My niece Emily was married last Saturday. Who knew there are two 400 Pike Streets in Seattle. The one that is quite literally the hub of the city was not the location of the church. After an hour of fighting one way streets, pedestrian traffic, Google Maps repeatedly letting me know that I had arrived at my destination and frantic calls to my sister, I finally made it to the ceremony.
Entering the sanctuary I was greeted with a beautiful sight.
I was seated in the back pew and could not use my flash. What I lack in crispness, I gained in warmth.
The ceremony included communion served by Emily and Tom.
Sharing communion with sister Natalie and her husband Justin.
Sharing communion with each other.
Ms and Mr Eaker
My brother-in-lay Chuck, sister Linda, Emily and Tom
My sister gave me five amazing nieces - now all married to wonderful men.
Getting the giggles out before the professional shot.
Amanda, Kendra, Emily, Natalie and Vanessa.
Someone else's shot showing the true color and majesty of the sanctuary.
Justin, Natalie with their new born Lucy.
Amanda came from Los Vegas with her 4 very active children (3 under 3 years). Keegan slept through the ceremony and formal pictures.
Kendra flew in from Kuwait where she is living with her husband and twins - whom she was desperately missing. Lucy never went without loving arms to hold her.
Nothing like toddlers and enticing stairs unless it is a stage for budding devas.
Luca was enraptured with the grandeur of the ceremony (and of course the stairs up to the balcony).
Nephew-in-law Noah, the world's most patient father, watching over three kids, while Amanda is off trying to corral the fourth to head for the wedding party dinner.
I understand that Tom likes dinosaurs. Thus the unusual table decorations.
Another tradition breaker was the wedding cake.
All guests were served a dinner of Thai food.
Yes, I'm the crazy aunt who stood taking pictures and laughing instead of redirecting my great-nephews.
At this point, I don't think Keegan could have gotten any more pressure into the keg.
Vanessa and husband Evan took over the task of entertaining the ever active Luca.
Peek-a-Boo.
I have never seen Evan without his hat.
Such joy.
Many of the guests were Syrian refuge families that Emily has helped to resettle in the Seattle area. Kendra, speaking a bit of arabic, added to making them feel welcome. She had all of us laughing as she explained some of the unusual customs of their first American christian wedding.
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