The Wedding Festivities Continue - Bridesmaid Luncheon

Just because we got married in Cebu didn't stop us from enjoying some American wedding traditions.  Karen Nelson and Kathy Williams planned a very special Bridesmaid luncheon at Dove Street Cafe.

Even though two of my bridesmaids were not in Cebu, we had a wonderful lunch with Meredith, Phebe, Dolly, Mom, Kathy, and Karen.  Katherine and GeeElle were definitely missed.  The afternoon was filled with great food and lots of laughs. 

A bridesmaid luncheon would not be complete without some special gifts (or lingerie).  Luckily it was nothing too revealing or outrageous since Mom was there!!  The gitfts did bring some blushing and laughing as each gift was opened.

What special friends to not only travel half way around the world to celebrate our wedding but to also plan such a wonderful luncheon.  It was an afternoon filled with love, laughter, and memories.



The Wedding Festivities Continue - Island Hopping

Gepher and I had been counting down the days for the wedding and the festivities leading up to the big day.  Once Meredith, David, Aubrey, and John arrived we knew what we had been dreaming about and hoping for was almost here.  We wanted to spend as much time before the big day together as a family making memories and letting the family get to know its newest member!

David and Dad share the same birthday (three days before the wedding).  Island hopping was the perfect way to celebrate a double birthday.  The family along with some good family friends from the US and members of the wedding party loaded up on a banca boat to spend the day on the water!!

    

The excitement for the day began before the anchor was even raised on the banca boat.  Because the water was too shallow close to the shore for the boat to dock, we were "ferried" out in small banca boats.  Dad wanted to make sure everyone along with the stuff made it to the boat safely; therefore, he along with Melcho (our driver) decided to take the last boat.  Just about the time they reached the boat, Dad and Melchor were sitting just enough off balance to make the little boat flip!!  We heard a huge splash and saw Dad with his arm above the water holding the camera.  He may have gone under, but he saved the camera and his glasses from getting wet or lost.  We all teased Dad that he was so anxious to "swim withe fish" that he had to take a dive before getting on the boat!

    

The first stop on the day's adventure was to a marine sactuary for snorkeling.  The current was strong, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the fishes.  We swam with Nemo, Parrot fish, Tuna, and other georgous fish.  You definitely felt as if you were swimming in God's big aquarium with His beautiful creation.  Because the current was so strong, it took a lot more swimming to get back to the boat.  There were a few in the group that were definitely thankful for life jackets and the boat crew.  After a hard swim back to the boat, everyone was ready to sail on down the sea to the next stop...sandy beach and lunch!

     

Nothing will erase the diffcult swim back to the boat at the marine sanctuary than a beautiful sandy beach and a delicious lunch.  The water was calm and just the perfect temperature for floating, swiming, and just enjoying the beauty of the beach.  Everyone enjoyed the fun as we soaked in the sun and splashed in the crystal blue waters.

     

As all good things must come to an end, so did our day of Island Hopping.  The waves were rough coming back to Cebu.  It was as if we were riding the "White Water Canyon" at King's Island.  As we went up and down with every wave, the laughter and squeals could be heard all over the boat.  It was a perfect day to celebrate two birthdays and an upcoming big day!!

Let the Wedding Festvities Begin

When we set the date of August 6th for the wedding, it seemed so far away.  But what was once so far away is now so close!! 

The arrival of Meredith, David, Aubrey, and John marked the official beginning of the pre-wedding festivities!  The excitement was too high to wait and see them in Cebu so we all flew to Manila to meet them on Friday night.  I'm not sure who was more excited to see us...Meredith & David (so they had someone to play with jet-lagged Aubrey while they slept) or us!!

Before flying back to Cebu, we spent Saturday morning at the Mall of Asia.  The laughter and the conversation didn't stop as we explored and helped make some "firsts" memories with Aubrey.  Aubrey is definitely Papa's girl!!  Like all good Papa's she had her very own ice cream cone and enjoyed a ride on the carosel.  I'm not sure who had more fun...Aubrey or Papa!

     

The mission of the week before the wedding was to make as many memories as possible. Because Gepher has not had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my family (other than my parents), it was important he get to know them as his "soon to be" new family!  We could not think of a better first "memory" to make than a day at the beach!!

Monday, everyone piled in the van and headed on a road trip bound Alegre.  Alegre is a beach resort on the north end of Cebu island.  It has beautiful sandy beaches lined with lounge chairs covered by the trees.  There are lots of corals and fishes to snorkel and see.  It is a perfect place to spend together as a family.

     

Dad and Gepher enjoyed some quality time with the fish while Aubrey experienced sand between her toes for the first time!!  There was lots of splashing, laughing, napping, and relaxing.  It was the perfect start to a week that is sure to be filled with celebration, laughter, and memories.

A Moment in Time Captured Forever

Gepher and I could not think of a better place to have our Engagement pictures made than "our little slice of Paradise" (Plantation Bay).

We had such a fun filled day of exploring the entire resort and capturing every moment along the way.  Here's just a few of the great shots from the day!