This time last year!

Once upon a time: there was a year that can only be described as priceless! 2011!


Agenda May 2011:
Beginning of the week - Stetson for Commencement activities, long good byes and Graduation.
-Back to Miami for last minute wedding prep.


My 'only' and favorite nephew was in town for all of the festivities and it made those days all the more special. Thank you, Rui!


As I revisit , May 2011, I can earnestly say that it was a magical time for me. I sincerely hope I am not suffering from a Mother of the Bride delirium and hope that it was equally as special for everyone else. 

It's a little like birthing babies, Miss Scarlet.    After 26 hours of labor, you fall in love with this beautiful child that you have brought into the world and say, childbirth? Never again as the pain of it all is still in your face.  No sooner than a few years go by and the memory of the twists and pumps of delivery fade and you are ready to do it again.  Hence, I pray the memory of graduation and wedding are true today.  It was, as magical as, Disney even as the fades of a selective memory sets in.

Rui, Armando, Ali and Tony

In seven days, the newlyweds will celebrate their first anniversary as a married couple.

As tradition dictates the symbol for the first year is paper. Paper symbolizes strength that comes from the interlaced connection that binds paper's individual threads.

Celebratory Gemstone: Gold Jewelry, Pearl, or Peridot

Color: Gold or Yellow

Flower: Orange Blossom or Pansy.

The meaning of a pansy is that the recipient is being thought about. The pansy's name comes from the French word pensée which means thought or remembrance.

The meaning of an orange blossom is purity, innocence, eternal love, marriage and fruitfulness, and fertility.

Tradition: Eat the top layer of your wedding cake.

While they celebrate, I am taking a stroll through some ( I mean some) of the images that shaped our lives forever  beginning in May of last year. 

Just sayin: the most precious moments captured were contributed by Hermina Diaz. Thanks to Dr. D. and the most amazing children's choir, this day would not have been the most fabulous engraved event of my existence.  I am privileged to be embraced by such unparalleled talents.  Humbled!

Immaculate's Children's Choir

Children's Choir getting ready.

Father Francisco Hernandez

Armando- prayer of the faithful

Our Lady of Fatima

Lady Di Ring

Ysa - flower girl

Rui and Dr. D

la famigilia

the gang

The Austrian influence

Las Muchachitas..and Henry and Tony (click)

Surf and Turf

Tobacco Rollers of Miami

Mr. D. J.

Father Paco and Ali's Dance 1

Father Paco and Ali's Dance  2

the ladies and (Gracie in spirit)

And they live happily ever after...

Since gratitude is my specialty, it must be said, first thanking God for the impossible and then the following for making it all possible: Father Paco, Maria Cristina, Immaculate Conception Church and School, Dr. D and the Immaculate Conception Children's Choir, Simon Family, Sandra Leyva, Alicia, Hilda, Reny, Henry, Herminia, Gloria, Blanca, Alexandra, Cristian G., Gaby, Ismael, David, my Emaus Community, Emi K. Miller, Elsa, Focused on Forever, Miami Tobacco Rollers, Tria's Flowers, Padrino's Limo Service, Dr. Sinnereich (for helping Tony to walk better) and all of the families that offered support in one way or another leading up to this singular and stellar day in our lives. Click here to learn about the Nuptial Music

Disclaimer: I have been asked not to include the likeness of the newlyweds on the web.  Hence, the pictures included are already in a public forum on 'Focused on Forever' so they remain in my narrative. Content has been somewhat censored!

Thank you one year later and forever...
Mother of the Bride, Ana.
Gracias por compartir el Camino!