Pre-Wedding Fun

On June 20, 2009, Benjamin Holt and Brianne Fellbaum became man and wife in California at a beautiful site - Rancho Wikiup, near Santa Rosa. Several days before the wedding, Ben, his brother Andy, and the other groomsmen traveled to Lake Tahoe for a fun couple of days at a cool motel. At groomsman Mike's suggestion, Ken and I drove on over to breathtaking Tahoe to surprise the fellas and take the brothers out to breakfast. It was a great way for one last hurrah before Ben and Brianne began their journey.

In Windsor at the Town Square

Granddaughter Mackenzie and I enjoy a few laughs at a music fest the Thursday before the wedding. It was very fitting that the group performing was a reggae rasta kind of band. Mackenzie delighted her Grandpa Tim and aunts and uncles by dancing with her mama.

The Stage Is Set

The wedding took place in the inner courtyard of a restored, historic stable. Flowers and love bloomed everywhere.

Ali and Andy

At the wedding rehearsal, there were many smiles. I wonder if Ali and Andy hatched up the introductory entrance they used the next day here. It was marvelous! After the wedding, when each couple was introduced, they put on a little creative dance or sauntering as they walked on the grass "stage." Ali and Andy pretended to trip.....and they somersaulted quite athletically on the field, much to the delight of the crowd.

Three Little Pearls

At the wedding rehearsal, I enjoyed the playfulness of my spirited granddaughters. Zoe and Bela immediately hit it off with Ben and Brianne's daughter Kenzie, acting as if they had known one another forever. Brianne had purchased many little rubber balls for the children to play with at the wedding. Shortly after this picture was taken, Mackenzie spirited away to the balls' location and distributed them to the children. What a hit!

Hide and Seek

Bela and Kenzie and another little friend enjoyed making up their own games to pass the time after the wedding rehearsal. Much silliness and giggles!

Tiptoe Through The Tulips

Papi and Zoe enjoy a stroll by the outdoor lap pool of Wikiup the day before the wedding. Zoe is in her element.

Cousins Made Out of the Same Mold

Mackenzie and Isabel thought the outdoor lap pool was the greatest. The day before the wedding, the girls tossed a bit of water around. Spunky lasses, the two.

We Are Way Cool!

Ben and Brianne's daughter Mackenzie and Brianne's brother Aaron enjoy posing just prior to the wedding. Proud uncle, that Aaron, and Mackenzie adores him.

Let's Do This!

Ben, Jared, Andy and Mike make their way to the appointed spot shortly before the ceremony. It's a good, grand day!

It's Good. It's All Good!

Ben and the groomsmen all dressed in one of the bedrooms at Wikiup. Handsome as can be. A celebrity chef in the making. No more pictures, Mom!

Anticipation!

Brianne's bridesmaid friend, Ali, saw me taking pictures before the wedding and suggested I pop in to see Brianne before the ceremony began. I was SO happy at her suggestion. Here's Brianne about 20 minutes before the ceremony. What a beauty! It's almost party time!

Such a lot of Fun!

Here are my son Craig, his wife Judy and their daughters Zoe and Isabel during a rare stationary moment.

Table Decorations

The tables are set in the eggplant and orange color combination. It's rumored that father of the bride Tim, while setting the tables, actually measured the distance between plates. Most certainly, Tim is talented and organized! Note the walls of the former stable in the background.

It's REALLY happening!

Note the beautiful colors of the wedding.....eggplant and orange. The oh-so-lovely dresses were original creations of Kim, mother of the bride. Outstanding! Father of the bride Tim and his crew put up all the colorful paper lanterns.

Here Comes the Gorgeous Bride!

Father Tim escorts the very relaxed and joyful Brianne. The guests stand by, thinking that perhaps Brianne will be a famous model or movie star one day.

It's Official!

Yippee! The deed is done. They are now one. Hooray for Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Holt!

The Mother and The Groom

When Brianne asked me what song I would want to have played for the traditional Mother and the Groom dance, I immediately knew the song: "I Hope You Dance." The history is that when Ben graduated from high school, the song was popular. So as a graduation gift, I printed off the lyrics and framed them. The words speak magic. "When one door closes, I hope another door will open....."

Pose for the Camera

The Zo Zo has a charming way of inserting finger in mouth, especially if her nay-nay is not around. So what better way to have a little fun than for Mama and Papi to imitate the lovely lass? Lots of smiles all around!

Dance The Night Away

Grandma Kathy and Zoe enjoyed nearly every dance together at the wedding. Zoe has remarkable rhythm for such a young lass. I think we'll see her on the silver screen one day. Crinkly nose and all!

American Idol Here We Come!

Ah yes, these cool dancers and singers may just be the latest sensation in Hollywood! Among the tuxeodoed fellas, left to right are Ben, Ben's brother Andy, and Jared. Let the party begin!

Mimi and the Girls

Mother of the Bride Mimi has a daycare in her home. (Mother of the Groom Kathy teaches at a daycare). So both grandmas were in their element with the little ones at the wedding. Here Mimi helps Isabel and Mackenzie explore all the wonders of the bride-created kiddie table. Books and balls and stickers, oh my!

Kathy and Ken Are Proud

Mother and Step-Father of the Groom are so pleased with all aspects of the wedding. Indeed, Kathy thinks Brianne should be a wedding planner!

We Are Family!

Ah, we are such a happy family. Here are Brianne and Ben with Mackenzie and cousin Isabel, enjoying a creative dance of their own.

Time To Hit The Road

Ben and Brianne Holt pose just before being driven to their hotel room for the night. Whew - what a wonderful day, what a splendid wedding!