Crystal's Wedding

As of Saturday afternoon, Crystal is now Mrs. John Cardoni. They had a very nice wedding. John’s family is very musical and his mom played the bridal processional and recessional on the piano, quite beautifully, I might add. A friend of the groom played classical guitar selections for preludes and postludes. A female vocalist (may have been an Aunt of John’s?) sang a beautiful rendition of the Ave Maria. There were six bridesmaids all dressed in floor-length gowns of deep crimson, with spaghetti straps and long flowing skirts. They each carried a small bouquet of white roses. Crystal’s bouquet was of red roses. Her gown was strapless, with a full skirt, a light veil and long train – lots of lace and pearl embroidery. She walked down the aisle alone and John met her halfway. The groom and the six groomsmen were all in black tuxes, very simple but elegant.
The reception hall was a small building on the shore of a pretty lake. Pictures of John & Crystal from childhood through courtship were set up in various places all around the room. Everything was themed Italian: each table was named after an Italian city (we were seated in Sienna). The centerpiece was a wine bottle with flowers, surrounded by six small candles and a scattering of Hershey’s kisses. There was a cash bar, and a nice Parmesan chicken with bowtie pasta for supper. Dancing was to music provided by a DJ. We stayed for a few dances and Jack screwed up his courage and managed to dance with several of the bridesmaids and even had two of them at once at one point! Unfortunately, I was out of film by then!
Crystal & John looked very happy. No we have TWO wedding anniversaries to celebrate in September, instead of all that sad stuff!

Other news: Mick left his construction job in Minnesota and is renting a house in Oakland. He doesn’t look well and is going to see a doctor this week. Keep him in your thoughts & prayers.