Daniel and Lauren Ashley Wedding Photos - Part 1

Mrs. Ashley Or - it's still a bit strange to hear my daughter referred to that way. 

She is now a married woman, starting out a new life with her best friend, Daniel.  It is true, what they say.  We didn't lose a daughter - we gained a son. 

The wedding celebrations were beautiful, exciting, emotional and, did I mention, beautiful?

We received the official photographs from Hugh Forte, their incredible photographer, and I wanted to share, with you,  a glimpse at all the festivities. 

This first group of pictures are from the Cambodian ceremony, honoring Daniel's family and culture.

Endless hours were spent dressing and primping for each one of the three portions of the ceremonies that day.

 Daniel led the procession down the street, bringing gifts for the bride and her family.

Daniel sees his beautiful bride, waiting for him at the door!

Engagement portion of the ceremony - exchanging of the rings

The bridal party - John (Daniel's brother), Andrew (Daniel's best man), Daniel (groom), Ashley (bride), Hosanna (Daniel's sister), Natalie (Ashley's matron of honor)

 

 Clothing change #2 - green and gold

Grooming ceremony - Daniel and Ashley are 'groomed' and blessed by family and friends.  Some of us got a bit carried away.  You know who you are!

Clothing change #3 - gold, gold and more gold! 
Daniel and Ashley receiving a blessing from their siblings.

Our new and improved family.

The Or family.

What a beautiful day, blessed by God.

Next week - Wedding Photos - Part 2

Tea Time

I can't believe we're this close.

Only 38 days until Ashley and Daniel tie the knot!  Up to this point it's just been a lot of talk, but last Saturday, things really began to kick into gear.  We celebrated with a beautiful bridal shower tea and I could start to feel the excitement.

Here I am with the bride-to-be and her sweet sister Rachel who worked so hard to help make this day special.

The day was a bit chilly and overcast (by Orange County standards anyway) but it was a perfect day for an outdoor tea.  The event was held in my sister Kathy's backyard.  What a beautiful spot for friends and family to gather!

Since this was a tea and we are ladies, after all, we just nibbled lightly on a few little treats.  Those Frenn girls discovered Devonshire cream and we fought over every last drop!

This was our dainty menu for the afternoon

• ice tea
• a variety of hot teas
• cinnamon scones
• blueberry scones
• chocolate chip scones
• raisin scones
• Devonshire cream (to smother the scones)

(no, we're not done yet)

• lemon mini tarts with berries
• chocolate mini tarts with whipped cream
• cucumber dill sandwiches
• aram sandwiches
• peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• egg salad sandwiches

(we're almost finished!)

• fresh veggies and dip (for the health conscious)
• fresh fruit
• cream puffs
• strawberry shortcake
• chocolate dipped strawberries

Wow!

All of this food was made by this small team of ladies - Grandma, Aunt Kathy, Natalie (maid of honor) and Rachel (bridesmaid).  They worked tirelessly baking scones and tarts, washing and cutting fruits and veggies, polishing china cups and making everything look lovely for the occasion!

All of this for me!

After stuffing ourselves with all of the delicious food, we rolled ourselves over to watch Ashley open gifts.

There was gift after gift of beautiful and practical items for the home that she will share with Daniel.  (Note to self - buy stock in Crate & Barrel and Target!)

Younger brother Sam sent a gift to the shower but I think he was confused as to what type of shower this was.  Is that what you call a 'subtle hint'?  There were also a few little (ahem) personal items thrown in for good measure. 

Overall, the day was a great success.  Ashley had a smile from ear to ear.

Ashley's cousin (and my sweet niece) Veronica just announced her engagement so it appears as though we will be in 'wedding mode' for some time yet.  Congratulations Veronica and Sam!

Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate and showered Ashley and Daniel with love, gifts and good wishes.

38 days and counting!

Blessed

The year 2010 was lousy.  One more year at the end of a string of rotten years.  We were glad to wave goodbye and step into 2011. 

Well, so far 2011 is turning out to be a difficult year as well.  I won't call it rotten yet, because this year still has 9 months left to redeem itself.  Since this year began, my mom, Ashley and Steve have all had surgery and Rachel has been nursing a bad sprain.  It's only March, but I can safely say I have no desire to see the inside of a doctor's office or hospital ever again!

It's easy right now, to feel a wee bit sorry for us.  Nobody likes illness and pain affecting the people that they love.  It's exhausting and disheartening.  But every time I feel like I'm due for a full-blown pity party, I think of Japan, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan and the beautiful people around the world who live in situations beyond my imagination, clinging to a shred of hope.

I'm choosing to step away from the pity party and be reminded of my blessings.  Here are just a few, in no particular order.

• I can worship God with fellow believers without fear of reprisal.

• Sam always knows how to make me laugh.

• I was raised in a loving, godly home.

• I have a home that is safe, warm and whole.  

• Ashley will be marrying Daniel, the love of her life, in 14 weeks. 

• I have a car that gets me where I need to go.

• I am not dealing with the threat of radiation.

• I have an incredible, supportive network of friends and family.

• Rachel plays the piano every day, filling our home with worship music.

• I do not live in fear of violence.

• My daily commute to work is from the coffee maker in my kitchen to my computer.

• Steve and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this year.

• I don't worry about my children going hungry.

• We have health insurance and Steve received the surgery he so desperately needed.

• The sun is shining today and the jasmine is blooming.

I realize now that there is an unending list of things to be grateful for.  We have been blessed beyond measure and certainly beyond what we deserve.

I have a choice now, I can live snug and warm and secure without a thought for others, or think of ways that I can reach beyond me and extend blessing to those in need.  To be honest, I'm not always sure how to do this.  The needs seem so overwhelming that sometimes I'm left doing nothing. 

I don't want to be a nothing-doer but someone who is generous and compassionate.  I choose to start today.

If you feel like life is dumping on you, try this exercise and look beyond yourself.  Tell me, what are you grateful for today?  How do you share with those who are in need?