Or, if you prefer, you can go straight to the Wedding... Right here in this page...

Let's go! You're all invited! You must dress smartly!😆

Hi! i'm Connie, the Author, and I want to invite you all to Gabriela & Aaron's Wedding. It's going to be a very long, but exciting Wedding, where you will meet many guests, too!

Hello, and Welcome to Aaron and Gabriela's Wedding!

Please come in and make yourself at home!

This is your Invitation. Keep it at hand! 

Let me Introduce The Bride and Groom:

Please help yourself to some "bubbly" and be seated. Make yourself at home! Thank you!

In The little Chapel all is set and ready to receive the guests...

Oh, here is Father Bob! (Further on, you will find that some still call him Father Hicks).

He usually comes early, to check that everything is correct and in place.

He likes checking things twice before the guests arrive...

Everything correct, Father? ...       "Perfect!"

The Special Coach with the Guests, arrives.

Father Bob meets them at the door...

The Guests go in Two by Two (like the elephant and the kangaroo... in Noah's ark, remember?)

And let me introduce all the guests to you.... 😁 (Sit down and enjoy!)

The first to go in are....

Mr. & Mrs. Taylor (Zack & Lily)

Right behind them are...

Mr. & Mrs. Campbell (Phill & Nicky)

The next to come are...

Mr. & Mrs. Sheppard (Adam & Georgina)

Just following...

Mr. & Mrs. Corelli (Ben & Francesca)

Next are...

Emily de Luca & Andy O'Hara (They are still single, but very much in love),

Right behind them, come...

Chris van Rensburg and his daughter, Hannah... who meet with Giancarlo Modano on the way!

The next to appear are...

Dr. Wanjala and Charlene Brown (they are a little more than just friends)...

And following them, come this elegant couple...

Mr. & Mrs. Williams (Pete & Johanna)

And almost at the same time, come...

Ray Batangbakal & Kim Chang (they are more than just friends)...

And the last to go in, is this young couple...

Cassie Maxwell & Wess Tremayne (very much in love, but not yet married!)

Now they are all seated, and chatting happily about the event.

The background music, playing: "Solomon, the arrival of The Queen of Sheba"

While they wait. The Groom and Best man arrive in a very appropriate car... A NYPD patrol car.

The car is driven by a fellow Policeman, and it must be returned after the ceremony.

Father Bob, hears the car arriving... The Guests are excited...

Groom (red flower) and Best man (Jim, with white flower) get out of the car and are chatting, nervously.

The music changes to: "Jesu, Joy of man's desire"

Groom and Best man at the door, ready to enter...

And Groom and Best man enter. With "Trumpet Tunes" playing in the background.

At the foot of the Altar.

They soon hear a car arriving. It is the Taxi that brings the Bride and her Entourage .

(Since they are getting married in New York, the most original thing to do - as Gabriela is Brazilian - was bringing the Bride in a Yellow Cab. An old classic yellow cab!)

Jim, the Best man, knows a lot of Taxi drivers, and he hired this young fellow and his taxi for this special event.

The Taxi is parked next to the NYPD Patrol car.

The Maid of Honor (Babs. Father Bob's sister and Gaby's best friend) and Brides Maid (Lori. Jim's wife) are at the door, ready to enter.

They enter as "The Wedding Prelude in C" starts...

All the Entourage and Groom are ready to receive the Bride and her "Man of Honour"!

There is silence for a while, and Father Bob orders everybody to stand up...

A Nervous Bride, Gabriela, and her Man of Honour, Mario, at the door...

(He is her best friend and will give the Bride away in her Parent's name)

The Wedding March (Mendelssohn) begins to play... and Bride and Man of Honour enter...

As the Bride walks in, there are wows of admiration...

The Groom doesn't want to look, but he's so nervous, that he just can't resist peeking.

He turns around and... His eyes are wet...

A tear starts running down his cheek and he quickly wipes it with a finger and says...

"Something got into my eye!"

The moment Mario gives the Bride away is a very emotional moment...

The Bride and Groom cannot take their eyes off each other...

Father Bob is a very funny man!...

