3/29/08 from Karen:
This is the event I flew home for, and it was every bit as wonderful as one could ever hope a wedding could be! Lauren was a beautiful bride, with her best friends in attendance, and her proud parents serving as hosts to an outstanding reception. Peter was handsome, cool and collected, with his friends Matt, John and Mike at his side, along with his brother David and Lauren’s brother Jerry.
The festivities started Friday evening with the rehearsal at St. Paul’s RC in Portsmouth – Lauren chose the old stone church with high vaulted ceiling and two levels of gorgeous stained glass windows. The space was lovely, with the sanctuary still festooned with Easter lilies. Father Kevin was a no-nonsense, warm and gentle officiator, with a great sense of humor.
The rehearsal was followed by a dinner at St. Thomas’ parish hall back in Chesapeake, with delicious salad, lasagna and almond crème brulee provided by John’s catering company, beautiful wildflowers provided by Eliese, her sister Janice and nieces Naomi and Natalie, and totally awesome balloons and decorations provided by Rhonda. 
My entire family – Mom, sister Amy and her husband Bob, brother Walt and his daughter Kaleigh, were all able to get here, despite snow up north which provided some suspense at the airport.
After several days of 80 degree weather, Saturday dawned much colder than we were expecting, but the day was sunny and in the 40s. The ceremony was perfect, with readings by David and Jerry, a personal homily by Father Kevin, and an outstanding Ave Maria and liturgical song. For all the tears in the families’ eyes, the bride and groom were smiling and let us know that they were absolutely sure of their love.
A perfect day was made even better by the arrival of the Franza family, who I have not seen in almost 17 years. Tom and Dawn came from California, Paul and Jeanne from Connecticut, Gerard and his bride Kathleen from Jacksonville, and all the sisters – Claire from New York, Barbara Ann from Miami, Dot and Christine from Jacksonville. Lauren so wanted to meet them, and I am so glad they were able to share the day!
The reception at Vista Point on the Naval Base was elegant, relaxing and entertaining, with great food, plenty of dancing, a heartfelt toast by Best Matt unparalled in the history of toasts, and an outrageous cheesecake selected by Peter. The happy couple left for their limo ride to DC, where they would catch the flights that would take them to Miami and St. Lucia.
I got up Sunday morning and went right to my computer to add the happy statistics to our family tree website, only to find that Peter had beat me to it - at 4am he added: Peter and Lauren Franza, married 3/29/2008.
My entire family – Mom, sister Amy and her husband Bob, brother Walt and his daughter Kaleigh, were all able to get here, despite snow up north which provided some suspense at the airport.
A perfect day was made even better by the arrival of the Franza family, who I have not seen in almost 17 years. Tom and Dawn came from 
1 comment:
Karen,
I could cry. It looks like everything was a hit. I'm so glad so much family was able to attend. There is nothing like being surrounded by family on a day like this. Everyone looked wonderful. (Did you help Kleenex raise their stock?) Well, I can say it is truly a blessing. I know I won't be able to handle it when my time comes. Wishing Peter and Lauren a lifetime of Love, Happiness and Little Franzas to add to the website. You have a safe flight back to the man that makes your heart pitter-patter. Love, RV
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