Ellison Wedding

On October 2nd Bill and I took our family down to San Diego for the weekend. We were excited for the events that lay ahead... Bill's cousin, Wyatt, was marrying Brigid Shaw, his sweetheart of several years and Livi had been asked to be the flower girl. We arrived just in time to throw our stuff in the hotel, get dressed and head to the rehearsal. They were getting married at Brigid's parents' house in Ramona, CA. Beautiful place. On the way driving to the site we even saw a rainbow, Aaron's first. Our nephew Josh was to be the ring bearer but his nerves got the best of him and Aaron anxiously accepted the offer to jump in. We were so proud of him and he was SO PROUD of himself. At one point during the rehearsal he told me that he had to go tell Dad something. When I questioned him on what it was he said, "I have to tell him I'm doing a good job." Everything went well and then all were treated to a fabulous mexican dinner at a friend's house.

The next day, Saturday, October 3rd we had a lazy morning had somewhat of a picnic at a park

nearby our hotel. It was fun to play together as a family. (And, thank goodness for Mary Kay... I forgot my foundation at home and called a local consultant from the internet who agreed to meet up with me to give me the product I needed.)

The rest of the day we rested and got ready for the wedding that evening. When we arrived Livi was so tired that she all but gave up being the flower girl, but through explaining to her how important it is for her to accept her responsibilities she perked up and became very excited like expected. Aaron was very excited once he slipped the tuxedo on. It was originally purchased, of course, for Josh, so I was relieved when it fit Aaron just right.

As everyone walked down the aisle it became apparent that the

groom was missing. Us knowing Wyatt, knew something funny was going to happen but no one could guess what came next. The person performing the marriage stood with his back towards a beautiful canyon and just as everyone was wondering, "where the heck is Wyatt?" Indiana Jones music starts playing and in saunters Wyatt appropriately posing at counted intervals to look off into the distance. Too funny. Aaron and Olivia did so great during the ceremony. Aaron, at

one point seemed to have issues with his ear itching and Olivia

discovered the velvety softness of rose petals, but it was perfect.

The ceremony itself was great. I guess when two performing artists get married there's bound to be a show and they did not disappoint. At one point they broke into a "show" song about "...I love you more..." SO MUCH FUN!

At the end of the ceremony the DJ played the current hit "Tonight's the night" and the bridal party danced back down the aisle. Livi and Aaron danced too. As pictures were happening appetizers were served and everyone mingled. Olivia and Aaron, every time they heard a wedding party or Ellison picture being announced sheepishly sighed and ran over to do their duty (although I'm sure half the time they didn't mean them).

The rest of the night was filled with so much fun. Great food, fun family, lots of dancing, and some performances by the bride and groom and the groom's brother, Matt, and him doing a Blues Brother's song. Livi and Aaron danced the entire night.

Olivia mostly danced with Josh who enjoyed her picking him up and just standing together. It

was funny to see Livi take charge so much on the dance floor. It's a lot like Bill and me. I was thrilled when Bill came out on to the dance floor to join me and his step brother and sister, Justin and Cara. We all had a great time.

Aaron, during the night learned that he had mad break dancing skill and so spent much of his time on the ground in one way or another. Too cute.

(Back row: Nikki, Cody, Sam, Bill, Rachel, Justin, Cara. Front: Josh, Livi and Aaron.)

It was so much fun to be able to see all of the Ellison family again. It's been a very long time since we've all been able to get together and have such a great time. While some members of the family were unable to attend, and for that were sorely missed, it was great to spend such a joyous occasion with the people we love.

Josh warmed up to the party and had a great time gettin' his groove on.

Grandpa Bill and Nana sat at the dinner table along with us and Cara and Justin.

Left to right: Aaron, Cara(step-sister), Wyatt (cousin/groom), Matt(cousin, Wyatt's brother), Justin(step-brother/Cara's brother), Bill, Sam(brother).
Our kids adore ALL their Aunts and Uncles. Especially Cara and Justin. They had a ball dancing with them.

It was great to have a great night together with each other and everyone else.

Everything is food to Aaron. Brigid gave Aaron a rose off of the wedding cake and of course the first thing he tried to do was eat it. After we explained that it was real, he didn't want any good icing to go to waste and so he licked it.

Livi and Josh waiting for the slide show to start. (Great slide show, by the way.)

Wyatt and Brigid, thank you for letting us be a part of your wonderful night and the start to

your amazing future together. You paid so much attention to the littlest details to make all of your guests feel so welcomed and important... keep that same attention for one another and you'll be great!