The Wedding

July 5th, 2025, actually before 2pm, the wedding began.  This was no traditional wedding, because as you know, Britney doesn't try to conform to what may be expected, but lives as she believes is important.  She's authentic, and aligns her actions, choices, and even life with her deeply held values, beliefs, and inner self.


Juan Carlos escorts Britney up to the 17th floor where their wedding was held.

The venue was so much grander (dressy/beautiful/formal) than I expected.  And the view from the 17th floor was spectacular. 


This is not what Britney originally envisioned for her wedding, but I think she was quite happy and thankful for it. 

Just before entering the room, these instructions (for the multicultural and bilingual wedding) were displayed for guests.





Courtney, Patty, and I went up to the ballroom about 1:40, twenty minutes early, and a few guests had already started arriving.  We got the photo frame (a surprise gift from Courtney) seen on this table, set up and running.  

Notice the picture on the frame showing at the time I took the photo of the table.

When Britney and Juan Carlos were visiting us at Christmas (a chance for us to meet Juanca in person) we knew they had planned to wed, and they kept posing for photos of a proposal.  


These silly two.






Juan Carlos had heard of Waffle House and wanted to dine at one, so we stopped here on our way to Kentucky for our Christmas family gathering.

So of course they even posed in front of this establishment.  

This guest book (for all to sign) was also on the table with the photo frame.  They had chosen to get married July 5th, our wedding anniversary, but to also have a state side celebration and another ceremony in Columbia (where Juan Carlos is from) with his family.

Originally Britney did not plan to wear my dress (which had been my Mom's dress) because she wanted a small, simple, casual wedding.  But at some point, she changed her mind. 

My Mom and Dad in 1948, Joe and I in 1980, and Britney Jean and Juan Carlos in 2025.

I wish Mom could have seen Britney, but felt she was watching from above.

One of the host moms, who is a seamstress, altered the dress for Britney so it would fit better.  She also made the veil and this pillow for the rings.

  

Per instructions, guests came in and mingled for a bit, and then found a table to sit at.  The wait staff came around and served drinks.  Carlos, the pastor (Juanca's good friend) was flying in from a one month work mission trip out of the country and not due to land at the airport until 1:30.


Music was playing at a volume so that you could hear it, but it was quiet enough that you could still talk without having to shout to be heard.  

Tables were filling up and then Britney and Juan Carlos made their entrance (video) at 2:15.  The pastor's wife, Tatiana did the announcing and all the translating.    

She was great and did a fantastic job.

 

What a beautiful, sweet, loving couple we are all blessed to know and witness their marriage commitment.

Britney and Juan Carlos started making their way around the room, greeting all their guests. 

Their friend Yahaira, who was providing the music, came down to serenade them with a special song.  













 

She had brought the two gentleman who accompanied her and the one musician sang along on several songs.  Yahaira sang many more songs than what Britney and Juanca had expected.  












Britney and Juan Carlos had places to sit at our table, but they never did sit down, or eat.

Britney's neurosurgeon, Dr. Caceres and his wife also sat at our table.  They are both bilingual so we were able to carry on good conversation.  It was a pleasure to get to know them better.  

Before long, a plate of three pastries was brought out to each guest.  The wrap was a savory chicken, cheese, spinach; the square was a pizza like thing, and the other a sweet pastry with fruit filling.

These photos, while we ate, show the view out both sides of the room.  











It poured rain outside at some point, and then became a bit foggy.
 

Travis with Michael, Nicole, and Joseph.  


Britney and Juan Carlos continued to welcome and thank each guest for coming.  



The Sidenstick/Baker table.
Patti, Dave, and Chris not seen in above photo.  





While waiting for Carlos to arrive from the airport, his wife Tatiana took photos of Britney and Juan Carlos with each table group of guests.
160 had confirmed coming, so there were 16 tables with ten seats each.  However, there were some empty spots due to some 'no shows.'

  

Our table with Patty, Joe, Juanca, Britney, Courtney, Kent, and Dr. Caceres and his wife Jeania.  

The other group of Americans; Michael, Chris, Joseph, Juanca, Britney, Patti, Dave, Nicole, and Travis.
 

