CONGRATULATIONS

Mr. and Mrs. Mark A.Weinel

Twenty years ago, my life was forever changed (for the better)! A 16-year-old girl without much care in the world working her first job (Big Surf); a 16-year-old boy carefree also gainfully employed (Big Surf). Their paths crossed and a friendship was formed, never to be broken!

As the friendship grew, it seemed more like a brother/sister relationship, and oh were the times ever fun! High School (Go Westwood Warriors) was all the more enjoyable having my "brother" right there sharing the memories with me.

Graduation fell upon them (May 1992), pictures were taken, hugs given, and plenty of tears shed. What would life hold? the future seemed only obvious to these two kids - he would go off into the Marines, and she would be off to college. The years passed, quickly, filled with both heartache and happiness (how bout talking on the phone while sitting on the dryer in the laundry mat while stationed in California?). Good times, indeed.

Today was a day I had been praying for for quite some time. My dear friend Mark found his bride! Needless to say, I had some doubt in my mind that this day would ever come for my friend, but when I heard of the engagement preparations, my heart was filled with joy! I was SO excited that Mark had found "the (perfect) one". It was almost surreal sitting in the church hearing this man pledge his love for his bride (that 16-year-old boy sure has grown up), getting choked up during the vows with thoughts of his father (who now resides in heaven), and then to see him kiss his bride; turning to the guests and pronounced husband and wife!

Tonight was all around a fun night for Larry and me to witness the marriage of Mark Weinel and Leslie Kunkle, and join them on the dance floor at the reception. Here is a little glimpse in to the wonderful, wonderful night we had.

*the wedding card from Larry, Anne,

and Amanda

*the gift (shhh...it's a secret)

*the chapel (first presbyterian church in mesa, az)

*even this tough Marine struggled keeping his emotions under control

(seeing your bride will do that to you, Sir)

*the vows; a little teary-eyed, and the bride and groom were, too :)

*lighting the unity candle with Leslie's son, Cameron (and can I say...he is a CUTIE!)

*you may now kiss your bride, and kiss, and kiss.....

*the new mr. and mrs. mark a. weinel

*the groom's cake. seems only befitting! semper fi

*the very creative cake! love the cupcakes idea

*awww, every so dainty!

*sweets

*for every imaginable sweet tooth out there...

*a candy buffet! yummy

*deliciously catered by panda express. score!

*my cupcake; again yummy yum yum

*dr. pepper, oh yea! the groom's favorite and mine, TOO! (I think he was smart enough to know he better have this here for me....44 oz thirstbusters from circle K!..)

*where has 20 years gone? here's to the next 20.

*we love you both! best wishes for a wonderful marriage!

Dear Mark ~

I am SO happy for you! Did I ever think this day would truly arrive? no, but I continued to pray that the "right one" would be placed in your life at the perfect time and that you would realize without a shadow of a doubt she was "the one".

You have seen me through so many things, and my heart just fills with such joy to be able to be there to support you as you embark on this wonderful journey called marriage. I know you are going to make a great husband for your wife, Leslie, and you are going to be a wonderful step-father to Cameron!

Never would I have missed this day my dear friend. You mean so much to me! Blessings upon you and your new family, Mark.

Love,

Anne

Dear Leslie ~

What a beautiful, stunning bride you were tonight! The love and joy you have in your heart for Mark just radiated from you smile, your tender looks of love at him. I am so happy that you found Mark, and I can tell you for sure you have truly indeed found a very, very special man. Also, your son, Cameron, will truly be blessed with Mark as his step-dad.

I am so glad I got to meet you tonight. I have heard so much about you. Mark has told me so many wonderful things :) I loo forward to getting to know you even better in the weeks, months, and years to come.

Congratulations, Leslie!

Love,

Anne