Our bride and groom (Chris & Seunghye) on the steps of the Villa Mare
Oh good. I’m glad you didn’t want to see wedding photos yet.
You are such good patient readers.
Since you’re not impatient for wedding photos from last weekend in San Diego–the wedding ceremony of our son, Christopher, and his bride, Seunghye–we’ll pause a bit longer and provide some background for our wonderful celebratory get-together.
One of the lions that watches over the villa
We arrived last Wednesday–or the Wednesday before–you know how you lose track when you’ve been traveling.
The bride and groom had rented the most wonderful villa in La Jolla for the wedding. The villa was large enough to fit six of Seunghye’s family from Korea (her mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law and two babies), us from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and, of course, Chris and Seunghye.
In which Kiah & I sneak a picture of our crew (K’s boyfriend, Diaa, Seunghye, Barry & Chris)
In this post you shall see photos of the Villa Mare and our immediate family. You’ll have to wait, oh heavens you’ll have to wait, for actual ceremony photos. We have lots of pictures to share before you actually come to the simple but beautiful casual ceremony and sip champagne and listen to our toasts.
You all know my daughter, don’t you?
You all know who exists in our immediate family, don’t you? Barry and I are the parents of the groom. Our daughter, Kiah, and her boyfriend, Diaa (who was born in Egypt but grew up mostly in New York City) flew in from New York City.
It was lovely to be all together again. We can’t really place the last time we were in one physical location at the same time.
(Thanks, Chris, for getting married and making this possible!)
A little California color
California is beautiful at the time of year.
OK, Upper Michigan is gorgeous too, but it’s a different kind of gorgeous.
It was delightfully warm as we flew into San Diego. It stayed warm for the entire week. The thermometer lingered in the low 70’s. (22-24 Celsius.)
I won’t even tell you how cold it is now that we’re back in Michigan. Brrr….
Look at the roots on that tree! What holds the tree in the pot?
In the meantime, you Midwesterners can keep looking at California pictures and try to imagine the warmth we experienced oh-so-recently.
The father of the groom by the pool
Note: we did not swim in the Villa’s pool. It was too cold. Alas.
However, we had plenty to keep ourselves occupied. Especially after the rest of the family (my mom, dad, brothers, brother and sister-in-law, niece) and assorted friends arrived.
The mama of the groom by the pool
Inside the Villa Mare in La Jolla, CA
Chandeliers, anyone?
We are not really used to living in the lap of luxury, those of us from Upper Michigan. The villa shimmered with chandeliers and marble. It is a lovely rental home, although needs some fixing-up with paint brushes in the near future.
There is even an ocean view, far-far away, unless you zoom in with your camera
Palm fronds galore
Lovely palm trees
Simple beauty
Me on the curb with flowers
If you keep coming back to the blog in the next week you shall view, among other things, a dashing croquet tournament at the rehearsal picnic and see photos of my extended family, as well as an adorable Korean three-year-old with whom I fell madly in love.
And, OK, you’ll eventually see wedding photos. You’re satisfied with waiting, aren’t you? Oh good.
I’ll leave you with this rose from the wedding. Hold it in your heart and I’ll be back soon with MANY more photos.
Thank you for celebrating with us.
A rose by any other name…
Lake Superior Spirit 
Of COURSE we wanted to see wedding photos!!!!
I promise you wedding photos by the week’s end, and maybe earlier if I run out of pre-wedding stories. 🙂
Hahaha you’re teasing us! Looks like it was a beautiful location!
I LOVE teasing, Jilly! It was gorgeous. I still wish you were with us.
Your daughter looks so much like you in that photo…and yes we will be patient. What a wonderful spot for a wedding!
Really, Dawn? You think she looks like me? Oh how sweet! It was a lovely spot for the wedding, and I can’t wait to tell you about the croquet tournament.
Oh what lovelyness…thanks you for these pictures and of course we’ll be eager for more.
The villa looks lovely as does the surroundings. But then again La Jolla is such a wodnerful place. I used to love driving up there and take walks overlooking the ocean. I remember a nice park,, lots of flowers and great little shops and restaurants.
