Traditions

 The Cabrera wedding had several traditions incorporated in.  One of them was the lasso.  There were two cords which were connected together to become one cord.  It is symbolic of how their love binds them together.  The beautiful lasso was placed over both Stephanie and Jose and they said their vows linked together.  The couple is prayed for while linked together and the belief is that they will continue to pray together throughout their marriage.  If you click on the picture you can see the crystal lasso.  It glittered in the lights at the ceremony.  It was really beautiful.

After the walk back down the isle after the ceremony,

another of the traditions was explained to us.

 This is a decorated box of coins.

Braydon was interested in this tradition as much as we were.

His grandma was showing him the box of coins and explaining the traditions to us.  In this Hispanic tradition the Priest blesses the coins in the ceremony and the groom gives the coins to the bride as he pledges to care for her and their home and family.  The bride receives them and commits to help her husband and use the gifts and things they have to care for their family and others in need.

Braydon seemed to like the coins.  Dont you think?

 "I think I will buy me some matchbox cars with that money."
"No, maybe a big truck!"
"No, no, candy, yes candy.  I can get some candy with that money!"

Mawmaw with her great grandson.  We wish visiting with them could be a yearly tradition...

Mickey was so happy to be able to be at their wedding.  Here he is with his beautiful daughter and her new husband.

Here he is with his handsome, tall son.  We love these guys.

One more of this handsome little guy.  Just look at him...  He reminds me a lot of Josh at this age.  Believe it or not he had those round cheeks and that hair.

I love this picture.  Look at those girls faces looking at my sweet husband.  Can you tell we love him in this family?

After the ceremony we headed back to the hotel for an hour or two before the after party also known as the reception.  Which was great with Ryan who loved one more opportunity to punch the buttons in the hotel elevator.

We love you Steph

After my fun in the back with the bride for a bit I went to my seat to wait for it all to begin.  The music started which sounded amazing in that cathedral.  The grandparents were seated and then this...

He did such a good job.

His brother carried this pillow amazingly as well.  Seriously though, he is so little and he did perfect.

He walked down that isle and stood by his daddy and his brother and was sooo good.  So was his brother the whole time.  They did great.

And I was so glad I had my camera ready for this next shot.  The music changed a bit and all of the sudden this beautiful red head slowly began walking down that isle.  When little Braydon caught sight of her-- he leaned way over and saw his completely gorgeous mommy walking toward them.  He was mesmerized.  He kept his attention on her the whole way there.  It was precious to see.

The rest of us were looking at her with love in our eyes too.

As Steph reached the alter, they bowed.

Then she was handed off to her groom and they stepped up to the alter near the Priest.

When they did this, the neatest thing happened.  Well at least in my opinion.  Our sweet little nephew Ryan (all by himself) broke out in applause.  It was very fitting.  We should have all followed his lead.  Way to go Ryan.   And yes,  I was camera ready.

I havent been to many Catholic weddings.  This one was so beautiful.

I loved the music.

I loved the prayers.

I loved the communion.

I loved the Bible readings...  Uncle Todd was blessed with this honor.

I loved the faces of our loved ones watching on.

All the way to the kiss.

At some point in the ceremony the children went to sit with family on the front row.  So as the couple were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Cabrera and they started back down the isle, they made a little stop.

And this little guy was some happy about it.

We are so happy for our sweet Stephanie.  We pray that Stephanie, Jose, Grayson, and Brayden will be happy together all of their days.

May God bless this little family in a big way.

 We love you Steph!

Before the Ceremony

On Saturday September 20th we drove around the corner from our hotel to this cathedral.  It was beautiful.

Inside and out

When we got there,  Zach was dressed to a T!  Uncle Todd was helping him fix his tie here with mawmaw and his dad  looking proudly on.

 It was so good to see our handsome sweet nephew Zach and spend time with him.

Stephanie hadn't made it to the church yet but her little Brayden was there.

Pretty soon though she walked through that door.  It was so good to see her and give her a hug.  Brayden got in on the hugging too.

I followed her back to the room where she was getting ready and hung out with her for a while.  So thankful to be able to do that.

 Her hair was so pretty.

Her veil was so pretty.

Her dress was- well- "so pretty" is certainly not adequate to describe it.  It was gorgeous.  I am normally not a fan of an off off white gown.  More of a traditional white speaks to me.  But this dress color was more than perfect for Stephanie.  It was the perfect compliment to her hair and coloring.

Her mom and cousin were being helpful.

 She and her cousin look so much alike.

 I just LOVE this picture of Stephanie and I .  She looks gorgeous.  I love her.

 A big THANK YOU to my sweet sweetheart who drove us ALL THE WAY to Corpus Christi and back for this wedding.  He is AWESOME!

 His smile says it all.  Thats how all of us felt about being able to attend this wedding.

Ceremony blog next!