The Wedding

Frank & Jeanne

One of the perks of retiring was the ability to join our family in celebrating the wedding of my step-nephew, Frank Haggerty and his bride, Jessica Chavez. These two have been a couple for about eight years, having met while he was performing in a band with a gig in New Mexico. And, as they say, the rest is history. They lived in LA for a while and then moved to Austin, Texas about three years ago, not far from much of Jess's family. The wedding festivities were all planned for this area. When Terry and I received the invitation to this happy event, we had planned to retire in the summer. It was then that we thought this may give us the opportunity to do what we had wanted to do for a long time - take a long road trip. Plus, we were so thrilled to be part of the Haggerty clan's gathering. Thus began our plans for our Fall Adventure. So, thank you to Frankie an Jess for including us in your big day,

Jess (center), Tracy & Leah

We arrived in Austin on September 25th, stopped at Frankie's home, met Jess's mom and aunt, linked up with my sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Frank, and headed for our hotel. The Hyatt was a great choice. We immediately got swept up in all of the wedding stuff. The girls headed out for an impromptu Bachelorette Night-Out to Max's Wine Dive. Jeanne and I called it a night after dinner while the younger gals hung out bar hopping way past midnight. (Oh, those were the days I could have pulled that off.)

Lois, Lauren, Jeanne, Frank, Frankie, Jess

The following day my brother-in-law hosted a great Rehearsal Dinner at Moonshine - complete with a slide show of the young couple, past and present. This was a touching display, providing many opportunities for laughter and tears. It was one of those times that two families can come together, knowing that they are now linked - a chance to meet up in a more relaxed atmosphere before the Big Day.

Jess & Frank

Then the Big Day...The ceremony and reception would take place at Mercury Hall, a former church turned into a venue for events such as this. It was a stunning setting. The outdoor space was a beautiful lawn and garden with stone patios that perfectly lent themselves to a wedding ceremony. The ceremony was planned to be outdoors with the reception inside. Mother nature tried to intervene with several downpours just before the bride was to walk down the "aisle". Patience proved to be a virtue. Within a half-hour, the skies cleared, the sun shone through and the bride and groom were married the way they planned. The Officiant, Pastor Steve set the tone and performed a beautiful ceremony, blessing Frankie and Jess as they began their married life together. 

Frank, Jess, Jennifer, Kelly

And then the party began. It was a true Texas barbecue. Jess's mother, aunt and sisters did much of the decorating. Her mom, Jennifer, baked the cakes - absolutely scrumptious. It was all truly reflective of this terrific young couple. Did the celebrating stop there? No way; the following morning we had brunch, Mexican style, at  Polvos. And later that evening, many of us met up at the Elephant Room for some drinks and jazz. (I'm making myself tired just recapping a whirlwind of a weekend. Happy whirlwind at that.) 

God bless you, Frank and Jess, as you begin your married life. Have a wonderful Hawaiian honeymoon and take good care of each other always.