December 31, 2015 - Marriage Celebration!

The actual Marriage Celebration, as it was deemed, was remarkably special.

Totally unique, really personal, absolutely beautiful, and very touching.

Quick before that...
In the morning, there were the MC Olympics! Complete with ridiculous and hysterical events, it was a quite a fun time together. Here's Mike and Fo throwing a friend into the pool for something akin to the shotput!

Here's our little family before the ceremony started!

Guests sat on bales of hay under a huge oak tree. 

An unbelievable African choir from a township sang. That part was so stirring for me. There's something about African music that just moves my soul. I was in tears.

The wedding couple were in stunning, unique clothes.

Lekka's face when he sees Fiona walking in!

Alexis' sister, Amber, led the ceremony. 

Seven friends and family members gave blessings for the couple, including me.

Our boys had a very special part in the program. 

They read an interview they had done about love and marriage and what's important. It was adorable. After that, we all sang "Why Do I Love You" from Showboat, and "L-O-V-E". 

They did a superb job, and were very excited to speak into the microphone!

Fiona conducted everyone in "Freude" from Beethoven's 9th. 

They planted a tree to commemorate their union. 

And, the ceremony ended with everyone making as much noise as possible to celebrate with drums and noise makers. 

Beau had been SUPER into preparing for the noise makers!
He was determined to make the loudest noise possible with the most instruments possible at once!

Plus a dance party with the choir.

Then everyone headed for drinks and hor d'oeuvres. Our kids had a little more drumming to get out! 

A few of the guests and family there!

Afterwards there was a lovely dinner under the tent with a fabulous jazz band. 

There were some toasts by family and friends. 

And finally one MORE band took over for the dancing at night. It was a rockin' party! 

As if that wasn't enough, just before midnight, everyone snuck off quickly to change into their "fancy dress". It was a raging, crazy costume party for the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve!

Alexis at midnight!
Mike and I dressed in something...I cannot remember what. And then went right to bed! 

Incredible!!!