III Mother of the Groom

In preparation for decorating the hall for the wedding reception Fr Peter was sent on a quest to find fake snow.  He traversed many blocks of shops in a really sketchy neighborhood, and was led  repeatedly down lonely alleyways and even into a strange attic, only to come up empty-handed each time.  He did not give up and eventually arrived triumphantly carrying a huge bag of tiny Styrofoam pellets, looking a bit like Santa with his beard and red sunburned face.

Anny had a wonderful idea of making a heart on the dance floor from real rose petals and the fake snow was placed around the heart.  The cake which was made by Ben's cousin, Lisa was really tasty and decorated quite spectacularly with real flowers. Lisa also captured some lovely photos.

As we were waiting for the wedding to begin I was introduced to Anny's cousins and their boyfriends, who greeted me in perfect English.  I answered them politely in my best Spanish, even complimenting (in Spanish) their English.  I was to find out later they live in Florida and do not speak any Spanish.

Fr. Peter and I were the choir since there were three Colombian priests serving.Victoria, Nic's wife, did a great job as best man switching the rings and such since Nicolas, because of issues having to do with his attempted renunciation of his Colombian citizenship, was unable to be there.

Anny had fractured her ankle a week before the wedding and was in a cast.  She sat serenely in a chair while Ben stood beside her.  When the time came for the couple to walk three times around the table with their hands tied together, the priest told Anny to just stay in the chair and let Ben walk by himself, but Ben had a different idea and carried her around three times.  This touching scene really made for a memorable wedding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ6I6mQLKlk&feature=youtu.be
Fr Mixael said in his sermon that in marriage the two people must take turns carrying each other and just as Ben carried Anny because of her injured ankle, she will need to carry him, at times, when he is weak.

Anny's relatives are all great salsa dancers and really put on a show on the dance floor.  Ben's cousin, Russell  made a touching toast welcoming Anny to the family.  Suzzy, Anny's sister, and Alethia, Ben's cousin were both resplendent in their lovely dresses.