George & Cristina Briseno's Wedding

Last Sunday, Cecilia and I were privileged to witness the matrimonial ceremony of one of my oldest students, George, with his beautiful wife Cristina. It was about five years ago that they shocked all of us by going to Las Vegas at a moment's notice to get married. Julio called me and told me he was on his way there to be with them, not even he knew. We didn't know what to make of it, was this a spur of the moment thing, or was it for real? Well, the last five years have answered that question - with two beautiful little girls, and one more on the way, they have endured the hardest part of a marriage. George understands who the real boss of the house is, so everything is just fine - he knows better than to mess with Cristina's Cuban side of her blood. I know that they did a lot of planning to pull off such a beautiful event. It's not always about the money, it's more about the taste of your choices, and the balance of things that make the final harmony look so natural. From the selection of the flowers, the menu, and even the color scheme of the couples - everything was balanced just right. But I must say, that the majestic location, nestled between the mountains of the Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook, was the touch that made this magical moment most memorable. As you can see in this picture, the stone (Asian style) gazebo in from of a running waterfall backdrop gave a sense of ancient spirits witnessing a modern union of love. As I saw George fight back the tears, one escaped . . .Finally, the real George emerges, if only for a brief moment. But don't fear, the rest of the night George was his typical self. I know Cristina and George had a real good time. There was lots of family there from both sides, as well as lots of colleagues from the real estate business, celebrating yet another success in the life's of George and Cristina. It was an interesting night full of great music and memorable experiences. Many things passed away, and many things became new. George flew in Nick from New Mexico to walk in the wedding party - we were all wondering if I looked that good when I was his age (please don't answer that). Even I got a little emotional when Julio and his lovely wife Melissa showed up to the reception - sometimes a simple gesture of love can concur mountains. The delicate balance of life's journey may very well be symbolized by the butterflies they released during the wedding ceremony. Who knows in these fragile times if love can endure, or if the pressures of an undisciplined society stress relationships to the point of no return. All that I know is that unless a higher source of power is not placed in the middle of a union of two people, the challenges and tribulations of day-to-day life can be overwhelming. I believe that God's plan is revealed in the sanctitude of marriage and family, but it is us humans who take it upon ourselves to change the rules. Cecilia and I wish both of them the very best, and hope they stay happily together forever.