The Wedding of the Century

A blog about Amber’s 7/7/07 wedding is long overdue! The word to capture the essence of this wedding event is “extravagant.” I doubt if any of the Oregonians present had ever seen anything like it! We relished every moment. It was held at the Resort at the Mountain at Mount Hood in Welches, OR. It was a full 4 days, so I’ll just mention the highlights. Hopefully the photos and my words can do it some sort of justice. I'll post more photos later too.

The bridal party kicked off the weekend on Thursday with a white water rafting trip. Tremendously fun, or “double super gnar gnar” as our rafting guide put it. Yes, everyone thought we were absolutely insane to attempt such a feat just days before the sacred ceremony, but we managed to sustain only very minor injuries.

Thursday night was the rehearsal, followed by a formal dinner overlooking the golf course. Amber presented each of the bridesmaids with a heart necklace from Tiffany’s to wear in the wedding. Amber’s been my friend for 20 years, so I’m thrilled to have this little token that I’ll still be wearing 20 years from now to remember her special day and our dear friendship by.


Friday more of the guests arrived, including my parents, and we had a buffet dinner. In the afternoon we got manicures and pedicures. My person said I had African feet :o) My toes are the darkest part of me!

Saturday we began our beauty treatments bright and early, including professionally done hair and makeup. Not sure any of us have ever looked that good before! Amber was resplendent. It was her best day!
The weather fully cooperated for the outdoor ceremony. One might think that having a whole wedding weekend might detract from the focal point of the ceremony, but not so. It was delightfully done. Our former band director’s husband officiated and he did a great job. It was special to hear him read what Amber and Glenn had written about why they wanted to marry each other. I read a poem called “Indian Wedding Blessing,” the last line of which Amber and Glenn had engraved on their rings: The adventure has just begun. I was thrilled they liked the reading so much!


After the ceremony we had a cocktail hour while the family took pictures with the happy couple. Then the party began. The reception was in a tent which had been transformed into one of the prettiest rooms I’ve ever seen. The food was great, but the highlight was the music and dancing. A FABULOUS band from Portland played, and they were so good you had to see if it was them or a CD playing. The DJ apparently spins for Phil Knight’s (CEO Nike’s) personal parties. Both the band and the DJ played very danceable music like jazz and funk and oldies. All I can say is “wow”!!! SO MUCH FUN!!!!




Sunday morning we closed the event with a buffet brunch. Never seen such a breakfast spread! Have you ever eaten chocolate mousse in the morning? Highly recommended. So that’s about it. It was great to get together with old friends, get all dressed up, and celebrate with Amber and Glenn. I can’t think of a better way to begin a life together. May God bless your union forever!!

Napoleon Sighting

Sweet! I finally feel justified in my claim to fame as coming from the same home town and high school as Jon Heder (aka Napoleon Dynamite). My sister, nephew, neice and I were driving to the Salem Art Fair. As we passed my old high school I noticed 4 cool looking dudes walking down the street with cameras around their necks. I said, "Hey, one of those guys looked like Napoleon Dynamite!" We couldn't find parking so we came back around the block and drove right by the men again. Cathie Jo was like, "Get a good look this time!" She slowed slightly and as I stared out the window, Nappy D himself turned and looked at me. It was a beautiful moment. I have no idea why, but we were very excited about it the rest of the day. Yeah, I know I'm cool.

Mindy's wedding

I'm so glad I was able to be back for my friend Mindy's wedding! It was a delight to be with her on her special day. I'm so happy for Mindy and Lucas--they both waited for God to bring them the right person and purity is a beautiful thing.



I love the blue of the dresses, but this pic already looks outdated to me 'cause I have new glasses! Yeah, when I finally get a new camera (going on 7 months since mine broke) I'll let ya see what they look like. Maybe I'll go for laser surgery next furlough, but for now I'm enjoying my new look.


While Mindy and Lucas went off on their honeymoon, a bunch of us had a blast at a reunion of old church friends. Watch out for the beave!

Home Again Jiggedy Jig

Greetings from beautiful Oregon!

Time has flown by these past 2 weeks in the States. I was the Maid of Honor in a wedding 5 days after I got home, and I'll be a bridesmaid in another wedding this coming weekend, so that has kept be quite busy, but it's been a great opportunity to see lots of old friends.

I was greeted at the airport by my family and friend Carrie, complete with big posters and balloons. It was great.

I'll have to start blogging about all the things I've noticed since coming back before they become commonplace again. I was commenting to my mom today about how ridiculous our very wide paved roads seem to me now. It's awesome being able to drink tap water again. I pretty much only want to listen to Congolese music. I miss the solitude/alone time that I had in Africa, which is funny 'cause that was one of the things that was hardest for me to get used to there. Shopping is pure bliss here.

More later.