John & Mel- a forbidden love, since their relationship started in the office. Starting this kind of a relationship can be risky, because things might end up badly, but in this situation only good came from it.
2004-
I had met Mel when I first started working here. Kris had introduced us (he was my lead at the time). Through Mel and Kris, I met John & Jho.
The company Christmas party was coming up and I saw Mel is the bathroom.
“Hi Mel! Are you going to the Christmas party?”
“Yes, are you?”
“Yes, I am. Are you going with anyone? Do you have a boyfriend?”
She laughed a little and said, “I’m going with someone…”
“Are you… going… with that one guy, John?” I didn’t know Mel very well yet, and didin’t want to come off nosey, but I made a guess since (at that time), when I would walk around the company, I would always see John hanging around Mel’s cubicle.
“Hahahah!” she said, “It’s going to be our ‘coming out’ party. But, don’t tell anyone…”
“Oh, of course not…”
Up in Cambria Pines, a place I had never visited before, held a quaint and quiet lodge where the ceremony and reception would be held. It was a very intimate wedding- only about 90-100 guests.
Jho and I drove up together. But, due to a bolt wedged in her tire, she was unable to make it to the rehearsal.
The morning of the wedding came, and Jho was out the door to get her hair done by 7:30 am. I rolled out of the bed and started to get myself ready as well. By 11 am, I found my way to the Lodge’s garden and situated myself next to Jamie, Kris’ wife and Kim.
You can say it was an LB-Production.
Kris, aka KB, aka the Rev, presided over the ceremony. He did an excellent job, and was praised by many of the guests. Jho, a bridesmaid, and what a lovely bridesmaid she made. Me- the LB photographer… there to help YOU guys see what the festivites looked like!
The ceremony was sweet and thoughtful…
“Love is patient, love is kind…” was read to us by John’s sister, Lisa.
A passage by Maya Angelou was read by John’s sister, Michelle.
Mel read her delicate vows to John.
John, the romatic soul he is, wiped his eyes as he read the poem he wrote for his amor and then read the vows he wrote to Mel.
There was a handtying ceremony- a Scottish tradition.
And then the kiss.
The reception was a happy occasion. Her father, Jenny (MOH) and Steve (BM) said their speeches and made us laugh and smile.
Their first dance was to “Sabor a Mi”.
The cake- Oh my! Three different layers… It was specially made for them by the baker in John’s family, Lisa. It was excellent and so beautiful and intricately designed.
John & Mel: workplace sweethearts… and best friends.
Congratulations, Mel & John!
XOXO always…
Top left- The wedding party, consisting of siblings and good friends.
Bottom left- the LB, of course!
Right- Sweet Melissa in her exquisite Melissa Sweet gown & her handsome groom.
Click here: John & Mel: 6.27.08 to see more photos- the cake, the ceremony, the dancing… the garter catching.
