ALEX'S WEDDING

Today was a picture-perfect day for a wedding and Melissa and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with friends and family. Nephew Alex was joined to lovely Karina at a ceremony in a large Catholic church outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Since we arrived last night, Melissa and I got to enjoy a relaxed morning with Samuel and Hannah exploring a small town situated on the shore of a local lake. 

The wedding itself didn't begin until 2 pm. It's great being a part of a wedding in which you have no responsibilities beyond showing up on time!

(But I do look forward to someday serving in the role of father of the bride or groom.)

We enjoyed the opportunity to spend a little over 24 hours with Samuel. So glad he decided to take a couple of days off from selling books to be here.

Our two got to reconnect with some of their cousins - and, I believe, found opportunity for deeper friendship now that the cousins are teens.

The bride and groom were stunning and seemed to revel thoroughly in being surrounded by their loved ones. 

And the reception was such a good time - right there in the ballroom of the hotel where all the guests were staying. It made it so convenient. 

Good to spend time with brothers Russ and Ryan and their wives. 

And what a treat to see my mom's sister Ann and my uncle Dave - it's been years now. (And it was like having part of mom present for the occasion.)

Alex and Karina are off to a grand start. We're praying that God grants them many happy years together.