Magic

On May 4th, 2024, my oldest daughter, Laura, was married. With 177 people coming it was a big event for us and I wanted to write about it because it’s something special to be surrounded by so much love. Whenever I think about the wedding, and especially look at photos, my heart is filled with gratitude.

Our guests came from Illinois, Texas, California, New York, Virginia, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Ohio and of course NC and Florida. David grew up in Florida. We were married in Florida, lived there for 10 years and Laura was born in Boca Raton Community Hospital. David has a lot of family in Florida and Florida was well represented with around 40 family members and friends. Many thanks to David’s cousin, Raisa, who convinced her mother, Coty, to make the trip. Coty and David have been close since their families emigrated from Cuba to Tampa Florida. David was 5 then and Coty is David’s beloved Tia. Coty and her daughter Raisa came to NC a few nights early, so Tia could be well rested for the wedding. A highlight for us was that they spent a night at our home prior to the wedding and we were able to have some quiet time with them, a good meal, some laughs and a little pre-wedding celebration.

Other highlights
Two of my dearest friends arrived a few days before the wedding to help run last minute errands. My friend Sally is from Oklahoma, where I grew up, and I met her in college. She’s been a dear friend ever since, even making a trip from OK to NC to be spend time w/us when we brought my father from Texas to NC to live w/us in 2021. Sibyl lives in Florida. We started our careers in IT together and have been friends ever since. Some of my best memories are from time we’ve spent together over the years.

My husband’s toast was spectacular. David spoke eloquently, speaking highly of Neal’s character and that of his parents. Lastly he spoke directly to his Aunt in the balcony in Spanish, their native language. Most probably didn’t understand the words (despite years of Duolingo I didn’t) but the sentiment was clear.

Laura’s best friend’s name is Haleigh (to the right of Laura below) and she was Laura’s Maid of Honor. Laura and Haleigh met at UNC. Haleigh’s boyfriend (now fiancee), is Matt. Matt was Neal’s best man. Matt and Neal have been best friends since childhood and currently are both surgical residents. Haleigh and Matt introduced Laura and Neal on New Years Eve, 2019. This year, 2025, Haleigh and Matt will be married, and Laura and Neal will serve as the Maid of Honor and Best Man. Below is Haleigh and the bridesmaids and a picture of Neal and Matt as childhood friends. Neal is on the right.

Throughout the weekend, there was joy, there was laughter, and even a few tears, as CC, Laura’s younger sister, sobbed quietly from her seat during the ceremony, overwhelmed with emotion. But not to worry, she perked up when the DJ started and didn’t leave the dance floor all night. Throughout the weekend, she was surrounded by family and friends all of whom looked after her, particularly my sister in law Carol. She never left CC’s side and was giggling and laughing w/her all evening. Thank you Carol! And to each of the guests who took the time to attend the wedding, I am grateful for every one of you.

Finally, shout out to The Carolina Inn, an iconic location in Chapel Hill, who took very good care of us from the moment we met with them through to the night of the wedding. And I leave you with some of my favorite pictures from the event.