JULIO AND TANIA

Julio and Tania celebrated their marriage last night. It wasn't their actual marriage ceremony, as they were already married. Here in Mexico the only ceremony that counts or is required is the civil ceremony, which took place about 2 weeks ago. Last night was their celebration with family and friends. And what a party it was!

It began with a short ceremony where several friends and relatives gave the traditional wedding gifts: a Bible, the arras (thirteen pieces of money, given to the bride and groom, that symbolize prosperity in their marriage), the beautiful decorated pillows on which they kneel as the preacher prays, the lazo (a cord - again, beautifully crafted - that goes around the couple to symbolize union in their marriage), and the union candles. Usually there is then a long sermon by the preacher, but the couple decided not to do that, since most of their family would not have stayed if it had happened! They were then introduced as husband and wife.


And THEN the party REALLY began! They had a coffee table, a candy/chocolate fountain table, a fun MC who led in some fun games with prizes, an ice cream cart, a magician and of course a big delicious meal. Bethie and I did the candy/chocolate fountain table - we had NEVER done this, so our learning curve was high! And it started out well - it began raining so we quickly took our table into the eating area, where it was SUPER crowded! And then when people started through the line, we couldn't keep up with putting the fruit on the sticks! Marta helped by doing the chocolate fountain (it was a very small one - like, for 25 people - we had 300!!), Bethie doled out candy, which ran out before the people did, and three teen age boys, Luis, Luis Angel and Victor came along and helped us put the fruit on the sticks! MUCHAS GRACIAS, jovenes! So, we survived! But it definitely was one crazy party! Toward the end of the line, people started asking for special favors, "Could you make one without the marshmallow?" "No, the sticks are already made up." But I don't like marshmallows." "Then, eat everything but the marshmallow!" "No, I guess I don't want one." Ah well! We decided unanimously (Bethie and I, that is) that if anyone else asks us to do this, the answer, without a moment's hesitation, will be N - O !! 


But the guests were happy, the bride was thrilled, the mother of the bride was beaming, so we were happy too!


Here are some snapshots of our crazy party!

Getting ready outside before it started raining!

Here comes the bride - with her parents. And yes, her mom Monica, is crying!!

We moved inside right by the food line. It was extremely crowded and very crazy! But people told me later that the table looked so pretty!

We're RIGHT behind these folks - can you see us back there? BTW, the food was delicious! We didn't eat till we'd served all our guests their chocolate goodies, and even though the food was a little cold by then, it was luscious!

The magician was one of "our" young people from our Queretaro days (back in the 90's!), Adrian Gonzalez. It was a pleasure to see him again and be able to greet him. Here he performs a "magic" trick for the bride and groom.

For those of you who remember Adrian, here's a little better shot of him - sorry, it's all I got. I didn't actually see the performance - I was busy serving chocolate messes!! Someone else was kind enough to get some pictures for me! Thanks Paul!!

Felix and his daughter Lucero brought their ice cream cart and served ice cream as part of the festivities. Bethie and I got in on a vanilla treat that was luscious!

Tania and Julio Cesar

A nasty custom here is to have the one celebrating either a birthday or wedding, take a bite of the cake, and while biting, his/her face is pushed into the cake. Ugly, huh? Julio's family can be mean at times, and here's a good example of it. I couldn't believe they did this to him.

Actually, I can believe it. Here's the proof. Thanks to friend Victor, Julio was able to 'sort of' clean up. Bethie and I headed home while the loooong line formed to get a piece of cake.

It WAS a lovely wedding. And it WAS fun. Yes, it was crazy. We knew it would be! Now the young couple is gone - somewhere - on their honeymoon and hopefully we won't see them for a few days! But we look forward to continued ministry with them at Iglesia Biblica Vida Abundante.