Alma and Dany were married on Saturday, 5/24. Festivities started on Thursday when everyone started to arrive from NY. We kicked it off with a Happy Hour, of couse, at Brenner’s on the Bayou. Tom and I dropped the girls off at my parents to sleep over, it was our ‘calm before the storm’ and to get a night of uninterrupted sleep. Ania got to play with Polina and Christopher, so that was good.
Friday, I picked up the girls in the morning so at least they could get a nap in since Rehearsal was later that evening…and everyone was checking into the hotel that afternoon. We opted to stay at home since it was a 15 min drive to the church and reception. My cousins, Mark and Mike arrived that evening. Rehearsal was at 6pm followed by dinner at Berry Hill at 7pm. All the cousins decided to go out, since we had the girls, we stayed in…
First thing Saturday, Tom drove me and Ania to the hotel for hair and makeup…the ceremony was at 12:30 and the reception was at 6pm. Polina and Ania were flower girls. Ania did so good walking down the aisle!!! I was a bit nervous because she could be clingy at times, but she walked proudly with Polina. It was probably because she looked like a princess.
I appreciated the long gap because it gave Ania a chance to nap as the reception was going to be late. It was a really great and fun wedding. I felt like it was the perfect size and Alm and Dany had a lot of fun….
Here’s my matron of honor speech:
My Matron of Honor Speech
“Alma and I are 6 years apart. No one really believed us as everyone thought I was older. Her and Pols are not even a year. Irish twins having their own languages and having unbelievable stories of their own.
But being 6 years apart from Alma brought many advantages: ‘borrowing driver’s license’, ‘ taking me out to my first club’ …etc. Alm and I didn’t become close until we were in our twenties but we still had our moments of growing up together. My first memory of Alma was looking up to her, however, that didn’t turn in my favor because she asked me to touch a hot stove to see if it were still hot. My finger prints grew back. Or giving me my first driving lesson but ended with a car in a house. For awhile, family didn’t understand how she could be that bad of a driver. Well, it was because she covered for me. Looked out for her little sister.
We got a little older and we became roommates when I was in college. Alma may have not known it but she has created some guidance for me growing up. Not many people are lucky enough to experience that but I was. We even took a trip together realizing how different we are. But those are memories that we share together.
The point is, to me, the definition of a sister is a forever friend. No matter what you go through: happy, sad, angry and very angry moments they’re always there. Alma, you are my sister. My forever friend.
Insert Dany. I remember meeting Dany for the first time when I was visiting one weekend. Alm invited me to go to a party at the four seasons…Anyway, I remember we were getting ready and she was telling me this guy she met was going. I felt like I became the older sister and asking all the questions “who is he, what are you guys, etc” It was too soon to tell. When I met Dany my initial reaction was “he’s tall” but soon we all knew he wasn’t just a friend as we kept seeing him around. It wasn’t until 2 years ago where I got to know them as a couple. You guys find a common ground with each other. Maybe not yin and yang, but it works. I was happy to be apart of the engagement planning from helping dany and try to divert alm but somehow it didn’t work out the way at the place you first kissed but rather my house in front of family. I’m happy to have been able to provide that happy memory. You’re welcome.
We come here tonight to celebrate the both of you in marriage. Sharing all these memories with everyone is great but whats greater is you guys from this point forward get to create new memories together as husband and wife. My one piece of advice is to remember this day, the feeling of love you have for each other, these moments of happiness and laughter, admiration and respect because marriage isn’t an easy task and it is because of this day both of you are taking this journey together.
Love you guys and welcome to this crazy, loving family Dany. Tom said he’s going to start a support group for those married to a Candelario. Every Thursday.”
The next day, everyone came over for lunch…the kids slept then went to The Little Gym for Aiden’s birthday party. Then that night, we all went out for the last night in Houston. Tiring but worth it!!