Ah well…sigh….;)
What a great reason to get together to this magical place. You must be proud and overjoyed.
Huggies,
Lucienne
Lucienne, you would have loved being in La Jolla again for a little while. The restaurants were so good–such delicious food–and the atmosphere is “so California” if you know what I mean. So free and warm and inspiring and kinda magical. So glad to share our trip with everyone.
I’m glad you’re presenting us with the beginning of the wedding story .. a sweet lead-up into the big event. These pictures are lovely … the humans and the scenery. Ahhh, wonderful San Diego, where the clime is comfortable year round. Looking forward to the rest of the story, as it unfolds through your skill and care. Welcome home!
Oh so Susan Dee, I am SO thrilled that you love the approach. Happy, happy. Have almost 200 photos, so you kinda have to tell a long story if you want to show lots of photos, right. thanks for the welcome home, too. It’s good to be back, even though it’s a tad chilly. I suppose YOU love it!
I’m looking forward to seeing the whole story, including the wedding pictures of course!
It’s a slow build up to the wedding, Karma. You have to set the scene properly, you know. You guys kinda have to experience it like we did!
And you are sooo good at building up the sense of anticipation, Kathy. The impatient Little Me is hopping up and down with excitement. (I was too impatient to queue up for ‘patience’, when that quality was being handed out…) 😉
Don’t worry “Little Me”…wedding photos soon! And I am SURE you have some patience, Ms. Reggie!
Yeh, I know… I do… just a smidgeon. 😉
Kathy – I have goose bumps. What a gorgeous setting! How wonderful that you all could share it together. Can’t wait for more!
Susan Dee in Florida, I am smiling at your goose bumps! Glad you enjoyed Act I. I’ll be posting Act II either tomorrow or the next day. (I hope.) Thank you.
I’d tell you to have a wonderful time, but I can see that you already are.
It was a wonderful time indeed, Christine. We’re glad to be home again, but with lots of lovely memories.
Yay!!
🙂
I so want to see the wedding pictures. Please don’t delay much Kathy. The arrangements in the villa seems so comfortable! They definitely did a wonderful job. The villa looks posh! Very nice. 🙂
Sonali, Sonali, Sonali. I promise you wedding photos by week’s end. Maybe even sooner, if I run out of stories. The villa WAS wonderful. We lived in the lap of luxury for a week, don’t you think?
P.S. You do realize I’m teasing you, don’t you? 🙂
I am so happy for you and all. I shall patiently await the wedding photos, enjoying the view that you post each time. Definitely a beautiful place for a wedding, and for a family reunion, and the meeting of new family.
Why thank you, Ms. Bonnie. The best part of the whole week was the family reunion, I think. It as so delightful to see everyone together. That doesn’t happen much… Will post again soon.
There is much to enjoy before the actual wedding, I’m sure – like these photos and their story. We can wait. As long as you get to them before Thanksgiving!
I’m laughing, Carol. Can you imagine me taking until Thanksgiving to share the wedding story? You’ll have it all by week’s end, I almost promise.
I’m so happy you all got to spend such a lovely time together. Looking forward to the rest of the story 🙂
It was lovely. About as lovely as your visit to Maui and the sea turtles, I am sure! (I have no sea turtle pics to include in this week’s story…)
Ohhhhhhhh, these are wonderful appetizer photographs; scrumptious in every way. And OF COURSE I’m looking forward to the main course — delicious Wedding Photos.
Oh, yes, Laurie, a perfect analogy! In a wedding we must first sample the appetizers before heading toward the Main Course. In this blog, however, the wedding photos may be dessert. Ha ha, you never know!
If the rest of the meal is as tasty, I’m hoping that you’ll let us savor a full seven courses 🙂
Kathy, you are so clever to make us wait. It’s like being included in the actual event. Thank you for the introduction to the Villa Mare and your family and the glimpse of the brides family. I’m anxious to see everyone else. It looks like a lovely venue for a wedding. I love the weeping palm tree picture!! 🙂
Oh good, Brenda, I am glad you like how this story is being told. You shall see so many of my relatives this week that there will be a quiz next Saturday. You will have to properly identify everyone within three minutes. LOL–just kiddin’.
