FINALLY!!! The big day arrived! John and Dad delivered the flowers while the girls got dressed. We arrived at 9 am for before wedding photos. The wedding was scheduled for 11:30. Photos were done, the Americans (and Candace the Canadian) were all ready...but the Dominican bridesmaids were just showing up...the groom arrived...the bride went into hiding...the musician was still not there, and none of his equipment, by 12:30 he was there setting up...and the guests were slowly filtering in. Us Americans had a real culture moment as we waited around. Nobody seemed concerned at all, including us, it was not OUR party. At 1:20 John walked Jessi down the aisle! The sun was out, the sky deep blue, the ocean in front of us the most gorgeous turquoise. A perfect backdrop for a wedding. They became husband and wife and headed down the aisle and took a few more pictures. While they were taking pictures, the guests had a snack of Ritz crackers with cheese and a fruit punch. Then we were all shuttled up to the front part of Sea Horse Ranch where the reception tents had been set up. Everyone greeted them with bubbles as they walked into the tent. We ate all kinds of typical Dominican foods, including a roasted pig, roasted chickens, tamales, and a few other things I don't have names for. They cut the cake, toasted, she threw her bouquet. They said their goodbyes and were off on their honeymoon. The next morning we were on a plane headed back to the states. Our goodbyes at the wedding were pretty tough. Not only did she have to say goodbye to all of us, she also had to part with Candace, her room mate for the past 2 1/2 years. Candace is now back in Canada, possibly to take up nursing studies. It all went way to fast!