Everyone loves a wedding!

Iris and Alejandro are like a fairy tale, except not in the traditional way. In a way that makes you realize how powerful our God is, how only the Holy Spirit can truly change lives and how there is nothing more beautiful than a couple dedicated to Christ first and foremost.

The civil wedding

 Iris has two children, Camilla and Diego,  from a previous marriage and their father died in a tragic accident several years ago.  Alejandro came into the picture soon afterward. At this point neither of them were believers but in time both of them committed their lives to Christ. They allowed God to them and then their relationship. In time they decided to honor God with their relationship and to get married.  I say all of this because knowing them, even for just a short time, and their story makes their wedding day an incredible testament to the healing and changing power of God.

I'm helping, I really am!

Decorating the church, we curled so much ribbon!

The groom, left, and his brother, right

 The wedding was supposed to start at 1 pm. It is fairly typical for wedding to start a few minutes late, things happen. The bride needs a moment, or something isn't quite ready or whatever.  Well in very Mexican fashion it started late, 20 minutes late. Why?  The rings hadn't arrived yet.

I was playing pre-service music and so I just continued to play until it was time.  At some point it was rather funny because I had already played through all of music. It was a joy to play for them though. I didn't this when I offered my services but Alejandro told  Jonathan that one of his dreams for their wedding was to have a violinist. Amazing how God brought it all together.

Part of the tradition in Mexico is there are 4 different symbols which are presented to the bride and groom throughout the ceremony. Usually 4 different people, or couples buy the 4 symbols and bring them to be used during the ceremony. In addition to the rings, a Bible, lasso, and coins are also given.

Waiting for the service

Who would have thought that I'd be playing at a wedding this summer?!

Iris and her son, Diego giving her away

The traditional Mexican lazo

Alejandro, making his vows to the kids

 I have to share the best part of the wedding: Alejandro's vows to Camilla and Diego.  After Iris and Alej exchanged vows and rings he brought the children to the front and promised that although he could never replace their father that he would be everything a father should be.

It was easily the most meaningful and beautiful moment I've ever seen at a wedding. There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

Real carnitas being made outside the church

After the ceremony, everyone exited and we took down the chairs and within about 10 minutes the church sanctuary was transformed in a reception hall. And then the party began! There were carnitas, made out back of the church.

 

The happy couple!

The even happier family!

I tried to catch the bouquet, I really did

The groom, bride and musicians.

In many ways it was a very non-traditional wedding, very casual but lovely all the same. It was such a great joy to be apart of it and it see two wonderful people unite themselves forever, before God.            Honestly, the pictures say so much more than I every could, so I'll let them do the talking.