I’ll be back. Who wouldn’t be? 🙂
Oh good, Val! (Although I suspect you might come back a’visiting anyway, right?) I’m still looking forward to reading your blogging blog. I have only read about five people’s posts since returning and may have to go on a reading spree before writing Act II of the wedding saga.
Gosh, Kath, that looks like an incredible place to stay. Of course, I’ll be back!
Hugs,
Kathy
Oh good, Kathy, I am so glad you’ll be back. I hope you know how to play croquet. Bring Sara and you can play the next round. (You don’t even have to be good, although that’s another story…)
I can’t wait to see the wedding photos either Kathy! But I promise to be patient as the events leading up to the big day are also special. What a fabulous idea to rent the villa for you all! Looking forward to the next installment. 🙂
Hi there, Joanne! I can’t bear to tell the story starting with the climax. We must slowly work our way up to the Event. Glad you realize the special-ness of the ordinary events which lead up to the wedding. The journey is as important as the destination.
Looks fabulous! Please convey my best wishes to Chris and Seunghye. 🙂
Thank you, Editor. I shall do that!
I love your chatty style of writing however, I keep responding verbally to your questions! I hope you can hear me from there.
Ha ha, Sybil. I can hear you loud & clear. The answers are yes, yes, yes, no and maybe. Let me know if you want any more explanation, lol.
What a perfect setting! I can’t wait to see the wedding pictures. How elegant!
It was a lovely setting, John. Very elegant. If you were there you would have pondered the history of the place, wouldn’t you?
You’ve got me down pretty good!
**smiling happily**
Your blog posts will be a wonderful way for you to relive all those priceless moments! ~ Kat
Yes, Kat, that is so true. This is a way to re-live the entire week. To digest it more slowly, perhaps. Thank you.
always love your posts, even when you are a horrible tease. Of course I have no doubt that the reason we have to wait is because you are sorting through a billion photos trying to find the best ones for us. Lovely villa! Lovely colors! Although it did get up to 72 F today………..
Me, a horrible tease? lol! (pssst, you are partially right, I am overwhelmed with photos and am trying to pry them into some acceptable order and presentation. They are slowly coming together…i Hope…) Hey, aren’t you in Minnesota? How could it be 72 in Minnesota? It’s been in the 40’s here.
I am in Mankato and it wasn’t supposed to get that warm but it did.
Lucky you!
Kathy, holding the rose in my heart along with all of that beautiful bougainvillea. What a lovely place for a wedding! I’m so glad there are pictures and a wedding story to share.
Bougainvillea. That’s what those flowers are called! My family even told a joke about bougainvillea. Wish I could remember the joke…I would tell you. There are SO many pictures. Glad you are holding that rose in your heart.
Please, please, please!
Erin, Erin, Erin! The journey is as important as the Destination. **big grin**
are you teasing us, young lady? so far, though I like your journey, but do not know how long I can wait
Gosh, no one has called me “young lady” for a long time. Hugs, LouAnn! I do so solemnly vow to show you wedding photos by Friday at the latest (and maybe sooner if I post every day) unless ice storm or the gales of October strike early. 🙂
looking forward to it! no gales of October for us!
Nice place! Wow. San Diego is my favorite place but I’m sure we couldn’t afford a garage to live in there. It’s the near perfect weather I love, plus the ocean. We vacationed there several times. I so want to go back!
So alright already, bring on the photos of the wedding! Gotta see you in the aubergine! 🙂
Hugs
SuZen
We couldn’t afford to live there either, SuZen. But have loved every visit! (This was my third visit, I think.) You know, I think I WAY overdid the story of the aubergine dress. It was just a SIMPLE little dress. Please don’t get too excited. The croquet tournament is before the wedding, you know.
What a fabulous villa! It looks gorgeous and so decadent! It must have been fun to enjoy the ambience of the place and have a chance to bask in its glory before the wedding. 🙂
It was wonderful, withershins. Decadent: yes! But such a fun place to spend a week in sunny California with beloved family. Thank you.
