Christmas Eve day we finished up at the tree lot and drove to the Acton/Los Angeles North KOA to leave our motor home. We decided to stay over night at the campground and leave for Minneapolis on Christmas Day. We woke up and left the KOA and drove as far as Richfield, UT. My sister Barb's boyfriend was kind enough to get us the "friends & family" discount at the Hampton Inn. The next day we drove through the beautiful Rockies to over an elevation of 11,000 feet. What a beautiful drive and wonderful weather we had. We stopped for the night in Fort Morgan, CO. It was a good thing that we drove as far as we did, because the next morning we woke up and heard that the Jefferson Eisenhower tunnel, which we had just traveled on the previous day, was closed due to an accident and Vail had received 4" of snow. On our 3rd day out we drove as far as Ankenny, IA. Once we got through the Rockies, the traveling was not nearly as beautiful and became quite boring quickly. The last travel day was a snap with only having to drive from just north of Des Moines to East Bethel. I was sure glad to get to Denise & Tony's.
Once we got into the Twin Cities, I was able to look for a dress to wear to the wedding. The dress that I had purchased previously was now way too big. A quick stop at Nordstrom Rack and I was able to find the perfect dress and I was set to go. On the 30th we held the rehearsal at Silver Lake hall and then off to Famous Dave's in Maple Grove for the Grooms Dinner; yummmmy!
Friday was the wedding at the Silver Lake Hall in St. Anthony. The wedding was officiated by the Rev. Norma Burton who is Ben's "Grandma". Norma and Bob Burton "adopted" Ben as their grandson when he was about 7 years old. It was quite an honor for Ben to have Norma be able to marry he and Mariya. Following the wedding was the dinner catered by The Lookout restaurant in Maple Grove. We had a great meal followed by a terrific DJ and a really fun night of dancing.
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| The Cake |
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| Sue's Sister Barb & Niece Cassie |
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| Cassie & The Groom (Ben) |
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| Niece Cassie & Nephew Gary |
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| The Wedding Hall |
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| The Hall set up for Dinner |
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| Mariya "feeding" Ben Cake |
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| Gary & Ben |
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| Greg Hawkes walking Mariya down the aisle |
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| Ben, Barb, Cassie, Gary & Sue |
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| Mariya & Ben lighting the Unity candle |
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| Ben & Mariya lighting the lanterns |
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| Mariya & Cassie |
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| Mariya, Rev Norma Burton, & Ben |
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| Cake & Memorial to Patrick Brown |
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| Usher, son-in-law Steve Kohn with Sue |
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| Ben & Mariya dancing |
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| One of many kisses |
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| Mariya & Ben |
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| The Wedding Party - Grandson Kennedy looked so handsome in his tux! |
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Sue and Roger, the wedding looks beautiful! I bet it was great to be with all the family for Christmas. Did you get out of there before the pre-New Year's blizzard? Kelly
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful wedding and a wonderful time. You are very lucky. It was great to see you guys. Have a great winter and summer. Hope to see you next fall.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was a beautiful Wedding. Congratulations to Mariya & Ben.
ReplyDeleteSue you look great!!!!!!