) and welcomed everyone there. Special thanks to all those that traveled from the East coast. Then I began the roasting of Brandon and Sophia. I told the famous dog story and Austin followed with the Salsa dancing story from Cuba. The MIT guys told some great stories and we also heard from Sophia’s friends.
Then Karen Harrison (the mother of the bride) showed the slideshow of the B&S growing up. There was not a dry eye in the room (at least not at our table).
Xavier came in late from the airport and Jimmy (the MIT superstar) from Denver. We were NOW complete !!
It started with the traditional Suarez basketball game the day before the wedding. Like Brandon had written on his website, “my Dad will be there with a ball”. Yes, I was !! Then Mel appeared and I was so glad to see Brandon and Austin. MY BOYS !!! and finally the Hammies…
We played a little 3 on 3 and this old man hit a few threes. Of course I had Austin and Brandon on my team, so that always helps.
Then the MIT guys appeared. I had to make teams quickly….i gave them Billy (6’9” plays professionally in Costa Rica) and we took Bradley (MIT’s point guard). I also took 6’7” Tommy (MIT football player…about 300 lbs). We won 3 out of 5 games with Bradley hitting the winning three.
Then Sophia (the bride) showed up and the MIT guys all gave her a sweaty hug. It was cute.
Then I had to run with Kathy to pick up Charlie (from NJ), Cristina (Atlanta), Margy (Seattle) and Father John from Boston. It was fun piling them all into the mini-van with all their luggage.
As we drove into LaJolla, I drove along the water and let them out to see the coves and sea lions and surfers, etc…..they were all thrilled.
Friday nite was the rehearsal at the church…the “hitler” at the church took over…actually these poor woman are usually volunteers and no one pays attention during rehearsals….lol…..
Then we drove up to the Cross where B&S got engaged…again Cristina, Charlie, Kathy, Father John all piled out to see the wonderful view of La Jolla and San Diego in the distance…you can also see the mountains to the east.
Brandon had found this Mexican place for the dinner. We had about 50 people there. It was pork and black beans and rice. The usual. After about an hour, I stood up (as the father of the groom) and welcomed everyone there. Special thanks to all those that traveled from the East coast. Then I began the roasting of Brandon and Sophia. I told the famous dog story and Austin followed with the Salsa dancing story from Cuba. The MIT guys told some great stories and we also heard from Sophia’s friends.
Then Karen Harrison (the mother of the bride) showed the slideshow of the B&S growing up. There was not a dry eye in the room (at least not at our table).
Xavier came in late from the airport and Jimmy (the MIT superstar) from Denver. We were NOW complete !!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Day 3 Thursday
Day 3 Thursday
Thursday everyone was sleeping in (I wonder why) and Kathy and I went to visit San Diego Zoo and the park around it called Balboa…it has 11 museums and 8 gardens…while Kathy took pictures at the Rose Garden and the desert garden, etc…I read a book in the car…afterwards we went to Caradona Island (across the Bay from San Diego)…it is mainly a naval military base for the carriers…
That night there were about 10 MIT guys in town and by the time we caught up to them, they were sitting around the tables by the hotel pool side smoking Cohiboes and telling Brandon stories….the hotel manager finally came out at 9 pm and kicked us out…she said it was illegal to smoke on property, illegal to have a KEG…and we were way too loud and hotel guest were all complaining….LOL
Some of the guys wanted to rent a Limo for $500, but Austin convinced them to let me drive them to the Pacific Beach where all the bars are and college kids hang out…
We loaded up the mini-van with about 10 guys and Mel took another 4 guys in his car…the guys got all excited because there was a search light at the main bar…and the streets were full of college girls heading towards the bars…the guys all piled out and formed a circle around Brandon while they sang some Frat song…Austin was in heaven….
Thursday everyone was sleeping in (I wonder why) and Kathy and I went to visit San Diego Zoo and the park around it called Balboa…it has 11 museums and 8 gardens…while Kathy took pictures at the Rose Garden and the desert garden, etc…I read a book in the car…afterwards we went to Caradona Island (across the Bay from San Diego)…it is mainly a naval military base for the carriers…
That night there were about 10 MIT guys in town and by the time we caught up to them, they were sitting around the tables by the hotel pool side smoking Cohiboes and telling Brandon stories….the hotel manager finally came out at 9 pm and kicked us out…she said it was illegal to smoke on property, illegal to have a KEG…and we were way too loud and hotel guest were all complaining….LOL
Some of the guys wanted to rent a Limo for $500, but Austin convinced them to let me drive them to the Pacific Beach where all the bars are and college kids hang out…
We loaded up the mini-van with about 10 guys and Mel took another 4 guys in his car…the guys got all excited because there was a search light at the main bar…and the streets were full of college girls heading towards the bars…the guys all piled out and formed a circle around Brandon while they sang some Frat song…Austin was in heaven….
