Our First Chilean Wedding

Twenty-three years ago, a Chilean pastor and his wife received a "miracle" surprise: after nearly raising three grown sons, they were expecting a little baby girl! She was and continues to be the apple of her parents' eye, and today she was escorted down the aisle by her father to marry her young groom.

Together they tearfully thanked their parents for their love and nurture and read letters of gratitude and goodbye to them. They listened to words of wisdom from their pastor and the bride's father, and spoke words of commitment to one another.

Pedro and I had the privilege of "standing in" for my sister and brother-in-law at the wedding (they are out of the country) and witnessing the beautiful outdoor ceremony and later, candlelit reception.

As per Chilean tradition, the bride arrived late (about 45 minutes) and immediately after the ceremony the bride and groom left in a chauffeured car to drive "la vuelta" and take pictures around town for an hour or so while guests mingled. The wedding started at 6 pm, dinner was served around 9 pm, and the fun was still in full swing when we made our exit at 11 pm! In fact, the cake had yet to be cut and the bouquet had yet to be thrown!

Nonetheless, it was a lovely wedding for a lovely couple ... and here a few pictures to prove it!