Britney's Peruvian family.  She lived with Don Max and Maria from 2013-2015.  Maria, her host mom was in Peru visiting, and sadly, Don Max has passed.

Britney's Bribri family whom she first lived with 2010.  Juanita, the matriarch is in the middle. Gloria has also passed and Këysh and Duaro could not make it.  But their 17 year old sister, Dutmi (seen far right) came.

 

Carlos, Juanca's friend who officiated the ceremony and his wife Tatiana and their daughter and son.  
Tatiana was taking all the group photos while we waited for Carlos to arrive, so I am not sure who took this one, or when it was taken.

Some smaller group and family shots were also taken.




















Britney's Bribri Mamá, Juanita.

Again, us with Dr. Caceres and Jeania.

While all of these group photos were being taken, the music had picked up and some dancing occurred.

I didn't get any photos of Emily except this of us dancing together.  




Michael and Joseph had some moves.  











But so did Courtney and Kent.



Patty fraternizing with everybody. 
















Yolvy, a kindred spirit.  






Carlos arrived, made a quick change out of his travel clothes, and then the ceremony began.

Juan Carlos and Britney had Joe and I enter first, as a recognition of our 45th wedding anniversary.













Once to the 'alter table' we turned to watch the bride and groom enter (videos).  

Here is a few of the photo shots taken.  

Once they reached Joe and I, we hugged them and sat down to then watch the ceremony from our table.  










 

In the Latin American culture, the bride and groom sit during most of the wedding ceremony.

Tatiana did a fantastic job of translating the words of Carlos as he spoke.  






At one point, Britney was asked to stand up to show her 77 year old dress (that her grandma, and then I, had worn).  There was a correlation between the age of the dress and it holding up through time, with marriage standing the test of time and may theirs be long lasting like the dress.  






Exchanging of the vows and then rings.



Britney and Juan Carlos later posted photos and a message to each other on Facebook. 

Britney posted:

Your hands are my caress
my everyday chords
I love you because your hands
they work for justice
If I love you it's because you are
my love, my partner and everything
and in the street, side by side
we are much more than two.....

And Juan Carlos posted:  Thank you Britney Jean for taking this step together.

WHY I LOVE YOU
Because you are light and joy in my life
Because you strengthen me in the daily struggle
Because you teach me how to be better
Because you are sweetness and peace
Because you are brave and resilient
Because you're socially conscious
Because you have a taste for the trova and the Latin American mass

Because you are unique and you don't copy anyone
Because you go through life with no worries
Because you don't crave luxury or vanities
Because you don't want paraphernalia or consumerism
Because you're walking with your feet on reality
Because my heart is happy and safe in your hands
Because I don't want life without you
Because I don't see a good life without you
Because my heart longs to love you more every day
Because you are Britney Jean Villhauer 
that's why I love you.  

Britney and then Juan Carlos each gave a little speech and then Joe gave a toast.   

The room rental time was about up, but the party continued a little longer as people signed the guest book and mingled a bit more.

Congratulations to the newlyweds.  Such a beautiful,sweet, loving couple!



We are most thankful for all who attended (physically and in spirit) this momentous occasion for Britney and Juan Carlos.  Britney and Juanca also are very appreciative and thankful.  


They handed out these cards to everyone who came. 

Britney posted on Facebook:
“We are surrounded by people who we love so much, who we consider our family, and we are very, very thankful for all of your love throughout all of these years. I am very blessed by all of the diversity represented in this room and by all of the people who wanted to be here today but couldn’t. Thank you so much for being witnesses to our lives and for accompanying us and supporting us in everything.”

Half Time

Half time is the point at which half of a game or contest is completed. 
Life isn't exactly a game or contest, as I've been inferring this past month, although many are competitive at it.  Life is an experience that includes rules, challenges, and opportunities for learning and growth.  I know my 'game' or experience of life is well past half over.  As far as this summer goes, it is almost half time.  Also, soon I'll be taking an intermission from my usual activities and leaving for Costa Rica to attend Britney and Juan Carlos' wedding.

