On a morning that was exceptionally cold even for Dec in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this couple sealed their love to each other in the temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints before a multitude of close family and friends who were grateful to be there.
Ryan met Sarah at BYU Idaho and after dating for about a year, decided to meet her family and make her a part of his family. Because they didn't want to wait another four months for a school break to happen again, they decided to be wed during the Christmas break. That required LOTS of family to travel during the holidays to be in Albuquerque by the morning of December 27th.
Her relatives came mostly from Utah, and his from Oregon and California. The Best Man drove from Utah as well. All were willing to make the sacrifice of travel during this time in order to be there for this very special and solemn occasion. It was not any easier getting back home afterwards as storms hit all along the west coast within days afterwards.
For the next few hours, this was the easiest pose to try to get photos for. They were only too happy to pose, and we really never had to ask them to as they were usually in this position most of the time already!
Everything was beautifully decorated in a Grecian simplicity of ivy, cherubs, fountains and roses.
Pine trees and lights added to the holiday season and helped make Ryan feel more at home.
A light dessert buffet was served.
Sarah made a beautiful bride and was certainly queen for a day on her wedding day. She lit up the room just by entering.
Her beautiful gown was made by her grandmother.
Ryan's best man is a fine young man whom has been a great friend of Ryan's since the second grade! They grew up in the same ward and served missions at the same time. Sean's mother was Maid of Honor at Ryan's mother's wedding and vice-versa! It was through Sean's older sister that Kandle (Ryan's sister) met her husband. So we have very fond feelings for this family and for this great young man who is a wonderful example in all he does.
Proud moments for this family and these fine parents.
Sean drove to Albuquerque from SLC, Utah after completing his week at work, and turned around and drove back to resume work the following week.
Although there were "professional" photographers at both receptions, the mother of the groom has not yet merited any copies of those photos.
The Salway side of the family with siblings, spouses and children.
No parents could have been more pleased or more anxious for the welfare of their beautiful and first to be married child.
Unfortunatley, the only photos available at the time of this page layout were the ones that I took myself. They don't really show the detail and beauty of the lovely reception items that were assembled for this couple and the very pretty cake display. It all looked just wonderful and was a very elegant evening.
Aunt Sarah looks good with kids! She and Ryan will make great parents.
Our family wedding angel, Aunt Iva, made a gorgeous cake for the Portland open house that would have fed an army! Enough for 300 people!
Ryan's oldest sister, Teonei and her
family. Husband Rajesh, and sons, Austen and Dhruva.
Ryan with his second oldest sister, Kandle, and her family. Her husband, Christopher, and daughter, Willow.
Naturally we took advantage of the opportunity to get photos of all the family. To the left is Ryan with his older brother, Jason.
The two families gathered for lunch at a favorite reestaurant of Sarah's. The Flying Star had a
nice variety of
great foods from
which to select.
We enjoyed the chance to visit.
After the meal there was barely time for a good nap before heading to the church for the evening's reception and the photos beforehand.
The couple headed back to BYU Idaho on January 4th to continue making music together.
A smaller open-house reception was held in Portland, OR for friends and family of the groom to meet Sarah