And then... with the "Ave Maria" (Bach) playing in the background... The Ceremony begins!

There are a lot of "sniffs" around! Everybody's emotional at this wedding!

These two's love is so special. It's like a fairy tale.

On the left, the two girls that are "thinking" are sisters (the Italian sisters, Frani & Emily)

I' translate what they are thinking: (Front, redhaired girl -"Oh, I didn't bring any tissues or hanky!"

At the back, with the brown fur coat - " Oh, I need a tissue or a hanky!")

The Wedding rings moment...

Aaron was so nervous, he wasn't even aware that he still hadn't kissed the Bride!

And... before they leave the church, they are taken a group photo of them all! Lovely!

Then they take a few more photos, with all the their Entourage!

Outside the church, while the church bells ring!

It's freezing cold, but the sun is shining brightly!

Now everybody will go to the venue, at the restaurant, in the Coach.

The Bride and Groom will go in Kyle's Taxi!

They are all at the welcome cocktail reception... Waiting for the Bride and Groom ... Who are...

At a private and romantic... photo shoot... before joining their Guests.

And when the session was over...

While they were being taken romantic pictures... The guest were drinking, chatting, and some, even getting to know each other...

Wow! Isn't she curious!...

The Newlyweds have arrived to the reception...

And... our special toast for the Bride and Groom... Cheers!

That's Jim! The Best man!

The Banquet Hall is all set and ready. Quite pretty!

There are very few flowers, though. They can hardly be seen (some in the middle, and on either side of the table. In a row), perhaps because they are also red and white, like the table cloth!

The Menu, chosen by the Bride and Groom.

The first impressions...

A little reminder... The Groom is originally from Chicago, but was transferred to The NYPD, almost a year ago, now. The Bride is originally form Brazil. She came to New York, to study for Nurse, and found a job at the General Hospital in NY, and stayed.

I'll continue with the presentations, for those of you who still don't know them (the guests).

This is Mario. He's Gabriela's best friend, from Brazil. They went to school together, back in Brazil. They are like siblings. Now he is the owner of a prestigious Hairdressing Salon, in Brazil (Salvador de Bahia) and, of course, he did the Bride and her Maids' hair, today! He came specially for her Wedding and in Representation of her parents, that could not come to NY.

This is Jim (James O'Hara), the Best man (he is Aaron's companion and friend), and his wife, Lori , the Bride's Maid (she is a Flight Attendant for Hawaiian Airways. She is originally from Hawaii. Her Maiden name is Kiloha).

This is Babs (Barbara Hicks. Father Bob's sister), the Maid of Honor, and the Brides best friend, here in New York (she's a photographer). Her companion is Chris (Christopher van Rensburg. A South African Reporter), Father Bob's acquaintance.

Andy (Andrew O'Hara), Jim's younger brother and his girlfriend, Emily (Emilia de Luca. She's Italian). They are both Firefighters. That's where they met.

This is USMC Major Zack Taylor (originally from Canada) and his wife, Lily, who is an army Nurse (She is Jim's wife, Lori's twin sister. They were the Kiloha Twins, back in Hawaii).

Remember Chris van Rensburg, the South African Reporter? Well, this is his daughter, Hannah (her mother was Japanese. Died when she was seven years old). Hannah is a Technical Analyst, she's still in Practice. She's an extrovert and curious girl. Her companion is Kyle Kamealoha (the taxi driver that brought the Bride and her entourage). He is from Hawaii, too (his life was sad and miserable... It's a long, sad story). He's studying hard to become an Ambulance Technician. He's a formal, serious and quiet young man.

They were seated together because they are the youngest guests.

This is Dr. Moses Wanjala (originally from Kenya), he works in the General Hospital (like the Bride, Gaby), and his companion is, Charlene Brown, she's an Airline Pilot (she's the youngest of three sisters).

They are still friends... but...

Georgina and Adam Sheppard! She is Charlene's middle sister, and she's an Attorney at Law, and Adam is a FBI Agent... (he's originally from Canada, and Major Taylor's half brother!).