Friday 6/27 - Carole and Allen's house next door has just been put on the market.  It feels rather empty with them gone (Carole now in assisted living), but since moving horses to the ranch, I have been so busy there, I haven't been around here nearly as much.  I have let our yard and house digress, but am trying to get both spruced back up before all our company comes for the August 16th reception here in Fairfield Glade.  

After my usual morning chores at the ranch, I took Amiga for a very short, slow ride.  It has been more than five weeks since I've been on her.  She was very willing out on the trail, in spite of being stiff and sore (arthritic).  I didn't realize she was favoring her front leg so much, until I watched this (video).



And then, Amiga was rushing a 
tad as we neared the barn and she tripped stepping over a log.  Now she was really sore, only it was on her other front leg.  Shoot.  It had been two hours since the Osteo-Max by the time I was ready to leave, so I gave her a Previcox.

Dan sent this photo of Luna (or Paco) lounging near Layla.  I would like to stop for half time, and crawl in right between them.

On my way home from the ranch, I got gas and a few groceries and swapped my paperback at the library, for a new one.

I sat on the deck for lunch but had to scramble inside when a severe thunderstorm passed through.  We got an inch of rain in less than a half hour.  More was coming so I gave up on yard work.  And then during my two hours at the gym we had several more little pop-up storms.

It had stopped by bedtime and we'd gotten another inch of rain.

Saturday 6/28 - My three kitties (from top to bottom) Mama Styx, Monita, and Babe.  

Monita is always the trouble maker.  And then the other two (who have front claws) will sometimes hurt her in self-defense.  In fact, she has a sore eye at the moment.  

  

I left for work at 9am.  Thankfully I only work 14 to 15 hours a week at the pool, less than a half time job.  

Courtney had had a very fun and busy day with Ava.  Here they are mid-day (during 'half time') taking a nap.  




It was another hot, busy day at the pool and then I went to the ranch to give Amiga a Previcox.  

I was sent photos of the Sidensticks (my brother, his wife, and three of their adult children) of their arrival in Costa Rica.  Let the pre-wedding fun begin.  

Here they are later in the evening, enjoying a beautiful view during dinner.

I had over an hour to shower, rest, and do dinner time chores before going to The Grove, at Mirror Lake.  Micki and Cleet got there before I did because it looked like it was going to storm and I was waiting to see what the weather was going to do.

The dance floor was full when I arrived.  I put my chair with the others, took this photo, and joined the girls down in front. 








We girls always have a good time.  






Ya never know what any of us is going to do.  We do get a little silly/crazy sometimes, but it's all fun.  

It had really cooled off, and never rained so was a perfect night for a concert and dancing.  And the Beach Boy tribute band was really enjoyable.  







The band did quit a little early, so I was home by 8:30.  I always enjoy my before bed communications (text & Facebook messages) with family.  I was getting excited about our trip to Costa Rica.
  

Sunday 6/29 - My morning started much too early, after jumping out of bed hearing a cat fight.  It was Mama Styx howling, through the porch screen door, at Shadow, who was right outside.  After sunrise I watched these two deer groom each other for awhile, and took this (video) as I sat here leisurely. 

I skipped church so that I could finish getting the pile of wood chips off our drive before our Costa Rica trip.  This truckload full was dumped here on April 22nd.  Below, the very last wheelbarrow load to be hauled off.  

Finally, over three months later, we finished moving the huge pile.  Joe did almost all of the loading of wood chips into the cart we borrowed from Brian / while I did all the weeding, leaf removal and spreading of the loads Joe dumped in the beds down back for me.  





This morning's work was actually in the side yard.  All these leaves were removed from around and between the three Leland Cypress trees... and hauled off.  

And the remainder of the mulch was spread over the rest of this bed.  Why not just mulch with leaves you might wonder?  Well they blow away, rot quicker - so weeds grow sooner, and the wood chips look better.  

I was feeling itchy from bugs in the leaves and biting gnats, so took a quick shower.

