Another Surprise Wedding

Alex is our 'golden' baptism.  He joined the church last October and has been totally active and involved ever since.  He is Russian but speaks Georgian and perfect English.  He is Pres. Reese's financial clerk and also interprets for him when needed.  They are very close!  He taught English in our MTC and Mari was one of the students.  She is the daughter of Pres. Reese's counselor who went to the temple last year.  Anyway, they decided to get married.  They would have liked to have gone to the temple - but he is not eligible till October, so they had a civil marriage and will go to the temple as soon as they can.  They planned on Saturday, May 12, but at the last minute found out there was a holiday and the office would be closed, so - they stopped by the church on Thursday, May 10, and asked E. Reese if he was available to come be a witness.  We hopped in the car and went to the government building.  It was crowded and busy.  Finally they got to the counter, filled out the paper work and they were married!

They turned around and posed for a shot of the happy couple and the witness'.  That was it.

We went outside the building where her Dad gave her flowers and they exchanged rings.

This is a picture of all of us who were there -  her Dad, her sister, her cousin (witness) her brother-in-law, the happy couple and us.  Then we headed to her parents home where her mom and little girl were waiting with a wedding cake.

We were not able to stay long because we had an appointment that we were already late for.  I can hardly wait for them to go to the temple and experience the difference.  They are a lovely new family!