Maureen and Earl's Wedding

Yesterday, Saturday, June 9th, was a beautiful, bright sunny day here in Grand Cayman.  Yes, it was really bright and sunny and very, very hot!  Our good friend, Maureen and her fiance's wedding was planned for this day.  When they had practice on Friday afternoon, the sun was shining and beating down so brightly that plans were made not to have the ceremony out on the deck at the Grand Old House, but under the large canopy area instead in the direct sun.  When we got there everything was set up and so beautiful.   

It is the tradition of which most brides follow through with that they come at least 30 minutes late for the ceremony to make the groom think they aren't going to show up.  I kept looking at my watch and thinking why isn't this starting at 4:30 like it was supposed to.  The thought never occurred to me that

Maureen wasn't even there yet!  The heat under that canopy seemed to continue to rise.  It was very, very hot!  Some of the waiters from the restaurant were coming around serving glasses of ice water.  By now, the sun was "very" slowly going down and began to shine on me!  Oh, no!

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The tables so beautifully set and decorated for the reception 

Finally, about 5:15 Dennis, the groom~to~be and his groomsmen came down the isle and took their positions at the front center of where the chairs were arranged for the Guests!

Then came the bridesmaids ~the bride's oldest daughter ~ Mennen~

and then ~ Kidan ~ she made her Mother's wedding gown along with her and her sister's bridesmaids dresses! What talent!!

The bride's nieces ~ Emily and Abbey ~ were the flower girls

The girls side of the bridal party

Maureen's brother, Peter, gave her away since both of her parents are no longer living

I love this picture of the two of them looking at each other as he's giving her away!

The lady in green is one of the bride's sister's who flew in for the wedding

Exchanging vows

Dennis had Peter hold the microphone for him as he was having to turn pages in his notebook.

After the bride and groom say their vows they go to a little table to sign their marriage register. 

The daughter's and son~in~law sang while they were signing the marriage register.

Waiting while they finishing the song

The bridal kiss

The following are just some pictures I snapped the rest of the evening.

The centerpiece on the bridal table with orange fans that had the bridal couple's names along with their wedding date.  What a neat idea!

I walked out on the deck to watch the Sea for a little bit.  When I looked down into the coral in front of me I saw this little water fall.  When the waves came in the water would trickle out of the little pool into a bigger one.  So pretty

A view of the coastline

I saw this handsome man there!  I've seen him somewhere before!!

Dennis and I with the newlyweds

I love the expression on their faces on the two next pictures :o)

So pretty (the girls anyway:o)

With her brother who gave her away

By the Sea side

The girls

What a beautiful couple who had a beautiful wedding!

Finally, the sun began to set and the temps starting going down!!  What an awesome place for a wedding!!  Our 35th anniversary is coming up in a little over a week.  Maybe we should plan a big party there for our occasion.  Anyone want to come join us?

The bridal table

Now we're ready to start with the reception

After they sat down, the waiters/waitresses came around and took our order.  Here were our choices:

Appetizer

Avocado Mango-Pistachio Salad

Cayman Wahoo Fritters

Lobster Bisque

Main Course

Smoked Lightly Jerk Spiced Pork Chops w/

Mashed potatoes, plantains, grilled seasonal veggies or

Crispy Skinned Red Snapper w/

Roasted sweet potato, mango pineapple salsa, chipotle pepper sauce or

Coconut Chicken Breast w/

Stir fried callaloo, gralic mashed potatoes, white wine sauce

It was rather amazing as Dennis and I both opted for the same things:

Cayman Wahoo Fritters and the Coconut Chicken Breast

Everything was delicious!!

Oh, my, did they ever have the opportunites to kiss as there was much clanging on the glassware.  They didn't seem to mind :o)

Do you see the sun sinking into the Sea to the left of the palm tree and right above the fence?  It was about gone.  So pretty!

They open the floor for anyone to go up and congratulate or say anything to the bride and groom.  This was the bride's oldest daughter.

The cake was beautiful and very, very yummy! It was Vanilla Sponge with Fresh Strawberries and Bailey's Butter Cream!! 

One of the bride's sisters

Her gown was amazing!!  And to think her daughter made it!!

Cutting the cake

Two of the waitresses carrying the cake back to the kitchen to cut it

My dinner

(I forgot to take a picture of the cake)

Here Earl and Maureen were giving their "response" or thanks/comments to everyone! 

What a sweet couple and a beautiful day to share with them!!  We wish you both the best!!