California Dreamin Part II

Aunt Alene and Uncle Dale really put a lot of thought into this day. Everything was lovely, the flowers, the music, the program and the reception after... it was an incredible day.

This is a poem from the book I compiled of all of Grandma Federer's favorite quotes and poems. Uncle Dale told me several times this poem expressed the feelings in his heart.

There are many things that made this day special, one of my favorites was the music. Since I was a little girl I have loved gospel music and I still do.

It was a beautiful setting and the weather was perfect. It was only 70 degrees and all during the ceremony a cool ocean breeze would blow through the church. My kind of weather for sure.

 

Here comes the bride and groom!

Reverend Gamble performed the vow renewal ceremony. Tears filled my eyes as I heard Uncle Dale and Aunt Alene say "I Do" again.

Reverend Gamble quoted some wonderful scriptures and praised Uncle Dale and Aunt Alene for honoring their marriage vows. She also thanked them for the service they have given to their church family.

Reverend Griguoli also shared an inspirational message, she is Reverend Gamble's sister.

Still in love after all these years!

The reception was next door in the church hall. The tables were beautiful and decorated with hydrangeas, my favorite flower.

The reception began with singing. 

Uncle Dale and Aunt Alene chose some of their favorite songs and invited us to sing along. I will never forget looking over and seeing Uncle Dale singing "Home On the Range." We also sang another one of his favorites "Jesus Loves Me."

Aunt Alene and Uncle Dale's church family gave several thoughtful toast. They are so respected and loved in their community.

Uncle Dale is 83 and Aunt Alene a few years younger, beautiful and handsome still!

Uncle Dale is quite the humorist and we enjoyed his remarks so much. He can make us laugh but he is also very sentimental. He made sure we knew he was a blessed man to have had Alene by his side all these years.

Uncle Dale reminds of my Dad, it's always a joy to be around him. He is kind, wise, funny and a true gentleman.

 Debbie ~ Eileen ~ Elisa ~ Melissa ~ Cindy ~ Cami

I loved seeing my cousins, I wish we could have more times like this. We don't see each other very often.

 Eileen ~ Aunt Bernice ~ Aunt Kay ~ Aunt Alene ~ Uncle Dale

Aunt Bernice came from Oklahoma and Aunt Kay drove up from San Francisco. I love my aunts so much.

Eileen ~ Aunt Bernice ~ Uncle Dave ~ Tim

Debbie ~ Eileen ~ Cindy

I have always wanted to visit Uncle Dale. He and his family came to Cheyenne every year so I didn't get a chance to see them in California. A trip to San Luis Obispo was on my bucket list and I'm so happy I could check that one off.

Aunt Bernice ~ Terri ~ Eileen ~ Debbie ~ Cindy ~ Cheri ~ Aunt Kay

After the ceremony we had a nice visit at Uncle Dale and Aunt Alene's home.

Tim and I had a little time for sightseeing and drove by the Hearst Castle, it's magnificent. The castle was built by William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. The project began in 1919 and lasted thirty years. The main house consists of 115 rooms. The castle was built to serve as a weekend retreat for Hearst. What would that be like!

The crows have taken over the visitors center near the castle!

Tim and I stayed at a hotel right by the ocean and enjoyed a few strolls along the beach.

 Yikes, no swimming today!

We also enjoyed a drive through the beautiful vineyards... no time for wine tasting!

The drive was pleasant except from Barstow to Las Vegas, it was like rush hour traffic all the way!

About an hour from home we saw this beautiful sunset. I did not enhance this picture, pretty amazing!

It was a whirlwind weekend and I will always treasure the time spent with Tim and my family.