Day 5 Sat (cont.)

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.