It took a while, but here they are!
To say it’s all about the dress is to diminish a monumental milestone. But honestly, I’ve been an observer of wedding attire for my entire life, and this is absolutely the most glorious dress I’ve ever seen. So it’s understandable that quite a few of the pictures I selected from the many that were taken showcase every aspect of Julia clothed in this heavenly dress.
I mean, check out the back. Delicate, alluring, mysterious. Of course, not every woman’s backside could make it look this good.
Again, Julia in the dress, plus Julia’s father, David; sister, Alex; and Mother, Khim. We were thrilled that they could come and stay with us in Marble Falls for a few days after the wedding. Before retiring, David was the IT manager for Plymouth (UK). He is soft-spoken and thoughtful and was kind to my little dog, which is definitely the way to my heart. During her working years Khim was a mid-wife, which says it all—sensible, reassuring, open-minded, and compassionate. Julia’s sister Alex is the definition of exuberance. She’s an English teacher in South Korea. We thought she was crazy when she flew home amidst the unrest caused by the virus. But I spoke to Khim the other day and she says that Alex is doing well and that Korea is handling the crisis with equanimity and compliance.
David and I walking Sam to the altar. We were so happy for him on his big day!
Sam and Curtis watching Julia and her parents’ approach. Look at our two boys. Gorgeous, right? Curtis is currently the senior counsel for Norton Rose Fulbright’s Energy Disputes Division in Houston, and Sam is on his way to Stanford to earn his Master’s.
I couldn’t resist this front view. You can see the tips of Julia’s cowgirl boots—a touch of whimsy.
And this shot in profile is perfection. The bridesmaids were quite attentive toward the train and veil.
The first married kiss. Julia’s sister, Alex on one side; Sam’s brother, Curtis, on the other.
The new couple. See that smile on our Sam.
These are Sam’s “people”. On the right of Sam, Curtis. On the left, Jimmy, a friend of Sam’s since third grade. The idea of having a woman in the line of groomsmen was new to me, but I like it. The guy beside Curtis held his two-year-old son in his arms throughout the ceremony, which was adorable. The one in the gray suit is the officiate, Andrew, Sam’s business partner from Beijing. On the opposite end is a middle-eastern humorist author, with whom I had much in common. Sam and Julia have some interesting friends.
And these are Julia’s friends. The way she handled the dresses was clever—she simply gave each girl a sample to match, then they went their own way in choosing, which meant that no one had to wear something that was hideously unflattering. The guy on the end acted as the flower boy—he danced gracefully up the aisle and was quite fun and charming. In this group are businesswomen, diplomats, and foreign aid workers.
On a personal note, meet Mary Ann and Phil, Jimmy’s parents and years-long friends of ours from Sugar Land. During her busy years Mary Ann was a powerhouse, a social activist working against the tobacco industry. She was a leader among the many who fought for laws banning smoking from bars and restaurants in Texas; and if you feel ostracized every time you light up, it’s due to her. Where would we be as a society without our Mary Anns?
And then there was dinner with toasts and speeches and an afterparty. Much dancing and joy and laughter. Of course all the guests aren’t shown in this simple and limited selection. Tons too many pictures for me to post, so I restricted myself to the ceremony.
Best wishes to Sam and Julia!