Hi! Kathy,
I LOVE the photographs they are AMAZING! Can’t wait to see the weeding photos 🙂
P.S.
Where are you blogging from? I thought you left your laptop at home lol.
I am so glad you like the pics! And, yes, I did leave the laptop at home. But I’m back at home after more than a week out in California. I fulfilled my vow and barely even checked email during that entire week.
What a lovely place, but all that dusting!!
LOM
Can you imagine all that dusting, me2013? I certainly can’t! I would rather have our little house in the woods.
I am loving this, Kathy – thank you for sharing your wonderful wedding story with us in this way. What a gorgeous venue! And delighted to see Kiah again! You have a beautiful family. HUGS!
Oh good, Reggie, glad you like the way the story is unfolding. It was 98.6% positive! And, yes, I sometimes forget that you’ve met Kiah in person. Thank you for your enthusiasm and well-wishes and hugs.
You’re most welcome, dear friend. Stay safe!
What a beautiful house! I would have no idea how to behave in such a fancy place. What a great idea though, to have both families be together. Kudos to your son and new daughter for being so thoughtful. Can’t wait to see the rest of the photos and I have to say that I do like that we’re getting the story bit by bit, reminds me of when I was in grade school and our teacher used to read to us-she’s always leave us hanging and waiting for more!
You would have behaved like me, Annie! You would have explored around all the nooks and crannies and peeked in the frig and settled in to it like it was no big deal. 🙂 They were so very thoughtful to arrange this house for us, and it was a lovely place to host the wedding. Glad you like the bit-by-bit approach. I was going to tell all about San Diego next, but decided some readers might rebel. So the wedding itself is next.
Heh, funny, I just left the midwest for heat, heat and more heat, not to mention palm trees and sunshine. The weather when I was up there was perfect, in the 70’s, doors and windows open for pleasant breezes. Anyway, what a lovely villa. I look forward to any photos you have to share from the trip, including the wedding. 🙂
Lori, you’d be shakin’ in your sandals up here. We’ve had to put away all our short sleeves and shorts (sniff) and now we can only look at palm trees and feel warm in pictures. (I’m sure you’ll get to see the wedding photos. 98.6% sure…)
Sounds like you had a grand time, Kathy. Glad that all in the family were able to meet in the same place. That was probably the best part of the trip. ❤
Stacy Lyn, it WAS the best part of the trip! (And I started your book last night and am loving it!)
That’s great to hear (on both counts). ❤
The villa looks like such a beautiful place. How wonderful to be all together like that. 🙂
It was great, Robin. Truly wonderfully great. (well, 98.6% anyway!) lol…
Looks like a lovely getaway! Loved the bougainvillea shots, and also now wondering how that tree stays in the pot!
Do you have bougainvillea in your area, Munira? We don’t have any here in upper Michigan, so we surely enjoy it when we glimpse it in Florida or California. As to that tree in the pot…it’s some sort of miracle. I admit to even wiggling it a bit to see if it was loose. It wasn’t.
Thanks for sharing the Villa Mare, Kathy. It looks like a place I’d love to visit one day. I’m moving backwards, I’ve already seen the wedding pictures. Lovely!
You’re going through this all backwards, Marianne! (Sometimes that’s the most fun thing to do, isn’t it? *big grin*)
Catching up with you, Kathy. Now I can zoom through all your posts and don’t have to wait for the wedding photos. I hope you missed me. I’ve been thinking of you and of our own son’s wedding 6 years ago. Now there are 2 babies! I’ve been mostly off- line. My D-I-L had to fly to a family funeral in Iowa, and I stayed with the 4 children (including baby Sam). A 6 week old baby who eats every 3 hours around the clock is a joy but also a lot of work! The Villa looks fabulous, Kathy. You could be in the south of France!
Barb, I am responding to all of your comments backwards! And, yes, I missed you terribly. I wondered every day, Why hasn’t Barb commented? 🙂 Seriously, I did a couple of times wonder where you might be. I’ll bet that was a LOT of work watching all four kinds plus the hungry baby. I wonder if we’ll ever have babies in our family…I hope so. But not rushing anyone!