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Day 2 Wed.
Day 2 Wed
We woke up early to pick up Brandon for the tour of his work place where they build the Predator (un-man flying machine used in Iraq and Afghanistan)….it was so cool…we had to leave all cell phones at the door…we saw the assembly line for the Predator…they build 2 per month and it was so cool to see all the different stages of completion….Brandon gave us a step by step analysis of each compontents…
Then we ran some errands for the wedding and saw Sophia’s apartment where they will be living…real cool with a A frame ceiling….and their new California bed…Austin went with Brandon as they ran more errands (picking up people at the airport) while I took a nap and Kathy explored La Jolla.
While picking up some more MIT people at the airport, I get a call from Austin that they need the car to carry something heavy they bought (a KEG)…10 mins later he called and said don’t worry, they have solved the problem…the “borrowed” a shopping cart….by the time we got back to the hotel, they were on the third floor balcony drinking beers….the hotel sign said 4 people max…I counted about 8 guys…lol
Wed. nite started the partying as some of the MIT guys were flying in…Kathy and I went up the coast looking for a nice restaurant to eat…we also saw some surfers out in the Pacific Ocean and the sunset.
We woke up early to pick up Brandon for the tour of his work place where they build the Predator (un-man flying machine used in Iraq and Afghanistan)….it was so cool…we had to leave all cell phones at the door…we saw the assembly line for the Predator…they build 2 per month and it was so cool to see all the different stages of completion….Brandon gave us a step by step analysis of each compontents…
Then we ran some errands for the wedding and saw Sophia’s apartment where they will be living…real cool with a A frame ceiling….and their new California bed…Austin went with Brandon as they ran more errands (picking up people at the airport) while I took a nap and Kathy explored La Jolla.
While picking up some more MIT people at the airport, I get a call from Austin that they need the car to carry something heavy they bought (a KEG)…10 mins later he called and said don’t worry, they have solved the problem…the “borrowed” a shopping cart….by the time we got back to the hotel, they were on the third floor balcony drinking beers….the hotel sign said 4 people max…I counted about 8 guys…lol
Wed. nite started the partying as some of the MIT guys were flying in…Kathy and I went up the coast looking for a nice restaurant to eat…we also saw some surfers out in the Pacific Ocean and the sunset.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Day 1 Tues.
Brandon and Sophia’s Wedding
Aug. 20, 2011
La Jolla, California
Day 1 Tues.
We flew from Tampa to Houston and then to San Diego. At Houston Continental overbooked the flight and 30 people got bumped (we were lucky)….they started offering $300 to people to take a later flight…then $400…and finally $500….Austin almost jumped at the money (I was thinking 3 X $500 = $1,500) but it would have put us in a bind for the car rental and hotel rental etc.
They tell us that San Diego Airport is in the Top 10 worst airports to land…something about a 6% descent as oppose to the usually 3% at most airports (Brandon later told us, you have to get a special license to land at San Diego)….great !! Apparently there is a mountain (they call it a “hill”) right in the runways path.
We drive to La Jolla (about 15 mins north of San Diego)….it is true, it is beautiful and about 65 degrees with the rest of the country at 100 !! degrees (Houston was 105)
La Jolla is a nice little sea town with cute shops…we meet Brandon and Sophia for a late burger…and since it is 10 pm pacific time, it is 1 am eastern time…we go to bed.
Aug. 20, 2011
La Jolla, California
Day 1 Tues.
We flew from Tampa to Houston and then to San Diego. At Houston Continental overbooked the flight and 30 people got bumped (we were lucky)….they started offering $300 to people to take a later flight…then $400…and finally $500….Austin almost jumped at the money (I was thinking 3 X $500 = $1,500) but it would have put us in a bind for the car rental and hotel rental etc.
They tell us that San Diego Airport is in the Top 10 worst airports to land…something about a 6% descent as oppose to the usually 3% at most airports (Brandon later told us, you have to get a special license to land at San Diego)….great !! Apparently there is a mountain (they call it a “hill”) right in the runways path.
We drive to La Jolla (about 15 mins north of San Diego)….it is true, it is beautiful and about 65 degrees with the rest of the country at 100 !! degrees (Houston was 105)
La Jolla is a nice little sea town with cute shops…we meet Brandon and Sophia for a late burger…and since it is 10 pm pacific time, it is 1 am eastern time…we go to bed.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
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