The Big Day - Ryan & Christina's Wedding

Friday March 7th, 2014

Well, today is the big day.  Ryan, our youngest son is getting married.  Our baby is no longer our baby!!!

We started off having breakfast at Denny's.  Ryan joined Brenda, Bryan & I as we had a relaxing breakfast.  He was very calm outwardly but I know a little nervous as well.  It was good to have this time with him before the day started to get crazy.

Ryan took me to his house and I briefly met Christina's family before I had to head out to the hairdresser.

Christina was running late as her makeup was taking longer than she expected so Jessica at Salon DeVille started my hair.  We cut quite a lot off and took it off my face and in braids.  My gray/silver is really growing out and takes some getting used to but I was pleased with the finished product.  Christina turned up and Jessica did her hair.  Jessica had also made Christina's headdress, she is a very talented lady.

After our hair was finished we headed back to the house and Ryan took me to the hotel so I could get ready.

We headed out to pick up Patrick and get to the San Diego Downtown Recorder's Office where the wedding was to be held.  We ended up arriving there an hour early but I was glad we didn't have to rush.  We were uncertain about the parking as there was construction going on and so had left early.

Brenda & I waited outside by the arbor where the wedding was to take place while Bryan & Patrick went into the offices to complete paperwork.  After a long wait, everyone came down from the office

and the wedding could begin. Here is a VIDEO of the wedding but there was construction going on in the background and so the sound is not very good.

Saying their vows

My favorite picture

Bryan & Sue

Dad congratulating son

Aahh

The Navy pose

So Happy

The wedding party

I gave Christina a lucky horseshoe which had been given to Bryan and I on our wedding day.  It is a British tradition.  I added a ribbon that I had got for Ryan's Navy graduation showing his division number and name.  It made us both cry.

The boys having a breather after the ceremony

After the wedding, we headed back to their house for the reception.  We diverted on the way for a quick stop at the hotel to change clothes.  Cindy and Roger, parents of one of Christina's friends, who have known Christina for some time provided and setup the food.  Cindy  had made a fabulous spread which included Lasagne, Spaghetti, Ravioli, Salads and fruit.  There was something for everyone including vegetarian.  Yum, Yum!!

Ashley, Josh, Natalie, Larry and probably many others had decorated the back yard and setup tables for the reception.  It was a lovely day.  We sat at a table with Brenda, Patrick & Craig.  Ryan & Christina had their own head table.

Brenda, Patrick, Craig and Bryan enjoying the food

Christina and Ryan at their special table

Ryan being Ryan!!

Christina's sister Natalie made the cakes.  She had spent countless hours in the prior days making the individual flowers and leaves with a little help from her husband Larry.  She did a fantastic job and as well as looking good it tasted delicious as well.  Of course Toy Story characters were in evidence.  For those of you who don't know Christina is a Toy Story fanatic. If you are on Facebook, lookup Amazing Cakes & More.

There were speeches thanks to Natalie, Patrick,  and Christine (Christina's mom).  I was so emotional I couldn't speak and afterwards a little sad that I hadn't as we are so proud of both of them and delighted to have Christina as a daughter.  They opened their presents and cards.

Ashley, a friend who is like a sister to Christina, and Josh had bought them a picture frame, which Josh had rushed around to get a photo developed and colored sand to fill the frame surrounding the picture.  They did this together which was very special and a lovely idea.  I took another VIDEO of them filling the frame with the sand.

Ryan, Patrick & Craig having a good time.

We had our pictures taken with Ryan at the end of a long but wonderful day.

Christina gave me her wedding bouquet, which was lovely.  The lilies opened right up.

Bryan took the happy couple to their hotel to start their honeymoon.

Thanks to everyone, present and afar,  who contributed to making this day a memorable, unforgettable and happy day for Ryan, Christina, their families and friends.