Friday, August 28th ~ Los Gatos, California

A lovely wedding joining two wonderful families

Today was one of the happiest days I can ever remember. My nephew, Ian Kennedy got married to Nadia Shraibati at the Regale Winery in Los Gatos, California.

The setting was picture perfect, the weather a little on the warm side, our family gathered together, the bride was stunningly gorgeous, the handsome groom was grinning ear to ear, wine was flowing, dinner delicious, a few happy tears were shed, bubbles popped, sunscreen and colorful sunglasses were in gift bags, ladies shed their shoes which were replaced by provided comfy flip-flops, bocce ball and crochet was played, dancing was lively, and a GREAT time was had by all who attended. 

May I proudly present the new Mr. and Mrs. Ian and Nadia Kennedy…

Mr. and Mrs. Ian and Nadia Kennedy

I have such wonderful memories going back to holding Ian when he was just a few days old, watching him grow up and mature into a fine young man, being there for both his high school and college graduation, and now witnessing him get married.

I first met Nadia when we had a small 21st birthday celebration for Ian when he and a group of friends were on their way back up to San Luis Obispo after a scuba diving trip on Catalina Island. As they sat in our family room, I watched Nadia, and after they left I mentioned to Tim that she reminded me of my sister. Not so much in appearance (though they both have dark hair and are tiny), but more so in how she carried herself with self-confidence and a brilliant mind.

Ian and Nadia were not even dating at that point, but I was hopeful and felt confident that they would be a good match for each other. What JOY to see them get married.

A few of my favorite pictures from the day:

Our son, Dane and his girlfriend, NaReena

A big thank-you to my long-time (since high school) friend, Terri Grover Mapel who flew to California to help me pick out a dress and put my outfit together for the wedding.

My sister Jan (Mother of the groom) and Joanne

Tim and a very proud Auntie Joanne

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GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am so grateful for the expansion of our family. We adore Nadia and her parents Lilly and Tarek. We wish them a lifetime of happiness, filled with patience, love, kindness, respect and most of all LOVE!