My Sisters Wedding(2)

Saturday ~ Julia and I went running along Mission beach and we collected sea shells along the sea shore in the morning. The groomsmen had lunch @ Phil's BBQ at there new larger location, I had the Beef rib dinner w/ side of fries and cole slaw. Afterwards we headed back over the the men's warehouse to try on and pick up the corrected order, thankfully they had made all the right alterations and got Dean the correct shoe size. Jay(Deans Bro) best man and I went over to the Road Runner outlet to see what we could find before the photo shoot at 4 pm. I found some black Adidas climacool running pants for only $25, what a deal!

We then headed over to the wedding site to change and get ready. The weather was warm with a cool breeze at our backs. The photo shoot ran a little late as to be expected and the wedding ceremony started a little after 5 pm. I had the honor of escorting first my grandmother, second my mom, and third the groomsmen procession which took a little speed and endurance on my part. Pastor Ken officiated the wedding, I shared the scripture reading "Collossians 3:12-17".

After the ceremony we had family & friends pictures as well as wedding party photo's which included multiple pictures by the bay in various poses and action shots(jumping). There was a cocktail hour before the reception and the wedding party introduction at 7 pm. My father said a few words of congratulations & thanks to the guests and I gave the blessing for dinner. After dinner the bride and groom made there way to each table for congratulations. They had there slide show and the toasts from the maid of honor and the best man.

I made a Surprise toast to my sister which went a little something like this:

"I’ve been selected on behalf of the family to congratulate the both of you and to thank all of you for coming to this joyous occasion. I am truly blessed to have you Debra as my sister and acquire you, Dean as my new brother in-law.

I would like to share a few memories about growing up with Debra and how she has impacted my life. I remember when you were about 7 and I was 9 and Mom pulled me a side one day and told me that I had to set a good example for you because you looked up to me and was going to following whatever I was doing(From running around outside getting dirty, to playing in our neighborhood creek, and playing all the same sports).

As we grew older and moved on to high school my role changed, I was to be your protector beat up any bullies that messed with you, give you and your friends rides home from school, and to watch over you when mom & dad were not home.

Later as we both went to Chico State for college I wanted to nurture and encourage your Christian walk as well as help you along your first year. After you transferred to Long Beach I couldn't keep as good an eye on you as I wanted, but I knew you were ready to experience life on your own and didn’t need me anymore.

As your older brother, I’ve always tried to protect you and shield you from harm. Looking at you and (Dean) today, I’ve realized that you now have someone to take over that job for me and continue to . I am so proud of the woman you have grown to be and I’m so happy to share this day with you. To the new bride and groom. (Cheers)"

Luckily there weren't too many tears shed after that. The father daughter dance followed by the cake cutting. The bouquet and the garter toss.

The evening went on without a hitch and ended with dancing and smiles on every ones face. One of the highlights of the evening was watching my Aunt Nancy's father who is 91 yrs. old get up and dance with the beat of swing and big band melodies in his step with Janice(maid of honor). The other highlight was dancing for the first time with Julia, she showed me a few moves and I showed her what I knew from my ballroom/swing class's I took back in college. Thank you Julia for all your hard work and making this wknd special.

Sunday ~ casual Philippine lunch at my sisters clubhouse w/ close family & friends.

"Fro Yo" Yogurt w/ all the fixin's (tango mango sorbet, strawberry, blackberry, mo chi, fresh mango)

Ride w/ "Charlie" to Mission Bay.

All in All, I had a wonderful time @ my Sister wedding, Congratulations Dean & Debra Balagtas, I love you both!