introducing...

MR. & MRS. GENE & KATHERINE MERCADO

My friend Gene finally got married!!!  Woohoo!  Gene has been a very dear, old friend since I came to Covenant Life as a single.  He was a faithful rock who constantly pointed me to the Savior, being a steadfast friend when I walked though a very difficult time as a single.  We have shared great laughs together though we haven't really kept in touch over the last few years.  But I have and will always consider him a precious brother in Christ.

Gene has definitely walked through more than his fair share of trials as well, so it was incredible to watch how the Lord worked out everything that has happened in his life to get him where he is now... married to a wonderful, godly lady.  And this is only the beginning.  =)  So here are some highlights of the day they joyfully became one in the Lord...

This pic is a little crooked, but the site was beautiful!!  And the Lord made such a perfect day for them!  It was hot earlier in the day, but by the evening, it had cooled off significantly.  The weather was glorious!

Jane in her very sophisticated, wide-brimmed hat.  Loved it!

The groom...  =)

Cleo was one of the bridesmaids...  =)

The lovely bride...

The kiss...

We've both put on some pounds...  Ugh!  Funny story:  It had been a long time since we went to a wedding... probably since before Josiah was born.  I could not fit into the dress I originally wanted to wear, which only barely fit a few weeks ago.  Well, not anymore!  And to Bill's dismay, he tried on his suit pants the day of and found that there were moth holes and they were too tight.  He probably could have squeezed himself into them, but it would not have been comfortable.  So he had to run out to the mall to find another pair of pants.  Fortunately, Macy's was having a huge 4th of July sale, so the Lord was kind to make it easy on Bill.  =)  Sigh... to be young again w/a high metabolism...

Miss Jane & me...

First dance...

First cake?  I don't know what it's called, but they're feeding each other the cake.

Love these guys!

Notice Gene has his sweat rag in his hand.  The Mercados is known for hows they be perspirin' all the time.  (But don't say you heard anything from me!)

Congrats, Gene & Katherine!!  Love you guys!

(Peter Bang photographed their wedding and did a fantastic job, so if you want to see some of the professional pics, go here.)