Justin and Bernadette's Rehearsal and Dinner

JC and I flew to Philadelphia Thursday for his brother's wedding. We have been so excited about this weekend. We love his fiance, Bernadette, so much and could not be happier about this marriage. It is a match made in Heaven! I love weddings where you know both people really well and they're so in love with each other and with the Lord. Everything about this wedding brought the Lord glory. It was exciting and the joy and love was contagious!

When we got the Radnor Hotel Thursday night, Bern's whole family was there to greet us! AND they'd brought us philly cheese steaks AND Tastycakes!!!!! We felt so honored that they all came to meet us during a very busy time in their lives! We instantly loved them. Bernadette had told us so much about her parents and brothers that we felt like we already knew them. They were as wonderful as she described!

Friday, JC went hiking with Justin and the groomsman. He named several forbidden words that they could not say. Whoever said the most had to buy a round of beers at the end of the hike. (But JC took pity and bought the round anyway...softie. :)) I drove to see Grandad. It was a difficult visit. He was distraught by my presence, and didn't know who I was. But by the end, he was loving me and saying how wonderful I was and didn't want me to leave. I'm so glad I got to see him. I miss him and worry about him.

Friday night we met at the Church for the rehearsal.

Brothers!

(Good looking brothers, at that!)

Bern and her Dad, John, get ready for that magical moment!

This time tomorrow, they'll be married!

Strange to see another woman on my husband's arm! This is one of the maids of honor, Katie, Bernadette's cousin. JC was the best man.

St. Denis' Altar

~The stained glass window in the back of the Church~

After the rehearsal, we went to the dinner. Two of the Snyder aunts had rented out an Italian restaurant. It was delicious and fun! The Snyder family were so welcoming and inviting. It was fun to catch up with JC's Dad, sister and brother-in-law, aunts, and niece and her family.

~so in love~

~Dad and his girlfriend, "V"~

Justin and Bernadette payed a tribute to their Mom, Leona, on the anniversary of her passing 9 years ago. Justin, JC, and their Aunts Gilda and Josie shared some memories about their Mom.

Justin- shared for the first time about when he and his Mom, who was in the late stages of her cancer, were walking and passed a beggar. Justin didn't think anything of it, but Mom stopped and gave a large amount of money. This has stayed with Justin, and he thinks of her generosity and big heart often.

JC- laughed about his Mom's unique way of instilling morality. Once when the boys were teens and were in a fist fight, their Mom appeared out of nowhere and hit them both upside the head with a brush! He said it was so fast they didn't even know what had happened! He also said it was the last time they fought! Good job, Mom!

Aunt Josie- talked about the picture that was on display. It was the day Mom arrived at Lincoln College. She'd looked forward to going to her Dad's school for so long. When they pulled up and she got out of the car, her Mom said, "Well, you're here." "I'm HERE!", she said, spreading her arms! The picture captures the moment perfectly. I'll post it when I get it. Aunt Josie also told about the time Mom spun out while driving. "If you EVER tell Mom about that..." "So, I understand the brush!" she finished!

Aunt Gilda- revealed the patience and love Mom had for her boys as she told us about driving through the country. Justin had his headphones on and was intent on his classical music. "Look at the cows," Mom said. Justin never looked up...until five minutes later. "I didn't see the cows," he said. Much to Gilda's chagrin, Mom turned the car around and drove back to let Justin see the cows!