Davidson / LeBlanc Wedding

More Newly Found

2009-01-22T23:07:00.008-06:00

And these images from Rod Dixon. Rod I have to apologize for misplacing these, I remember patiently waiting to receive these and now that I have "re-discovered" them I feel bad for not reviewing and posting immediately. There's some great and creative shots, and a lot of shots that really capture that day, especially looking back after all that time has passed. Thanks again to you and to all who contributed.

Newly found

2009-01-22T23:03:00.005-06:00

This past weekend we were cleaning up the office and I found some disks that I had received some time after the wedding and of course misplaced.

Here are a couple of images from Don and Shelly Pearce.

Wedding Cake

2008-07-14T19:54:00.002-05:00

While we were cleaning up yesterday, we unpacked the wedding cake. Since its not really something we are going to keep for prosperity we took a couple of photos of it and the detail.

Darlene "built" the cake as that is truly the best way to describe it. She used styrofoam forms for the "cake" but used real icing (sheet icing?) for it. Dying the top part black was harder than it looks as it took a lot of black food coloring to get anything near black. The black simulated leather of course, with chrome snaps.

More pictures coming.

2008-06-11T12:30:00.004-05:00

We received a few more digital photos recently. I haven't had the time yet to review and post, hopefully this coming weekend will get some time to do that.

Photos from Shawn

2008-04-17T10:45:00.004-05:00

These photos are from Shawn and Hollye McClary.

More picture contributions

2008-04-16T11:09:00.004-05:00

We have been receiving additional shots and I want to post some pics and recognize those folks. Not wanting to duplicate shots I'll try to get more of the the cursory shots that involve some of the guests and other special moments that we may not have captured otherwise. These shots are from Len and Lisa Mathiason.

Pictures by Darrek

2008-04-03T12:04:00.008-05:00

These were taken by Darrek Smith, Darlene's nephew. They include a couple taken at the reception.

Photos by Scotty

2008-04-03T10:58:00.006-05:00

Several folks took pictures at the wedding and we have been receiving some. I will post selections here and credit the photographer. My initial postings will be the ceremony and will post some more of the reception later time. This first batch of pictures were taken by Scotty Brauer, who used my camera. The other picture of Darlene waving on the back of my bike was taken by him as well.

Here we go again!

2008-04-02T09:26:00.001-05:00

Thank you all!

2008-03-31T09:13:00.003-05:00

Well its official. We reofficially re-married. Second time around.

I cannot imagine that our day could have gone any better. The weather held out and in fact the overall cloud cover made for excellent pictures.

Over the next few days we will post more updates with photos and specific.

I do wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all friends and guests for attending, and especially so for all those who provided additional assistance to make our day special.

Let's get it on!

2008-03-29T12:08:00.002-05:00

Well the weather gods have decided to play games with us. We had a storm blow through overnight. Right now its about 56F, but no wind so its comfortable. It is quite cloudy, overcast, with a threat of rain, at least some misting. Isolated chance of thunderstorm later tonight. Let's hope that is a slim chance.

Basically just hanging around waiting for the clock to tick down to leave. Tried memorizing my vows. Ha! Good luck there, so I have a cheater card.

A bit cooler than I would have liked, Marc doesn't really have appropriate attire, hopefully he will be warm enough behind me.

I hope the weather threat doesn't prevent too many people from riding, we are really excited about that part.

Less than 48 hours...

2008-03-27T20:14:00.002-05:00

My co-workers wished us "congrats & good luck" as I exited the building today. It was very heart warming and appreciative to feel their excitement. I was off to complete many items that I still had on my “to do list”. Plus, every couple of hours I would call my sister & the gang to get their location. At 5:00 pm they where in Memphis and motoring along at a good pace. They sounded so tired and I can't wait to see them. Got several calls from my BFFs which is really cool. I am praying for clear skies for Saturday so more fun will be had by all.

What me nervous?

2008-03-26T09:54:00.004-05:00

Actually no, at least not about getting married, but yesterday I did have a bit of anxiety as I guess it finally sunk it that this is happening in a few short days, and just the logistics of pulling off an outdoor wedding that we are pretty much coordinating ourselves. Of course this time of year in Texas, the weather is pretty much at its most unpredictable. Forecast is somewhat mixed, with a chance of rain on Saturday, and a stronger chance of rain on Friday and Sunday through Monday.

With all the bikes we are planning I certainly hope the rain avoids Saturday. Fortunately most folks live relatively close to the party so the risk is somewhat minimized. Still outdoor activities are much better without rain!

We are pretty much ready, but there is still a lot to do over the next 3-4 days.

Dale, Peter and Darrek are on their way, they were supposed to have left Nova Scotia around 2 PM yesterday, which should have put them in the New York area around rush hour this am, although in that area, its pretty much rush hour all the time! They are estimating 44 hours if all goes well which should put them in some time tomorrow.