Here's Ray (Raymond Batangbakal, originally from the Philippines), he's an Archaeologist, and his girlfriend is Kim Chang (she's a Chinese-American), a Hotel Receptionist.

These two cuties are... Cassie (Cassandra Maxwell), a Hotel Receptionist (Kim's work mate), and her boyfriend (almost fiancé), Wess (Westley Tremayne), a US Marine (Pfc.)

She's a cheerful and extrovert girl and he's a little shy and introvert boy.

This guy's a US Marine Captain. His name is Phill (Phillip Campbell) and his wife (a USMC Paramedic Sargent), Nicky (Nicholle. Maiden name... O'Hara. Yes, she's Jim and Andy's middle sister. They are the Action Siblings!).

These two, are in the same Team and they weren't allowed to fall in love!(Army rules). But they did... and after keeping their love a secret, they finally managed to get married! (Another long story! But they are Twin Souls! It's a special love!)

Well, here is Jo (Johanna. She's The oldest of the Brown Sisters... Georgina and Charlene. Jo is the main Secretary to The British Embassy.), with her husband, Colonel Pete Williams (He's the head of the Team, in which all the other Marines, we have just met, are part. They are all members of an Elite Team named... Alpha Squad).

The Williams have two children. Five year old, Chelsea, and one year old, Lenny (Leonard).

Remember Emily de Luca (the Italian firefighter. Andy's girlfriend?)... well, this is her older sister, Francesca (She works at Newark Airport for Alitalia, as Ground Crew), and her husband (Italian origin), Ben Corelli. He's a Sargent in the USMC (and part of Alpha Squad, too!)

She is pregnant and almost due! But she just couldn't miss this wedding! So, she'll have to take it really easy. Ben will take care of his "amore".

And last, but not least... Father Bob (on the other side of the table), and Giancarlo Modano, an Italian Fashion Designer, friend of the de Luca Family (Francesca and Emily's Family). He designed the Bride's Wedding Gown.

Well, now you know them all. Time for the Banquet to begin! They are all so hungry!...

And here is the Starter... Cold Lobster Cake!  Bon Appetite! Enjoy!

And the Groom's remarks!... And the sweet Bride, too! (in her cute Brazilian accent!)

Everybody has something to say!...

Dr. Wanjala is divorced, and later, a widower. He has a six year old girl. Her name is Anissa (like her Grandmother). Daddy always spoils his little girl.

Ray lost his Mom, and his baby sister, in a tragic flood, back in the Philippines, when he was eight years old. He went to the US with his dad, a few months later. Another long, sad story.

Cassie eats like a little bird... very little!

Oh... these two!...

These two are just friends... for the moment!...

They've really enjoyed the Starter!... Now some chatting, while they wait for the first course...

And here is the First Course!... Cheese Soufflé... watch out, it's hot! 

The Groom camouflages his shyness, with bad jokes!... ha, ha, ha... But the Bride loves his jokes!

Funny kids, these two!

Oh... delicious soufflé, olé!

Second and main Course!...  "Chops and Chips"? and  a little green salad...

And the remarks, as usual!...

That was a great meal! They're all full!... Hey!... Dessert still to come!...

The Wedding Cake! Come on you two... what are you waiting for?   Go cut the cake!

And... Voila! The Wedding Cake!...

The comments on the cake topper dolls!...

When the dolls are removed from the cake...

The Bride feeding the Groom...

The Groom feeding the Bride...

And... the kiss!    Everybody cheering and whistling... and clapping!

The people want more kissing!...

While the cake is being served... The Best man has to make his speech...

He stands up, clears his throat, and makes a clinking sound on his glass of champagne...

Ahem!... Listen up everybody!...

Everybody cheers and wish them the best.

And, of course... they demand a Kiss!...

The Bride and Groom are both feeling very emotional... He whispers in her ear...

Okay now... Let's eat!... 

After cake... coffee's yet to come!  So, meanwhile... a bit of cheering and more kissing!

