So, my dinner party was actually my wedding to My Main Man Mike.  We wanted a fun evening filled with family, great food, great music, and wonderful memories.  It all went well!

Mike’s family from Missouri and our Reverend from San Antonio all came into town on Friday.  That night, the families had BBQ at Mike’s house.  On Saturday, my sister and brother-in-law hosted a brunch for Mike and me and his family at their house.  In the afternoon, Mike’s family met on the square to visit the Veteran’s Memorial (where Mike’s name is included on the wall of veterans), test out the glass bathrooms, buy some popcorn, and enjoy a sights and sounds (I think they may all be moving to Sulphur Springs!).

Saturday night, guests gathered at my house around 5 p.m. for photos and a poolside reception that started at 6 p.m.  The reception featured my friend from the Symphony League playing the violin, while guests were served gazpacho shooters, crab crostini, and crackers with cheese spread.  The pool was decorated with floating floral arrangements.  Weather that night was perfect.  A light breeze, but not too bad.

The wedding ceremony began around 6:30 p.m.  The Reverend and Mike had served in the Army together, where she was Chaplain.  She conducted an excellent service which was equally serious and spiritual as well as light-hearted and humorous.  Following a toast of well wishes from my nephew, a wonderful sit down dinner was served.  Guests were treated to a four course dinner of shrimp cocktail, salad, grilled chicken and/or steak, asparagus, twice baked potatoes, rolls, and wedding cake (red velvet, champagne and wedding cake favors).  Following dinner, guests danced to music from the 80s and 90s, caught up by the pool, and partied until 1 a.m.

It was a lot of work, but we wanted our families to be comfortable and relaxed so we knew my home would make the perfect location.

As a memento of the evening, guests were given pens that were etched with Kayla and Michael, Sulphur Springs, Texas, March 26, 2016.

From my viewpoint, it was perfect.  We all just let loose and enjoyed each other.  Shouldn’t families do that more often?  What a great way to be welcomed into a new family!