The Ceremony

When the much-anticipated Friday evening arrived, it began to sprinkle 30 minutes before the ceremony. Fortunately, it rained lightly for just 15 minutes or so and when it ceased, ushers were on hand to dry off the seats with towels. This all happened without my knowing, says Maria. No one told me that it had rained until after the ceremony. When they were pronounced husband and wife, the bride and groom recessed down the aisle but then promptly did an about-face, returning to personally dismiss their nearly 200 guests row by row. We hoped this would be quicker than a receiving line, says Maria. Plus, we got to hug and say hello to everyone. Once the crowd had dispersed, the bride and groom snuck off to snap pictures on the pavilion's terrace, urging their guests to head over to the country club for the reception.