Surprise Birthday/Getaway/Honeymoon ...

The point is: Matt orchestrated a weekend retreat to Orcas Island in March. He was very mysterious about where they were headed and didn't even divulge the fact that they would be riding a ferry until they were sitting in the ferry holding area! (Andrea is one of those kind of people that gets motion-sick just thinking about the ferry ... and to make matters worse it was not a calm day at sea!) She also wasn't informed that she would need a jacket - and therefore didn't bring one. All complaining aside - they had a FANTASTIC weekend at this cute little Bed 'n' Breakfast on Orcas Island. As you may or may not know - Andrea is quite amiable and very endearing, after spending a little time chatting it up with the proprietor they were offered the opportunity to sub for some vacation time and one day maybe inherit the business (much to Matt's chagrin)!

Happy Birthday Andrea!
Congratulations!!
and BIG points to Matt!!

This is another of Matt's favorite pictures of his beautiful bride!

Patiently waiting for the ferry!

Marriage. Marriage is what brings us to Mexico today. (well, back in February)

Mexico was gorgeous, the sunset was unbelievable and the crowd was beautiful and diverse. Seventy-five well-wishers from the four corners and every connection possible, all looking forward to a Mexican get away - with the bonus of the joyful event! Ranging in age from Grandpa (92) to Aiden (2) [unless we count Aiden's brother that was still on the inside], each came for the sunshine and celebration!

Preparing for the nuptials was fun, silly, exciting and sweaty! The fans were on full blast in an effort to dry us out before pictures - the joys of Mexico in February!

Roses and daisies - what a beautiful combination; Love and Passion together with Purity, Innocence and Adaptability; these flowers were perfect!

The wedding was held in an awesome old Mexican inn, off the beaten path in down town Puerto Vallarta. Movie Stars and Actors from the past had been immortalized on the walls and the roof top was the perfect location for a wedding. The chairs arranged with an aisle for the wedding march and the full mariachi band was playing.

The sky was clear and the sun was just setting on the picturesque horizon creating a stunning backdrop. Andrea ascended the stairs to the roof and came down the aisle arm in arm between her dad and Jim. Her dress was perfect, her hair was perfect, her bouquet was perfect - she was PERFECT!

The ceremony was short and sweet and NOT with a Mexican accent - his accent was English. They exchanged vows and were pronounced Husband and Wife, and Matt kissed his bride!

The band played and there was a traditional Mexican feast while the guests mingled with the happy couple. When the sun finally set the party moved inside. Dinner was fabulous - everyone enjoyed a 3 course meal, complete with the BEST tortilla soup ever, main course (of beef, pork or fish) and topped off with authentic 'dolce de leche' for dessert - YUM!

Matt and Andrea cut the cake (but did NOT, however, smash it in each other's faces!) and then Matt transformed into DJ - meaning he put "Matt's Mix" in his laptop and hooked it up to the sound system! They followed tradition and the two of them danced their wedding dance, then she danced with her daddy and he danced with his mom (and Joe!). Then the real partying started, together with the gathered family and friends they danced the night away.

What a wonderful beginning!

Begin at the Beginning

When Andrea and Matt got married, there seemed to be a lot of people that wanted to stay updated on the new Hubbard household. Andrea has been trying to create a place where she can post pictures, news and events. She figured that a blog would be practical, clever and versatile. The whole family (shoot - the whole world) knows about the internet and it seems to be the best, quickest and most efficient way to get the news out - and avoid making a bunch of calls, writing postcards, or (worse) printing form letters! This inspiration came from her long time friend, Jennalee, who had recently started blogging. She was hoping that it would be straightforward and effortless - and by golly, it's the easiest thing ever! Read on - and Enjoy!