Christine and Evan's Wedding

Christine and Evan's wedding was last night at the Renaissance Hotel downtown. It was a little complicated finding the entrance, the right rooms because it is an old hotel linked with at least another building that has been renovated to form a large complex. Click here for more information. The wedding was held in one room on the 20th floor with the reception in another building (it was all connected via an under the street passageway) It was all very elegant. Sue and John out-did themselves. Steve said it was the most beautiful wedding he'd ever been to. The vocalists were the best I've ever heard. There was a bit of humor as they were leaving the ceremony---"At Last" was played in honor of 43 year-old Evan's long bachelorhood.

It was also an inter-faith wedding with a rabbi and a pastor. The rabbi told several funny stories about meeting the bride and groom. Christine originally contacted the rabbi about an inter-faith ceremony. The rabbi looked at her name. He had a member of his congregation with that last name, but was thoroughly confused as to why a nice Jewish girl would have the name "Christine". When Christine and Evan went to meet with the rabbi, he looked at Christine and Evan and continued to think she was Jewish with an odd name. I think he was pretty stunned to find out SHE wasn't Jewish.

The rabbi and pastor educated the guests with the significance of each part of the ceremony. The "program" also had notes with cultural and family history background. Both sets of parent stood in the Chuppah during the entire ceremony. Later, I talked with some of Evan's relatives. They said that it was optional to have the parents stand with the couple during the ceremony. They also thought the ceremony was a longer than they were used to. We laughed because we didn't think it was very long at all especially with the incorporation of both traditions (about 45 minutes)

I'm giving up on trying to match text with photos---it is more complicated than it should be. Most of you know the people pictured anyway and can figure out the significance of the photos. Bridesmaids included Paula's daughter Katie and Johnnie's 7 month pregnant wife. Johnnie and David were groomsmen with Shelley's son Michael the Junior Groomsman. Michael, John's brother, was also there from California with his wife. Brother Tom was home in Hawaii. He is newly widowed (within 3 days of his own father's death) with a 9 year-old son.

We didn't go to the rehearsal dinner, but Steve reported that it was very interesting---it was held at the A-B Brewery where they got their own personal tour! Needless to say, the A-B products were available at the rehearsal dinner and at the reception. The appetizers and food at the reception were all delicious. In lieu of guest favors a donation was made to Stray Rescue---what a great idea.

To Christine and Evan, we want to wish the very best!