A Coffee Cup Life: Another Wedding!

We had a fantastic time visiting with family and friends last weekend in Illinois/Missouri. While Greg was finishing up a business trip in Boston, I had the opportunity to visit with some friends and former co-workers in the St Louis area. It was so nice to be away from work for a few days, and enjoy the start of fall in the Midwest!

We were in the area to celebrate the marriage of Greg's long-time friend from high school, Andy. He met his beautiful bride shortly before Greg and I started dating. So just as they were able to watch our relationship blossom and bloom, we were able to do the same with Andy and Sarah. I have been fortunate in getting to know both of them, and truly believe these two are meant to be. Almost two years ago, we did a trip with them to the Grand Canyon, and we are hoping to do more trips with them in the future.

The setting was a beautiful almost-fall day in Missouri. Wine country, no less. The ceremony was the backyard of the parents of the bride, with tall beautiful trees surrounding the area. As the ceremony ended, the clouds moved in to provide the much needed relief from the sun, and cool down the crowd. We enjoyed music, laughter and food later in the evening at the local hall. Here are some pictures of the day:

Funny story....one of the groomsmen was very late to the wedding. So an usher stepped up to the plate and filled in. Furthermore, only the best man attended the rehearsal the night before. End result: the boys were all in the wrong places! Greg (pictured far right), was supposed to be the third guy in from the left.

Their dog was the ring bearer, tuxedo vest and all...

To my Arizona friends: This is what a real tree looks like!

Group pictures of the wedding party took place up the road from where Sarah grew up. Behind you can see the beautiful valley filled with trees. Soon it will be bursting with color.

A photo opportunity with the groom.

Andy and his family have a very strong Polish heritage. One of the family traditions for weddings involves shots of Vodka followed by sucking on a lemon and smoking cigars. In lieu of the dollar dance, shots and cigars were sold at the entrance of the reception hall. Note: neither Greg nor I partook in this family tradition!