The showers were over. The engagement pictures finally taken a few weeks before the wedding (see them posted). Now if was time to pray for good weather, hold on and enjoy the ride. Timothy Joseph Katz wed Elyse Anne Maria Mabe last weekend. Sandwiched in between rain, cold weather and the wind and firestorms yesterday was picture perfect weather for an all outside wedding. (Thank you for all your calls, at 3 houses away from evacuation and 1 mile away from the fire, we are all ok.)

The rehearsal was wonderful and relaxed. The next day started with a 7 mile walk for Danny and me. I figured with all the partying to come, the walk would come in handy. Then it was off to hair and makeup for me. For Ash and Lani the day also started early with a.m. hair appointments. Before we knew it, it was time to go off to the Centennial Heritage Museum. With everyone in place, the ceremony started after 4:00. Flower girl Marissa (my great niece) was afraid to go down the isle and ended up coming down on her daddy’s leg. We give her a break tho as she’s still batting 500 after last year’s flawless performance at Nick and Ash’s wedding. Little Ethan Gomez, 6 months old, was pulled down the isle in a snazzy red fire truck. Elyse made a beautiful entrance followed by a touching ceremony by Pastor Greg. We laughed and cried and truly celebrated the union.

Formal pictures followed with the Centennial House and fountain as a backdrop (pictures posted but professional pics to follow later). Then it was time to party. The food and drinks were great. The DJ had some great music and the dance floor heated up. I’ve never seen TJ or Elyse dance with more people before. In the meantime, I was busy visiting with family and friends. Nothing like a wedding to bring people together.

The next day we hosted a small brunch. As the bride and groom weren’t leaving on their honeymoon to Santa Barbara until later in the day, we had our out of town guests, our family and the Mabe family over to open up presents and continue the celebration. With 3 brothers and a sister, Elyse is the middle of 5 kids. Since we’ve raised 5 ourselves, it made for a nice size “small” group. Thanks to Dina and Jim, Sarah and David, Jonathan and Sarah, and Peter and Paul for joining us! I’m grateful that Uncle David and Aunt Anita are still able to fly in from NY, and Bernie from Seattle. Kayleen, Glade and Carol and Travis and Ashley all came in from AZ. Sharyne, Sydney and Trevor traveled down from SF. Honorable mention to Beatrice, Mike and Sylvia and Myriam all coming in from the San Fernando Valley and all of the Jessen/Reynold’s coming in from Apple Valley. That takes the same time as a flight from SF, doesn’t it? I’m sure I’ve forgotten some of you who traveled far, but thanks to you and all our other guests for making this a wonderful and memorable event.

We now look forward to the end of a busy year. But hang onto your hats…it won’t be long before Ash’s gives birth to little Hayden Marcelo Katz – our first grandchild. Just when I though I was done giving showers…

Please check out all the photos. I managed to get some of them under a wedding file names, but others (like our Europe pics) are hidden in between. If you go to view all, you should be able to pick them up.