Just Married

Silvia and I were Married and Sealed for at time and eternity in the Oakland temple Saturday morning on December 22, 2007. There was so much love and peace felt as we entered the wedding ceremony room. Our family and loved ones were seated or standing smiling at us as we came in. There were so many emotions felt I was just fighting back the tears that were welling up in my eyes. We felt so blessed to have the wedding ceremony conducted in English and Portuguese. At the beginning of the ceremony the temple president who conducted the wedding asked Silvia and I what was the thing that attracted us most to each other. With an emotionally shaky voice I said that it was Silvia's ability to make everyone around her feel loved and welcomed. Silvia said, "Well, he was cute and I loved his ability to be good at all these sports, except volleyball. I am better than him at volleyball." With that, the room busted with laughter. So here I am wiping away tears and Silvia is here cracking jokes. The feelings were indescribable as we faced one another, her hands in mine, and made promises to each other and to God.








After the wedding ceremony there was a wedding reception held for us at Castlewood Country Club. Driving up to the grounds the palm trees lining the road were wrapped in white Christmas lights. As you walked through the doors you were greeted with a warm fire in the fireplace, Christmas trees and Christmas lights and decoration. People filed in the reception area where they signed in, set down gifts and enjoyed a variety of hord’deurv. People then were lead into the Great Hall for dinner and dancing. The center pieces were either these insane Mansanita trees with hanging candles or a these tall vases filled with red roses, Cally lilies, and Pines. At the front of the room was the head table and then 25 rounded tables surrounding the dance floor.



Following an amazing dinner Silvia and I cut our three tier square cake and feed each other the first bit. While the cake was being passed, speeches and toasts were then given and I must say Silvia’s mother Maria stole the show. She stated that she had three treasures in this life; the Gospel of Jesus Christ and her two daughters, Silvia and Jaqueline. She went on to say that she could now go back to Brazil in peace know that her daughter has found a husband and family that loves her as much as she does. Silvia and I then did the classic first dance and then we opened the floor to everyone to break it down.





There were so many people there. We tried to go around and talk to everyone, but it was not possible. Sorry if we weren’t able to say hi. We want to make a special thanks to my parents, Bruce and Barbara for hosting the wedding and Dad you did an amazing job being the M.C. and singing. We want to thank Silvia’s family for coming all the way from Brazil. And thanks to everyone else who contributed to the wedding with your time, energy and love. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!