“Don’t Blink”
I received a call from Jeannette one day and from that time on, I always looked forward to the next call. She has a giggle that brightens your day. She is the Mother of our April 2019 Bride however, her call was preceded a few weeks prior by a call from the sister of the bride, Jeannette Marie. She was the first to inquire for her sister Christina, who was very busy finishing her final year at UVA. Christina was experienced in planning from her own wedding but was now busy with three children including a newborn.
When Jeannette and her husband Angel traveled from Mississippi to meet, she was aware that it was my birthday week. Not even really knowing me yet, she brought me gifts! I now carry my “bling” pen with me to all of my meetings…it makes me smile.
Planning with this family was a joy. They were the epitome of what we encourage all of our couples and families…enjoy this time and “don’t blink”.
Christina and her sister Jeannette Marie were very different in the sense of planning their weddings. Jeannette Marie had quite an elaborate event. Though we were at Trump Grand Hall, Christina wanted to keep the tone fairly simple. She and Brian were very busy with school and careers in the medical field. However, meeting with them showed me their devotion to each other and to truly enjoying their wedding with family and friends.
I had the honor of joining them at their rehearsal dinner and was invited to sit next to the bride and groom. They were of course talking about their wedding day, but not so much about themselves. They were more interested in everyone involved and how they were doing with their part in the day. When it came to the children, they melted my heart. They took time to talk to me, taking an interest in my life and family. I want them to be my doctors someday for sure.
Their wedding day was perfect in every way. Brian was glowing as much as Christina….such happiness! Brian had written “Christina’s Love Song” performed by his brother and Best Man Chris. This was the first time Christina would hear the song as she walked the aisle with her Dad. In his witty style, Father Jim conducted an entertaining yet touching ceremony. Then announcing them as “Husband & Wife” their celebrations began!
The designs of Blue Ridge Florals added even more magic to the day. The views of the Grand Hall had the guests captivated as they took one picture after the next at cocktail hour. As we moved into the reception, I spoke to Jeannette who was beaming with pride and happiness. She leaves one tip for other Moms…bring a change of shoes!
As always, Harvest Moon Catering served a perfect and delectable dinner. Then came our favorite part…dessert! Unique to them, Christina and Brian decided against cake and created pie and cookie displays. The Pie Chest made their favorite flavors while a friend of the family made the best cookies ever (I think I was in a cookie coma).
The rest of the night was full of celebration with the help of Andy of Party Masters. The last song of the night was “Take Me Home Tonight” followed by a sparkler departure to The Albemarle Estate.
Congratulations Christina & Brian!
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Father Jim, Contemporary Catholics.org
Party Masters, DJ Andy Wilfong