This wedding was a long time coming and there were times I thought it would not happen at all. Ron met Loretta D'Angelo when he worked, for 6 years, in Perth Australia. They became engaged after he returned to the US and that was followed by the very long and frustrating process of acquiring a 'Green Card' for her.
(sitting--Ron, Loretta, Albert; standing--me, John and Lily)
Due to some very generous friends of Ron's, we had the use of a four bedroom house in the center of Santa Barbara for the week, and we used the opportunity for two families to become better acquainted.
Staying in the house: Albert--Loretta's very Italian dad. He is having to say 'goodbye' to Loretta, a daughter who has lived with him (and his departed wife) for all of Loretta's life. But I am sure Albert will make many trips to the US to visit her.
Also staying there-- me, Aunt Jo, and Ron's sister, Janice.
Staying at the hotel but spending lots of time with us: Loretta's brother, John, his wife, Lily, and Loretta's niece and maid-of-honor, Vanessa--all Italians from Perth.
Warning: The exuberance of a family of Italians who all talk at once, and often accentuate the conversations with lots of waving hand movements, can lead to very lively get togethers. (Of course, I am very quiet, shy and subdued) Above, Janice and Albert hide out in the back yard patio where it is somewhat quieter.
(Christine)
Ron and Janice's sibling, Christine, drove up from San Diego for the wedding along with her son, Raymond....
(Vanessa and Christine)
There were hours of primping.
Sister, Jo, did not need a lot of primping...
and who would have believed that Ron knew how to knot a tie?
A makeup artist wielded her magic with Loretta...
...and again with Vanessa.
We all oohed and aahed over the dress.
Friend Paul would drive the bride and her father to the chapel. Best man, Joe, would make sure Ron didn't get cold feet.
Friends and family began arriving for the ceremony.
(King of Spain)
(King of Spain)
The location for the ceremony was El Presidio de Santa Barbara, State Historic Park. The restored buildings from the fort that was built by the Spanish in 1785 include a lovely and very intimate chapel.
(Robin and Ron)
Ron was very relaxed and was clearly enjoying this day as he greeted friends and family.
Father Jeremy Bellamy would be officiating the service.
Ron with sisters, Christine and Janice
Father Bellamy had to remind us all to take our places. It was time!
Anticipation...
and the procession begins with Maid of Honor, Vanessa....
followed by the most adorable flower girl ever, Luna Morancey.
To be continued....
No comments:
Post a Comment