At the very end of the day, the guests will be given a heart shaped box... with some mini wedding cakes and some chocolates (to take home). And if anyone wants some lobster cake, to take home, there is plenty left over, so they just have to say it and the "Restaurant Kitchen" will prepare some in disposable tupper wares.

Chatting over the table, waiting for coffee...

Coffee is served!     Mmmmm..., smells good!

Oh! The guests didn't have enough kissing... they demand more... More, more, more!

Happy now?...

Okay, enough!... Drink your coffee before it gets cold! 

Some like it black and some, with a little milk...

And for a few others... it just has to be... decaffeinated!

These two just carry on and on...

While they are finishing their coffee...

Mario (together with the Groom) has prepared a surprise for Gaby (the Bride).

Some of the guests know what the surprise is about, but others don't...

She has no idea... until... a familiar tune starts to play...

Today is also Gabriela's Birthday (February 14th) and they all sing Happy Birthday. 

She gets emotional... so many friends ... and her wedding...

But then... a familiar happy birthday song starts to play...

It's Happy Birthday in Portuguese (Parabens pra voçe)...

She can't hold back her tears... of joy (of course!)... but there's more!

There's a large TV screen on the wall (it's usually used for conferences and other things like that).

But today... there is a special "Video Conference from Brazil!"... Her Parents!

The Parents wish their daughter all the best for her Birthday. They are just as emotional.

It's a special day for them too!

(This picture I "robbed" from the Internet. I hope the "owners" don't mind. I thought they were the perfect couple to represent my Character´s (Gabriela) Parents. As they are a White Daddy and a "Mulata" mommy... and look just as sweet as Gabriela!)

After she had calmed down a little...She managed to talk...

She told her Parents that they would soon meet. Gaby was really excited! They were going to Brazil for their Honeymoon.

(But, of course, her Parents knew it already.) Their Honeymoon... first they would go to Sao Paulo to see "Our Lady Apareçida" because Gabriela (the Bride) had offered "The Lady" her wedding bouquet.

So, girls!... the bouquet won't be thrown this time.

Then they would go, for a few days, to Rio de Janeiro (a must! and besides, it was Carnival time! February.) and lastly, they would go to see her Parents... Salvador de Bahia.

She presents her Husband (Aaron) and Mama dos Anjos says... "He is cute!"  Aaron hardly understood what she was saying, but by their expressions, he imagined... and he blushed.

Everybody had a good laugh!

When they had said goodbye and the Video was closed. The Bride and Groom had another surprise for a guest! Well, a couple! They celebrated their First Wedding Anniversary (which had also been celebrated at that same Restaurant). The Campbells (The Captain and the Paramedic). That was a very special occasion! Their love had been an epic story!

Everybody cheered and clapped, whistled and so on...

They received many more presents from the rest, before and after this wedding.

This is part of the present. It was a romantic set of crockery with their names engraved on it! 

Phil and Nicky loved the detail! It was unexpected, so they were really surprised... and thrilled!

After they had all thanked each other and had wished each other all the best, and so on and so forth.  The Newlyweds distributed these little "Wedding favours" amongst the guests. 

Little crystal bells. One of the girls, rang the bell and said... "Time to dance!"

But first... they played "Their Song"... specially... just for them (I will wait for you. Matt Monro)

And here they are... disconnected from the world.

And now... the Grand Opening Waltz... Mazurka (from the movie "The Godfather").

Now, the Bride with her Man of Honor and the Maid of Honor with the Groom...

The Best man with the Bride and the Bride's Maid with the Groom...

and Man of Honor and Maid of Honor!

And now... everybody out to dance!...

(In the middle, the lovely couple... The Bride's Maid and the Best Man. Husband and Wife.)

Huh?... Where are the Bride and Groom?...

Oh, still someone not dancing!... The young ones!

Come on!... Get out of those seats and move your body! Everybody to the dance floor!

And I mean... everybody!

Oh, look! The Bride and Groom are back! He's taken off his jacket and she's changed her shoes (these are more comfy) and the bottom part of her dress came off! Cool!

Now it's shorter, so she can dance comfortably!

Much better! Everybody dancing! Slow romantic music... Oh, there's so much love!