Ready or Not

2008-03-25T10:04:00.002-05:00

Here we go - 4 days from our Wedding Day!!

Working on the final details and preparing for the big day of celebration. I am a little worried, that I am not worried? May it be that I have everything worked out, or is it the comforting feeling that I know my friends will catch the ball if I drop it, or is it just the fact that I realize… stuff doesn’t matter. In truth, the only real thing that matters is I am marrying my friend this Saturday. It’s okay, if things don’t go as planned; all miss halves are just added giggles and more memories of the day. The importance for us is to look over the crowd to see our family and friends gathering to witness the renewal of our love.

Our wedding is not the beginning of our happiness but the continuation of what was meant to be, for Ray and me to share our life together as friends, as companions and as a family. We are so honored to be loved by so many people and sincere gratitude of your presence on this important day in our lives.

Love is lovelier, the second time around…

Everyone Needs a new Friend...

2008-03-20T23:01:00.004-05:00

Well, went through the bachelorette pictures and there was not too many I could share on a public website, so I would like to keep it special to those in attendance. But the ladies have a new friend, “Bob”. He is an awesome guy, kept up with the ladies all weekend and loved to party. He didn’t snore, steal the last beer, belch or watch football, never breaks wind and he was a great listener, plus he floats! Every woman’s dream. Don't worry ladies, Bob is coming to the reception!

To those who haven’t met our new friend, let me introduce to you my new “Battery Operated Boyfriend… BOB!"

Wedding Update: Guests are asking "What Do I Wear?"
I want to confirm the Wedding Attire Is: Jeans and Casual or Formal Leathers
Also, BYOB…

Our Wedding Singer

2008-03-18T12:45:00.006-05:00

Thought I would share with everyone who our Wedding Singer will be. Her name is Julie Temple who is my co-worker and friend whom has so wonderfully agreed to perform at our ceremony. Please click on the link to hear a sample of her wonderful voice. http://www.blogger.com/www.thechicksinger.com

Also, check out her brother’s website, Cliff Temple at http://www.blogger.com/www.clifftemple.com, who will be performing bar stool style at the reception along with another one of his band members. They are working on some of Ray’s and mine favor songs to ensure our day is complete… plus, I am sure Cliff will work in a little of his own style and in keeping of the biker wedding theme.

Stay tune for some of the Bachelorette pictures…

Tick tock, tick tock

2008-03-18T09:43:00.002-05:00

Counting down, clock indicates 11 days and some change. Checked the 10 day forecast, shows sunny and warm days leading up to the weekend.

This past weekend was a ride weekend. Darlene was with the LOH ladies and they gave her a bit of a batchelorette party. Apparently they had a blast and she received some um, fun and interesting presents.... Actually looking forward to um, using them...

Plans are coming together, have some activities this week as we are doing the rehearsal this Saturday and need to start transporting the decorations and other materials.

Lots of folks are offering tables, chairs and coolers for the reception, thanks to all!

Crunch time gotta start making some to do lists..

The License will expire... in 30 days...

2008-03-14T21:11:00.004-05:00

Well, Thursday was a big for us… it was time to pick up the marriage license. So, at lunch, I picked up x-Ray from work and off we went to Collin County Clerk’s Office. As always, we dread going to those government institutions for the fear of long lines and forgotten paperwork. But to our surprise, there was no one in the office except for the county clerk and all we needed for paperwork was our drivers’ license.

We completed the form with all the appropriate information and approached the counter. The clerk verified our drivers’ licenses, completed the “office only” part of the form and witnessed the document. Then, she politely asked for the $36 in cash. I turned to x-Ray and said “that would be you”. Because I knew, if x-Ray paid the license fee, it was a done deal, no going back, no refund, no do-over… that was it!!
We’re Git’n Hitched!!

March Showers?

2008-03-11T13:10:00.005-05:00

Its Texas after all, seasons are different, back home it was April Showers, bring May Flowers, bring June Bugs.... Doesn't rhyme but you get the drift.
So in March I guess we get showers, actually Buffy hosted a group shower for us in her home on Sunday. It was a lot of fun. I think it was actually the first wedding shower I have been to. So of course we had the obligatory games. Actually they were pretty cool, especially the toilet paper wedding gown game....

Identities altered to protect the innocent...

Well on the weather front however, we have had a wet March, although most of it has been in white stuff if you can believe it, and April is a key month for Texas Wildflowers.... so I guess its March Showers, bring April Flowers, bring May um, Junebugs....

Long Chapel

2008-03-06T18:12:00.002-06:00

More snow today, can you believe it, its Texas, and its March.
Here is a picture of the Long Chapel, although I am quite sure the snow will be gone by the wedding day and hopefully will be at least as warm as it was a week ago, in the 70's.

photo courtesy of Holly

Working out the Details...