By 1:30 I was headed to work at the pool.  It was hot in the sun and the pool was packed.  But by mid-shift it had clouded up.  An afternoon thunderstorm, with more thunder than rain, cleared the pool and people soon packed up to go when it was apparent it was going to pour.  We got more wind than heavy rain, but it continued to sprinkle so the last few remaining customers gave up and left.

Patty sent this photo of an intruder in the chicken coop, camped out in one of the nest boxes.  Betty tried to remove the snake with a stick, but it quickly slithered behind the row of boxes and couldn't be reached.  Ugh!  

I got home a half hour early, but by the time I got all my weekly household chores done, I didn't have the energy to work on the packing process.  I started my new James Patterson book.      
 

Monday 6/30 - Wow, the last day of June!  My pre-travel jitters have increased, so when I wake too early I can't get back to sleep.  Before sunrise, I discovered that a cat had peed on my change of clothes that was sitting on my pool bag.  WTH?  So I started a load of laundry.  
During chores when I opened the chicken coop, Gloria was laying an egg in the nest box, next to where the snake had been.  But I could not see the snake anywhere.

Work at the pool was actually slower than usual, so not near as hectic, even though it was still rather hot out.

Monday's are Mirror Lake Blast nights.  Can you see Joe and I on the dance floor in this photo posted on The Grove Facebook page back in May?  LOL

At the pool I changed into clean clothes (no cat pee) and headed to town to pick up Joe's shirt at the cleaners.  I hit Walmart for some needed travel supplies in addition to looking for ear rings to go with the necklace I was going to wear with my dress.  I ended up also hitting three thrift stores before finding anything close to the color I was looking for.    

I got home with an hour to spare before the concert.  I managed to shower, do all pet chores, take a ten minute power nap, and pack my cooler before going to The Grove.  'Dreams' (a Fleetwood Mac tribute band) was our entertainment tonight.

Here's Micki and Cleet, two of my much loved fellow dancing ladies.  

Joe came for a bit, but didn't stay long.  The music started rather slow but after intermission got much more up-beat and fun to dance to.  











It was a good sized crowd and we all had a fun evening.  By the time I took the panoramic photo below, it had already thinned out a lot.  Many old folks don't like being out after dark.  I'm not there yet, but I do go to bed around 9:00 usually.

Tuesday 7/1 - And just like that, it is now July.  

Shadow down back hunting.  I got a good look at his back end and he is definitely a tom cat, but I haven't noticed any spraying in a long time.  


Maggie lounging by the couch.



I canceled a planned ride with Betty because I just had way too much to do.  And I was soon scurrying about, doing this and that, to get ready to be out of town for over a week.  Cutting cat claws and applying their flea and tick meds. is always one monthly job I hate to tackle.  Laundry, filling pet food containers, and cleaning house were also worked on.  

I did finally dig up the dead tree by the front of the garage and get this one planted.  It had been sitting in a pot for over two months.

Neighbor Sue, who is going to help with Maggie, came by to see what to do.  And then I went to the gym for a vigorous workout, since I may not get another one in for over a week.

Britney sent this photo of her at one of (out of three) her bachelorette parties.  This is with her co-workers.  They were playing a game where they had to guess what her answers were, to a list of questions.

I had an interesting dinner, eating some different leftovers, to clean food out of the refrigerator.  Being short on sleep, I was too tired to figure out the rest of my wardrobe to pack, and went to bed early. 

Wednesday 7/2 - I had taken a pain sleep aid so didn't wake until 4:30, feeling refreshed after seven hours of uninterrupted sleep.  

After blogging I made some final wardrobe decisions, got a load of laundry started, and headed to the ranch to do chores.  

I ran a few errands on the way home and then finished two loads of laundry.  Joanne sent this photo of the three Pasos after she and Betty had finished going for a morning ride.  I am so glad she is exercising Rico, training him in the process, and giving him some extra care. 

I did numerous things prepping to leave, got my suitcase packed and to the kitchen to go out to the car.  Then during my shower, I realized I hadn't packed my toilet kit.  Phew, glad I though of that. 
 
Half time is officially starting now as we (Joe, Patty and I) head to Nashville for the night, to catch a very early flight tomorrow morning.