Dreams Do Come True

Christy and Caleb's wedding day - September 16, 2017.  So many dreams to be fulfilled, so many precious moments to be experienced.  True for Christy and Caleb, true for me since so much has been done to keep me around for the possibility of this day.  Possibility has turned into reality; dreams have come true!!!!

Let's relive the day.  😃

The morning started out bright and early decorating at the Falls Ballroom; the theme fell into place nicely.

"Tale as old as time..."

"...Beauty and the Beast"

After a quick trip home to get cleaned up and dressed, it was off to St. Mary's Church.  The musicians were already practicing when we arrived and the flowers were ready to be distributed.

Nancy Kapsner with Helen and Wayne Pikal
getting some practice time in.

Rain had been in the forecast but fortunately it held off long enough so pictures could be taken at Maple Island Park, just a few blocks from the church.

The wedding party down by Maple Island

A little insanity overtook the group.
Must have been the chilly air causing it.  😊

The mothers, Mary and Tracey, waited patiently.

The Jester Family:  Chris, Caleb, Christy, Tracey, and Kahlan

The Sitzman Family:  Me, Caleb, Christy, and Mary

A kiss on the bald spots from my son-in-law.

It was finally time for the main event. Caleb escorted Mary, then Tracey and Chris to their places.  Then Fr. Joe started the procession of bridesmaids/groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearers.

Mary and Tracey lighting the candles used by Christy and Caleb to light the Unity Candle.

Best Man and Maid of Honor.
So happy that our "French daughter" was able to be part of the day.

Now it was time for the first dream come true:  I got to walk the daughter that I love so much down the aisle and hand her off to the love of her life to start their new life together.

I did a better job of avoiding tears than Christy did.  😍

Kisses

and hugs!

The joining of their hands.
Time for Christy and Caleb to become husband and wife.

Such a blessing to have Fr. Joe with us!

The second dream come true:  Christy marries the man of her dreams, Caleb Jester.

Exchange of vows.

The kiss!

Christy and Caleb Jester - the journey begins!

After greeting everyone after Mass, it was off to the Falls Ballroom for the reception, dinner, and dance!

Early in the celebration we shared the remaining bottle of liquor from our wedding over
thirty years ago.  Don't remember Five Star Brandy tasting that good!

The "Glorious" grand entrance.  Not sure how professional wrestling...

...ties into the "Beauty and the Beast" theme, but it was a fun time!

At meal time, friend Marty filled in for Fr. Joe in leading the prayer.

The meal and the company were excellent!

Mr. and Mrs. Jester give thanks.

Dance time and more dreams come true.

The first dance.

The Father-Daughter dance...

...to "Have I Told You Lately" by Rod Stewart.

Mother - Son dance.

The winners of the longest married couple dance:
My Aunt Clara and Uncle Vern.

Lots of dancing!

Another dream come true:  to celebrate our daughter's wedding with family and friends!

The Sitzman Siblings:  Rene', Ken, Doug, Bob, Chip

There was so much more to this day that I don't have pictures for at the time of this writing.  I would especially love to include more pics of family and friends.  We knew the day would go quickly; family and friends did not receive the time that Mary and I wanted to spend with them.  Thank you to everyone who had anything to do with this day!

Not too many fathers of the bride get to be as big of a part of the wedding preparation as I have been.  Once again cancer provided blessings - I had the time to give to be involved.  I got to help pick Christy's wedding dress.  I got to create and produce the wedding invites (with help from Christy and Mary).  I created checklists and tried to keep preparations on track.  (Even though I was told I should keep pushing, I know I got on people's nerves a few times.)  I was also able to serve as Eucharistic Minister for my own daughter's wedding.  The result was a day that I don't know how it could have gone better; Christy and Caleb's journey is off to a great start!

Thank you Mary for being on this journey with me!  Thank you Tracey and Chris for raising such an amazing son!  Thank you God for allowing me to be a part of this and packing in so many "moments to take your breath away"!  Keep dreaming everyone - dreams do come true!!!

Proud parents!!!