Raise the Jolly Roger

With family still in town from the wedding, we decided that we would take advantage of the beautiful evening and spend one last hurrah taking in the Pirate's game.

So, after driving 4 1/2 hours, I found myself climbing the steps of PNC Park in search of our seats located in Section 307 Row Y.

As I made the trek up, staircase after staircase, I realized, as I was climbing the last set of steps, that we would be sitting at the very top of the stadium, in the last row.  I jokingly asked if the game was a sell out, since, at the time, the stadium was relatively empty, and it seemed to be ridiculous to be so high up, but within the hour, the stadium had filled up, and it was obvious that we were lucky to have been able to get even these seats.

It was great to be able to spend this time together, and a good time was had by all.

There was fun with Gramma G

 The much anticipated Pierogie Race:

Sauerkraut Pierogie won:

Girls dressed up in matching shirts:

Cheeseburgers and fries

And a little ketchup

And, as the sun began to set, our seats offered the perfect view of the city from one direction

and the point from the other

with the magnificent church lit up on Mount Washington

The views were certainly beautiful, but brothers were much more entertaining.

 They live on opposite sides of the country, but they showed up wearing nearly the same outfit, and, as you can see, looking very much alike despite an eight year age difference.

It certainly was a fun evening, 

and, to top it off…….the Pirates beat the Rockies.

So, as they say in Pittsburgh after a win, "Raise the Jolly Roger!!"

Let's Party!

I have always considered the ceremony to be the most important part of the wedding day.  Friends and family come to witness the covenant made by two people who have chosen to share their lives together.

If you read my previous blog, you know just how special this event was.

We were bursting with happiness, as you can probably tell.

But the vows and the pledges deserve to be celebrated.  And that we did!

It may have been hot outside, but we were comfortably cool at the party.

The venue was perfect, offering an awesome view of the city, which even amazed the youngsters in attendance.

Marty and I had a blast enjoying our guests but we certainly couldn't miss out on some fun with the cutie-pie grandchildren!

Some dancing with Gramma G

hugs from Pap Pap

as well as some Hi-Five's from the ring bearer.

The bride and groom were announced

and began the event with their first dance 

When the DJ announced the name of the song, "When You Say You Love Me,"  by Josh Groban, I heard a sigh of "Aahhhhs" echo through the room.  

Dinner was served,

and let me just say that mine was fabulous!

Soon, it was time for the father-daughter dance.  They had chosen the song, Blue Skies, sung by Doris Day.

The selection was perfect!

The DJ had whispered to me earlier that after this special moment between father and daughter, I would be dancing a song with my now son-in-law.  I'll admit, I found this a bit unusual, as no one had mentioned it previously.  

I rolled my eyes and asked the DJ, "We aren't dancing to the song, Stacey's Mom, are we?"

He assured me that was not the case, so I dutifully rose from my chair and went to the dance floor to share a special moment with the groom.

We began swaying to something slow and comfortable, and the next thing I knew, the music changed, the groom started jumping up and down, and I went along with it, only to realize that we WERE dancing to the very song I had asked about.

The Chorus rung out, "Stacey's Mom…..she's got it going on".  Luckily, the verses were muted by the DJ, but I have the feeling that most of the younger people in attendance were very much aware of them as I could hear a lot of commotion as I was swung around on the dance floor for what seemed an eternity at the time.

At one point while we were dancing , I mentioned that I didn't really know the verses, and my son-in-law commented that was probably for the better.  Yep!  

 It was certainly quite the moment, as it appeared that the entire room was filled with laughter, including my parents, who most certainly did not know the words.  (And I don't plan on telling them, either.)

When the excitement was over, the DJ came over to me and told me that he was sorry that he had to lie to me.

Something tells me that his apology wasn't exactly sincere.  

But, I wasn't alone in surprise dances, as the bride also included a special moment with her sister, the maid of honor, danced to K-Ci and JoJo

as the younger sister was subjected to listening to this over and over in earlier days, when they shared a room together. 

The evening moved on with the cutting of the cake

and the city lit up, offering an even more amazing view

I tried to greet nearly everyone in attendance, and if you are reading this and missed my attention,  I do apologize.  

I hope that everyone enjoyed the cookies and festivities and had as much fun as we did.

Let's face it…….the event was truly spectacular!

Cheers to the newlyweds!!

A Glorious Day

The Big Day had finally arrived!

First on the agenda:  beautifying the bride and her attendants

…….not that any of them needed much help.  

Then, it was time to dress the bride 

and lace up the back 

Perfection!

With the fine touches complete, the time came to board the trolley:

which served not only as transport, but as a cool place to wait until the service began as the outdoor temps climbed past 88 degrees. 

The church, itself is breathtakingly beautiful on the interior, but, alas, has no air-conditioning, so the trolley was welcome relief for the bride and her attendants until the service began.

In the meantime, the father of the bride was trying to keep cool with the ring bearer.

Actually, speaking of "Cool", I'd say that they suit the part, don't you?

I't a long walk down the aisle,

but that little guy made it in record time with his pillow.

The three angelic flower girls, were quite the opposite, and needed a little urging on from their mommies to start,  

They slowly ambled down the aisle as if mesmorized by the beautiful organ music,  much to the delight of all in attendance.

And, finally, it was the moment we had waited for:  father and daughter, enjoying this special moment in time, walking down the aisle, radiant with happiness.

Even Dad had to admire her beauty as he escorted his daughter to her waiting groom.

He proudly stood between the soon-to-be newlyweds

They were greeted by the minister, who assured their intentions.

And now it was the moment for Dad to give his daughter a kiss on the cheek

join the hands of the bride and groom, 

and leave the couple together in the sanctuary.

And there they stood, tenderly holding hands,  enjoying every moment of the ceremony that they had so meticulously planned.

The bride's godmother read the passage 1 Corinthians 13.

both sets of parents lit the unity candle

and a friend read a prayer, "From This Day Forward".

The couple had chosen a special song to be performed by a close family friend, entitled, "When I Say I Do" by Michael West.

The bride's sister played the violin, and her father strummed the guitar as Dennis so eloquently sang the words to this special song.

He sang to them, from the heart, and we were just bystanders, watching the tender exchange between the musician and this special couple. 

The minister led them up to the altar, where vows were exchanged

rings were placed

and the unity candle was lit.

The minister announced that the groom could  kiss the bride

and the new couple was presented to all

It was truly a glorious day!