Dominique's Wedding!

With the Newlyweds, Dominique and Brian Buerkett!

Last weekend, I was honored to be a part of Dominique's wedding day. Dominique was my roommate for all four years at A&M, but we have been in each other's lives even longer than that. Dominique and I met in 3rd grade! We went to elementary, junior, and high school together and both played flute in the band in our high school years. Although we knew each other well in high school, it wasn't until college that we became the best of friends.

Dominique's celebration started with the rehearsal, which went well, but I was more nervous than normal. I felt good about the bridesmaid part. I have been honored to share in the wedding bliss as a bridesmaid a number of times, but have never been asked to sing! Dominique's wedding was my first professional singing debut! lololol So, my mom came and we practiced then relaxed at the rehearsal dinner afterwards at Raffa's in Kingwood. James and I had a great time visiting with Dominique's father's cousin, Briggie (she is a 9/11 survivor!) and with her future brother-in-law, Josh. We then took advantage of our iphones, getting a shot of just the girls.

The next morning we got ready at the hotel with Dominique then headed to the church. Austin and Katie showed up and we were able to practice our song with Mom as our fabulous pianist. Then it was showtime!

After the wedding, we decided to take some family pictures together since we all were so spruced up for the occasion. Not a bad looking bunch!

Austin and Katie!

The Musical Wedding Trio!

Days away from our 6 year wedding anniversary! The love of my life. :)

Granddaddy was a saint and stayed at home with Sadie for the Friday night festivities, bringing her up for the reception. We were all a little worried that if she was there for the wedding we would hear a toddler screaming, "Mommy! HOLD YOU!!!!!" (translated, Mommy, please hold me...) across the large Catholic sanctuary... So, she showed up right on time to the reception in a beautiful light green dress with matching bows that Granny made for her. She was shocked (as any toddler would be) at the sudden sight  and arrival of both Mommy and Daddy! After pictures outside, we ate some delicious food and started celebrating the happy couple. Sadie chose to celebrate by dancing as soon as possible with Daddy, the flower girl, and well, by herself. :)

Dancing with Daddy

Dancing with the Flower Girl (her mom and I went to HS together!)

Sadie - getting down by herself...

One of the most touching moments of the night was the father / daughter dance. Just over a year ago, Dominique's sweet dad, Bobby Fariza, was diagnosed with non-hodgkin's lymphoma. Dominique was the epitome of a servant, helping her father and family as much as she possibly could. By the grace of God, Bobby is in remission and doing wonderfully! He spoke freely at Dominique's rehearsal dinner to James and I letting us know how very special D's wedding day was to him, because he wasn't sure one year ago that he would be able to share in this day. So, dancing to an up-tempo Sinatra tune, father and daughter laughed and danced and were obviously thankful to be in each other's arms on such a special day. Myrta, Dominique's mom (and long-time family friend) watched close with a big smile.

Father / Daughter Dance

Cheers! Bobby and Myrta Fariza (Dominique's sweet parents)

As James and I visited and enjoyed celebrating, Sadie went back and forth from Mommy's arms to Granddaddy's. She now knows what "cake" means, so as soon as they announced they were "cutting the cake" Sadie started yelling, "CATE! CATE!" (still working on that "k" sound lol)

"CATE! CATE!"

The cake is DELICIOUS, Granddaddy!

Peek-a-boo!

We laughed and danced and played with Sadie as much as possible, but eventually her timer ran down and it was obviously night night time. We were a little worried we wouldn't know when we should send her home, but she made sure to let us know...loud and clear.

All danced out and CLEARLY ready to head home...
not even cake could dry those alligator tears!

With a very long drive back from Kingwood, Granddaddy and company headed back to Clear Lake and left James and I to enjoy the rest of the evening together. We used the time to learn a new country line dance, visit with old friends, and take pictures in the fun photo booth! 

One Crazy Couple

 The night was a success and Dominique and Brian headed out in a limo towards a hotel near Intercontinental Airport - they were planning on leaving for Antigua the very next day. Here's to the happy couple. May God be the center of their marriage and may they enjoy many, many years together as husband and wife...

Aggie Roomies! WHOOP!

...and may college roommies always get together and take crazy silly pictures at important events. Whoop.