Brazilian Wedding in Botucatu, SP

Our trip to Brazil was wonderful. I fell in love with the country and the people. Especially Don Miguel & Marlene Vendramini. Of course you already knew I fell in love with Patricia clear back in March. We were treated royally. Even though it was supposed to the dry Winter it was neither cold nor dry but green and very clean. They are very organized, methodical and orderly. We felt completely reassured that we were being taken care of and travel timing completely calculated. For more photos see http://picasaweb.google.com/Bryan.Ells/2008BrazilBotucatu
Botucatu (120,000) is 3 hrs from Sao Paulo on a beautiful Interstate Rd. considered large rural city but yet where everyone knows the Vendraminis. Marlene is the most vivacious person I know and a fabulous cook. I gained 10 lbs in 3 days eating 3-4 squares per day. We waited to eat dessert one night after going to the wedding preparation and it was like a feast in and of itself.
The Wedding was like out of a Fairy Tale story of the maiden kissing an Arizona frog and turning him into Prince Charming and her into the Princess at the Palace Gala Ball. It was amazing how an enchanting little princess could charm an old frog into a bald headed Prince Charming. Notice that the figurines on the cake were designed to be spittin images of the bride & groom. I think they did an excellent job. The affair consisted of sitting the 275 guests at their assigned tables awaiting the Pomp & Circumstance. The frog had not seen the little Princess in all her grandeur until her father paraded her down the rose pedal strewn aisle thru a tunnel of drapes & colored light to the altar beside the awaiting now mystically transformed frog, the prince/groom. This was all very touching to say the least. The ceremony was pronounced by the LDS Branch President. The BP introduced the couple and taught about celestial marriage and eternal families & corresponding responsibilities. After the reception Don Miguel asked if I had understood ceremony sermon. I thought I had pretty much understood. He said get Patrick to translate it for you b/c it was touching and beautiful. He now considers the BP is best new friend!! More Wedding photos http://picasaweb.google.com/Bryan.Ells/2008BrazilWedding All evening they brought around hordurves and drinks of pineapple frapee or guarana soda (like fruity apple-its an energy drink up here). Then a full Brazilian buffet. The whole was video taped and professional photographed which will be made availble to Patrickia soon. You would have all loved it!! For sure. I not sure what we could of overwhelmed them with the size of our family but it sure would have been fun. You all have not been privileged to get to know Patricia like Joe & did down in Miami ...she is a Real Princess by the way and a reception is not the place for one on one either. You would have been proud of the bird watcher b/c he charmed all those Brazilians (young ladies).
photos of the rest of the trip will follow.