It finally happened

July 14, 2007 my *little* brother and his girlfriend became Mr. and Mrs. my *little* brother. The ceremony was beautiful as they were surrounded by their family and friends who witnessed their vows. Well, surrounded by most of their family anyway; a 15 month-old, who shall remain nameless, decided to practice his opera audition just prior to the start of the nuptials and, in turn, joined his Daddy a floor below to wait for the instant replay.

Back upstairs, the nieces (and the non-screeching nephew) presented themselves for picture taking.

But, you didn't read this far to see pictures of all those people...The two that you stopped by to see are right here, looking charming as ever.

The picture just does not do the two of them justice. They both looked wonderful and so very happy. The wedding reception continued until late into the evening and was attended by a small group of family and friends. My aunts and uncles and some of my cousins made the drive North from CT and NJ to share in their day. It was a great chance for us to see them, some of them for the first time in over a year. It was also a treat to meet the friend (and blog reader) of my newly-minted sister-in-law and her husband. It's a funny thing to meet someone for the first time who already knows your family's quirks and the cast of characters just from regular blog reading. Before the ceremony was over, each of the fathers of the bride and groom offered their best wishes with a blessing and a toast. My dad read a beautiful Irish wedding blessing, which I'd never heard before and I'll leave you with today:

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace. May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase. May the saddest day of your future Be no worse than the happiest day of your past. May your hands be forever clasped in friendship And your hearts joined forever in love. Your lives are very special, God has touched you in many ways. May his blessings rest upon you And fill all your coming days.