2008-03-06T12:36:00.002-06:00

The Wedding Attire... of course jeans or formal leathers!! Boyz where so excited that they didn't have to wear a tie or worse, a tuxedo. My proud boyz are giving me away, so I am sure the tears will flow. Black & Chrome is the color of choice and all will look stunning in their outfits.

Got my flowers ordered from the Flower Garden in Denton and the BBQ Man – Bill Finch has his smoker ready for some hometown barbeque. Party favors where order and have arrived (shhh…secret). Decorations are all done and ready to ship to location. Long Chapel got cleaned up with a new coat of stain and the Ghetto Garden will have some new blossoms. The Chateau de Buffy still needs outside tables and chairs, but the Mistress of Honor is working on the tasks at hand. I am sure the neighborhood will not know what roared through as the streets are lined with bikes and smoke gets in their eyes from the smoker.

My sister, son and husband will be driving down from Halifax, Nova Scotia to take part in the festivities. Please say a prayer for their safe journey and they arrive on time.

Well, I need to get back to planning the party… Cheers

Getting closer

2008-03-05T08:42:00.003-06:00

Countdown has begun in earnst. Last minute preparations are underway and coming together. Darlene is quite organized and has the decorations, etc all sorted out and ready to go. Stuff coming in. Shhh, can't spoil any surprises.

Something is wrong with the guestbook, I have lost some entries, at least 2 that I am aware of, its a hosted service so unfortunely those and any others are likely gone.

Still lots to do, even for an informal wedding, maybe because we are doing it ourselves there seems to be a lot on the go, also its all coming together in a short period of time.

Did I tell you I loved you today?

Way Back Machine

2008-02-28T22:56:00.005-06:00

Lindsay reached into the way back machine and came back with a couple of artifacts that he dared me to post. Well I can't back down from a challenge like that. Many years ago we were students of his.

I believe these are actually yearbook photos, mine from 1980, back when I actually had hair, and Darlene from 1982, which is I would have first met her.

Preparations

2008-02-25T22:54:00.002-06:00

Getting closer, every time I look at the blog it tells me just how little time we have left. Last weekend riding got in the way, this weekend we didn't let it. Even though it was 78F yesterday!!! Actually we got a lot accomplished both in prep for the wedding and around the house. Darlene worked on wedding stuff, I did home stuff mostly but did contribute to the Ghetto signage.

She even got the boys involved making party favors.

Darlene was also talking to a caterer earlier this week, he does it on the side. He had very good prices and there some things we don't need so may be able to negotiate that down a bit further.

Writing Vows

2008-02-21T09:58:00.002-06:00

We have decided to write our vows and as typical to me, I need to research it. Well there is tons of info out there for "guidance". I had previously linked to one set, but after further review I deleted that one. There is just a lot of info out there.
20 Tips for Writing Your Own Vows
How to Write your Own Wedding Vows

Thats just a very small sample of the info out there. We are planning to meet with Bert this weekend and this is one thing we will discuss. It will be good to get some feedback from him and that should help us out.

Also, Lindsay was here this week and I asked him to stand for me at the wedding, this morning he said he was honored and by hook or by crook would fine some way to be here.

Progressing

2008-02-20T10:12:00.003-06:00

Things are progressing. Invites have been sent out, replies are coming back in. The ceremony will be quite informal and all guests are encouraged to wear jeans, as that is what the wedding party will be wearing! We've got the boys clothes pretty much wrapped up, I picked up a couple of pairs of black jeans to wear.

We are planning to meet with Bert soon to go over the ceremony and we both need to work on our vows.

I am going to look for a "countdown calendar" to post on this site as well.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T10:00:00.002-06:00

Well our planning is in full swing. Less than 2 months to go. Darlene's been scoffing up decorations and material for decorations at incredible bargins. She made up a lot of decorations this past weekend. Glitter all over the kitchen...

Invitees have been solicited and most have gone out. Food planning has been kicked off. With bikes, cars, kids, guests, friends houses, etc. this will be an interesting logistical challenge...

If the weather is good on that day, and it will be, it just may be difficult to find parking at Chateau de Buffy.

I've been thinking I should create an ipod playlist for the party. Will have to figure out some music and likely will have to download some songs.

And Happy Valentines Day to my Sweetie!! Love ya!

First Engagement 1985

2008-02-07T19:23:00.000-06:00

First Date: March 25, 1983

Destination: Tootsie, at Hyland Theatre, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Weather: Snow covered roads making for a romantic night

Snapshot of Ray and Darlene as they where in 1985, happily engaged.
Wedding date set for June 7, 1986.

Young, innocent and in love... ready to say "I do!"

Wedding Blog

2008-02-07T10:11:00.000-06:00

We decided to create a blog for our upcoming wedding. Our wedding will be quite informal, so this will provide a mechanism for our family and friends to be aware of our plans and to provide communicate electronically.