Mr. and Mrs. Williams (Jo and Pete) they are great dancers and they love it! They are the oldest of the guests (and Chris, the South African. He's Pete's age).

This is Chris. Dancing with Babs Hicks. Well, it seems they get along perfectly. That's a start!

Happy First Wedding Anniversary, you two! They can't hear us... they're somewhere in dreamland.

The O'Haras (Jim and Lori)... they love dancing, too. And they are fantastic dancers (just like The Williams).

They are Soul-Mates. Isn't he hot? Still with his jacket on!

The Taylors (Zack and Lily). He learned to dance for her. Before they got married.

Attorney... Georgie, and FBI, Adam. He looks like a serious guy, but he's not... seriously!

Aaah, the love couple! Aren't they cute! 

These two blondies (Cassie and Wess) met when they were teens (in his Town. Down in Fort worth, Texas). They didn't realise what they felt for each other, until they met again as adults (in New York).

Moses and Charlie (Dr. and Pilot), they live in the same street and his little daughter goes to the same school as her little niece (The Williams' daughter).

They are starting to feel something more than just friendship, for each other.

Ray here (the "Filipino") and his girlfriend, Kim. They met when he stayed at the hotel where she works as a Receptionist (or Front Desk Receptionist. Together with Cassie).

Phil and Nicky again! They enjoy dancing!

(Someday I'll tell you their story. One of passion and special love).

The Corellis! Movie star love! They are so romantic. Now they can only dance slow and maybe a little "allegro"... but only a little. They play "Una lacrima sul viso"(a tear on the face) just for them.

These two youngsters, can hardly stand each other. And they have just met!

But... they seem to be getting along somehow...

Giancarlo and Mario are getting to know each other better...

Oh, good! The dance floor is full! Everybody's out, dancing!

Okay now, let's give it some rhythm!...

How about some "Salsa"...

Is this a "Merengue" they're dancing?... Cool!

"That's amore" (Dean Martin)???

Samba! He's gotta practice!...

"Guaglione" (Perez Prado)? Now "Mr. Priest"... that's what I call dancing!

"Cha cha cha"... fantastic you two!

I think these youngsters are gonna surprise us...

Come on out kiddo! Just do as he says...

"I like it like that"!...

He's a great dancer!...

Wow!...

Bravo, bravo, bravo! Well done!

How about a little rest... have a drink, bathroom break, chat...

And here we go again! Let's continue with... "Pretty Woman"!... Yes she is!

How about some country music...

That's his type of music... He's from Texas!

One from the 70's... "Hand up" (Ottawan)...

Dancing with daddy!...

Modern Daddy! Groovy!...

"Let's twist again"... they are experts! You show the young ones how it's done!

"Robotic"? Exotic!

Come on! Let's dance this one!... "It's now or never" (Elvis)...

Another Cha cha cha?   Can you dance this Major?...

The Williams can dance almost anything...    A tango?...

"Hey beautiful,... How about another rest?"

Are you enjoying yourselves?...

Oh! What's going on here?... Crap!  We knew this could happen!...

Okay, let's not panic!...   Jim, here... saves the situation...

Poor Corelli is getting nervous... while Frani is quite calm, actually.

When they had left... everybody seemed worried.

The Colonel told them he'd keep them posted... And he called Captain Campbell quite often, to inform them about everything that was happening.

Nobody left the restaurant until they knew something... They sat around, and had loads of coffee to keep awake! It was going to be a long night.

Their Coach was due at Midnight, and it was on time... but nobody wanted to leave and they told the driver, that they would manage when everything was over, that he could go home. But the driver decided to stay with them... till the end... He was in no hurry. Of course he was invited to coffee, too!

And... round about five thirty in the morning...

Here's Phill, showing them all the pictures of Corelli with his baby girl, that Pete (the Colonel) had taken of him.

Now, they could all go home and rest... Amen! They were all exhausted. It had been a very long, but exciting day. So full of surprises. A day to remember!

Now, how about going on honeymoon with the couple. Oh, don't worry, they won't even notice our presence! 😂

Come on! Let's go to Brazil!