Josh & Jen

It was such an honor being a part of Jen and Josh’s big day.  They were married last Saturday, September 22nd in Hemet, California.  There were so many reasons to be excited about their nuptials.  First and foremost, Josh picked the right girl.  I’m pretty sure my mom and I did a collective “phew” when he told us he was going to pop the question.  So it was with great happiness that we add to the Karela name.  Secondly, Ella and Viv got top billing in the events as Flower Girl and Ring Bearer, respectively.  I’m not sure if flailing on the ground, refusing to be part of the photographs and covering their homemade dresses in grass stains was in the job description...but eh, we blame it on the jet lag and hope that Josh and Jen were so blinded by their love for one another that two misbehaving nieces could be forgiven.  **  Third, I got to sit at a table full of Johnsons and Karelas.  I can’t underscore how tremendous this was for me.  Really tremendous.  Lastly, I got to toast my brother.  It’s not often in life that you get to speak publicly about the ones you love.  I think we should task ourselves to do this much more often.  Even though the act of public speaking is somewhere in between having my shoulder dislocated and eating Vegemite in terms of things that I like to do; the actual process of writing the speech and having the opportunity to honor my brother was an exercise that brought me great happiness...because he is an amazing man...and I take full credit.  Just kidding!

I can’t wait to see the pictures.     

Mother of the Groom, getting ready

A deliriously tired but happy big sis...where am I even looking?

**And how does one discipline two children when you are wearing heels and a bridesmaid dress?  How does one try to redirect their child as vows are being exchanged and all of your family and your brother’s new family looks on?  Answer is, you don’t.  You do your best impersonation of a ventriloquist, threats spewing from your tight smile, hoping one will have an impact and then get a glass of wine and ignore.  Thanks Aunt Judy for the advice ; )