A Wedding Weekend in Marina Del Rey

This year has been the year of babies and weddings as I have said in previous posts. But special attention must be paid when it is your baby sister, or in our case my hubs baby sister. Just before he and I wed, my hubs sister met her fiance. They instantly connected and 2 years later he proposed to her. They have spent the last 2 years planning their nuptials and the wedding weekend was fast, but a wonderful experience. In the weeks leading up we had the coed Casino Bridal Shower and of course the bachelor/bachelorette party in downtown. But we knew it was all leading up to the biggest day of their lives. We all met up at their parents house Friday morning to load all the items into the various vehicles, and caravan to the Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey. We arrived, checked in and got some lunch. Then we all prepared to head over to the marina for the rehearsal. We toured the ship and got a feel for the different areas aboard The FantaSea One. Of course everyone involved had been in a wedding before so the rehearsal was as easy as could be. Then we all made our way over to the Cheesecake factory for the rehearsal dinner.

Knowing that I wasn't the maid of honor, I asked the bride if it was ok to say a few words at their rehearsal dinner. I felt that it was necessary that I saw something being that she is my sister. While we waited for our drinks to arrive I was busy perusing my notes. I didn't have time to memorize them, and I tend to forget things when under pressure. So once our drinks and dinner arrived I stood up and gave my toast.

"Nearly 10 years ago I was initiated into the Kimball family, and after almost 6 years they became part of my own. Another set of parents to watch over me, and finally a brother and a sister. When I first met Cailee she was a quiet and shy adolescent with an incredible head for knowledge. Over the years I have watched her grow and shine, and become the beautiful woman sitting here today. After a chance invitation Peyton had been invited over for a party, and from that point on he has been a part of our family. Over the years they have grown as individuals as well as a couple. They have had their goals, Cailee to become a veterinarian, and Peyton to be a chef. They are achieving them without sacrificing their love for one another and that is something to be admired. 

They are perfect for each other in every way. Peyton is generous and kind, always willing to be there for her. Cailee is loyal, caring and always there for Peyton with open arms. After all, that is what love is about. And we are all here to celebrate that love and commitment. Cailee, you know you have found your prince because you not only have a smile on your face but in your heart as well. Peyton you have shown me a new side to my sister and have made her happier than I have ever seen her. I can’t wait to watch your love for one another grow. I love you both with all my heart.

“May your life be long and happy,
Your cares and sorrows few;
And the many friends around you
Prove faithful, fond and true.
May your voyage through life be as happy and as free
As the dancing waves on the deep blue sea”

Congratulations!"

The hubs and I at the RD

The happy couple

Once we had eaten our food and had enough adult beverages, the bride and groom started handing out the gifts to the bridal party. I got a beautiful Crystal necklace to wear during the party and the hubs got a nice Fossil watch. It was very thoughtful.

Once we left the rehearsal dinner we made our way back to the bar for some more drinks and then to the fire pit outside for some talking, reminiscing and just enjoying each others company. I faded fast and had to go to bed around midnight though, as I am old. (Not really but sometimes I feel like it) The day of the wedding we all awoke, enjoyed some breakfast and of course some pampering. We all had our hair and make-up professionally done, and during this time we could stand out on our balcony and overlook the guys, groom included, play basketball and have fun in the pool. It was a very contemplative time for me. This was the first wedding that I had been to since my father's passing and I was thinking about our wedding day and how much I missed him. I tried to keep it together for my sister, but sometimes my weaknesses showed through. Especially during the Father Daughter dance.

The bride was cool and calm all day, just waiting to get aboard the ship and to put her dress on. We left for the ship at 5:00, which was right up the street. We boarded and went straight to the bridal area to finish getting ready. Make-up touch ups and getting dressed. Even grandma came downstairs to get her makeup done. Finally at 6, we started getting the bride ready. We slipped her into her semi fit and flare and hooked all her buttons. She was gorgeous. We took some photos and waited for the cue to walk. Sunset we took our places and made our way up to the top deck. Once we all got up, we focused our attention to the bride, who made her entrance to "My Heart Will Go On" the instrumental version. I glanced over at the groom who had tears in his eyes. I have never seen the two of them so happy. After the ceremony it was photo time, grand entrance and dinner. During dinner, we had a guest hula performance by the grooms aunt and uncle and many many toasts. Then cake cutting and first dance went after, "Marry Me" by Train was the song of choice. Before we knew it the dancing had all come to a close and it was time to go. It was a beautiful day and wedding with lots of attention to details. I am proud to say that I was a part of it and am so proud of mine and my husband's baby sister.

Congrats to a beautiful couple! May your love last a lifetime!