We did 11 years ago...and we still do!

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Hugh F. T. Little, Jr.

May 24, 2015

Live...Laugh...Love

Finally, on May 24th, 2015, Hugh and I decided to make it official and get married. We've always referred to each other as husband and wife, and for the most part, most people in our lives regard us as a married couple. 

We married at Millenium Gate Museum's Monument in Atlantic Station. We had a standing-only ceremony, outdoors, and the weather was beautiful. 

The Groom wore a Gray cotton blend Hugo Boss 3-button suit and pink tie with black Stacy Adams shoes. The Bride wore a white satin and silk blend Badgely Mischka "Goddess" gown with a pearl beaded sash, white Steve Madden snake skinned sandals, and a handmade birdcage veil with pink baby roses, made by The Mother of the Groom. I also wore my grandmother's contra di orjo (Cape Verdean good luck charm) and my mother's pearl earrings, with the pearl necklace and bracelet that was a gift from my new mother in law.

Our beautiful daughter, Miranda, was my (only) Jr. Bridesmaid. She did a fabulous job, although she seemed a bit uncomfortable and a little cranky during the pictures. She wore a taffeta sun dress with a pink sash and a white daisy with pink speckles on it. She also wore pink and white pearls.

Here comes the Bride...and Auntie PJ hummed the wedding march the entire trip...I had to laugh...

I was escorted down the isle by my Aunt, Paula Corriea and my cousin, Kevin Correia. I was not given away because my father could not attend and to honor him, I was escorted instead. This brings everything full circle because 30 years ago, I was the flower girl at Auntie Paula and Uncle Kevin's (Pastor) wedding, and just 4 years ago, my daughter, Miranda, was a flower girl at cousin Kevin's wedding, who is their son. 


"To love...honor...cherish...and obey..."




The ceremony was conducted by Pastor Kevin Correia, my uncle. He did a fantastic job. I like that he included marital advice and Bible scripture in our vows. He did not include any negative words like "in sickness...for poorer", with which I was also very pleased. He also didn't go on and on, and he didn't use the usual cliches like "love is patient, love is kind...", either. In fact, neither of us said the words "I do" because it seems obvious and redundant. We simply prayed over our rings and repeated loving vows from The Bible as we placed them on each other's fingers.

 

We sealed our family union with a kiss...can't forget about the baby!

Although we have always felt married, this brought our relationship to another level. When we exchanged vows, it was like mutual forgiveness for anything in the past and we can now begin our lives as one.

From left to right: Samantha (Groom's sister), Lena (Groom's mom), Hugh (Groom), Me (Bride), Alex (Groom's Stepfather), Miranda (our daughter), and Chino (Our Nephew-dog and Ring bearer)

The ceremony was put together with only three weeks of preparation. My mother in law, Lena, purchased several dozen multi-colored roses from the florist section of Kroger. My friends and family know me to have expensive taste with a beer budget, as they say, but I actually enjoyed my day a whole lot more by keeping it practical and inexpensive. We had fun making the bouquets and buttonneers the night before. Thank you to Samantha and Lena for all of your hardwork, creativity, and resourcefulness. My veil, bouquets, and buttonneers came out lovely, if I do say so myself! A million thank you's to you both...

My bouquet, made by Sister in Law Samantha

Buttonneers made by me

Miranda's bouquet made by me...

Here are some photos of a the family that came to the ceremony to support us. There weren't formal invitations...they all found out via text message. I'm so grateful that they came despite my non-chalance. I initially felt badly because my parents, siblings, and best friend could not be in attendance, so I felt that we should forego inviting anyone at all...my aunt didn't care and I'm glad she didn't! It was so nice to see everyone and I did feel their love and support for us.

 We had very little time to prepare and there were many people who love us whom were unable to be with us on such short notice. My parents, my brother and his family, my best friend and her family, as well as many other friends and family were there in spirit and we thank you for your support. I also do not have all of the photos that were taken because, thankfully, my cousins took the photos and have been sending them to me as they can. We didn't even hire a photographer, that's how loosely planned this ceremony truly was. My cousins came through for me without my asking and took great pictures...thank you Kevin and Beta (Randy).

Here are some other photos of the day...