Real Wedding

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Photos
First things first: if you gave us a pair of crystal candle sticks and have been wondering where the heck your thank you note is, please follow this link to see if you could be our Mystery Guest.Thanks.

OK, now that that's out of the way....

It was a wonderful wedding.

And while, of course, we didn't have nearly enough time to visit with all the family and friends who came to celebrate with us, still, we had a joyful weekend, and are now very grateful to have the whole thing more or less behind us.

We thought those who were there (plus those who couldn't make it) might enjoy seeing some photos of the big event, so thanks to Greg's Uncle Frank Everts, Leslie's co-worker Tim Braithwaite, Greg's Dad the Ancient and Dessicated Progenitor, and our wedding photographer Tommy LaVergne, here we go:

We started the festivities on Friday night with a Rehearsal Fiesta at Teotihuacan restaurant, just across Airline from Tornado Bus Company in the picturesque Houston Heights. Mother of the Groom Carol Marshall did an amazing job of negotiating with the owner, getting us the entire outdoor patio, picking a wonderful menu, and, along with family friend Julie Tayloe, decorating the whole place so that it was festive and colorful. As this photo of the matron of honor, groom, bride, and best man shows, as the margaritas began to take effect, we also decided to decorate ourselves.
We started the festivities on Friday night with a Rehearsal Fiesta at Teotihuacan restaurant, just across Airline from Tornado Bus Company in the picturesque Houston Heights. Mother of the Groom Carol Marshall did an amazing job of negotiating with the owner, getting us the entire outdoor patio, picking a wonderful menu, and, along with family friend Julie Tayloe, decorating the whole place so that it was festive and colorful. As this photo of the matron of honor, groom, bride, and best man shows, as the margaritas began to take effect, we also decided to decorate ourselves.


Everyone enjoyed a great meal and the chance to catch up with loved ones they all too rarely see....
Everyone enjoyed a great meal and the chance to catch up with loved ones they all too rarely see....


...then, because Friday May 2nd was a year and a day after the original handfasting engagement ceremony, the Groom decided this was the perfect occasion on which to deliver his first (annual?)"State of the Union" address...

...including the presentation to groomsman John Armstrong of a ceremonial staple gun with which to keep father Dave's kilt from 'accidentally' flying up.
...including the presentation to groomsman John Armstrong of a ceremonial staple gun with which to keep father Dave's kilt from 'accidentally' flying up.


The morning of the wedding, 3 May 2003, dawned bright and sunny, and soon became hot and muggy as well. With the stellar help of Greg's coworker Jennifer Harding, who noticed that the rental company had set up all the chairs incorrectly and took swift action to correct the problem, Scott Singleton, who placed (and then after the ceremony retrieved) all the directional signage, Andrea Terrill, who helped direct the efforts of many wonderful Baker College students who moved all the furniture in the Baker Commons to set up the reception site, mother of the groom Carol Marshall and her beau Steve Hunnicutt who helped set up the reception site and run last-minute errands, and the groom's sisters Lauren Armstrong and Erin Marshall and friends Elsie Boone and Nancy Birck, who arrived and were promptly pressed into service decorating the seating area for the ceremony, all was soon in readiness.

Soon it was time for posed portraits at Lovett Hall, very near the site of Greg and Leslie's engagement ceremony. As the ladies brigade was a bit late arriving, the groom's family and groomsmen took advantage of the opportunity to get some photos of their own.

The Marshall Clan: John Mitchell Marshall, Lauren Marshall Armstrong, Greg Marshall, Carol Marshall, and Dr. Erin Marshall.
The Marshall Clan: John Mitchell Marshall, Lauren Marshall Armstrong, Greg Marshall, Carol Marshall, and Dr. Erin Marshall.


Sword Bearer Dan Bob Frattin, "Best" Man Father Dave Tayloe, Groom Greg Marshall, and Groomsman John Armstrong all figure that, when wandering around in Texas dressed in skirts, there's safety in numbers.
Sword Bearer Dan Bob Frattin, "Best" Man Father Dave Tayloe, Groom Greg Marshall, and Groomsman John Armstrong all figure that, when wandering around in Texas dressed in skirts, there's safety in numbers.


Of course, as soon as Dan Bob stepped away, taking his mighty blade with him, Father Dave could not resist a bit of kilt-lifting. Fortunately, John Armstrong was alert to the peril, and had his stapler at the ready...
Of course, as soon as Dan Bob stepped away, taking his mighty blade with him, Father Dave could not resist a bit of kilt-lifting. Fortunately, John Armstrong was alert to the peril, and had his stapler at the ready...


At last, the Bride and her entourage arrived at Lovett Hall, just in time to inject some badly needed decorum into a rapidly deteriorating situation.
At last, the Bride and her entourage arrived at Lovett Hall, just in time to inject some badly needed decorum into a rapidly deteriorating situation.


Bridesmaid Julie Alexander, the Bride, Leslie Michelle Hammond, and the Matron of Honor Lisa Hammond...
Bridesmaid Julie Alexander, the Bride, Leslie Michelle Hammond, and the Matron of Honor Lisa Hammond...


Elaine Carpenter and the Bride...
Elaine Carpenter and the Bride...


The Bride and Groom.
The Bride and Groom.


The bride and groom and their mothers...
The bride and groom and their mothers...


...and the whole merry band.
...and the whole merry band.


After the portrait session, the sweaty, sticky, and somewhat disheveled wedding party retreated to air conditioning and lunch before the big moment.
After the portrait session, the sweaty, sticky, and somewhat disheveled wedding party retreated to air conditioning and lunch before the big moment.


Hey baby, you come here often?
Hey baby, you come here often?


Then it was time to steal away to the secret waiting room near the ceremony site, actually the office of Greg's friend and co-worker Jennifer Harding who thoughtfully offered its use. (Father Dave and the groom's sister Lauren wait their turn as the groom takes a nip from his sporran flask)
Then it was time to steal away to the secret waiting room near the ceremony site, actually the office of Greg's friend and co-worker Jennifer Harding who thoughtfully offered its use. (Father Dave and the groom's sister Lauren wait their turn as the groom takes a nip from his sporran flask)


Meanwhile, John Armstrong, feeling the strain of having to keep the best man in line....
Meanwhile, John Armstrong, feeling the strain of having to keep the best man in line....


...found an appropriate outlet for his stress.
...found an appropriate outlet for his stress.


"I'm sorry, Leslie, I tried really hard to talk him out of it, but Greg still says he wants to marry you."
"I'm sorry, Leslie, I tried really hard to talk him out of it, but Greg still says he wants to marry you."


Soon, the seats in the Ray Courtyard began to fill, and the souvenir fans placed thereupon were gratefully employed by the waiting guests.
Soon, the seats in the Ray Courtyard began to fill, and the souvenir fans placed thereupon were gratefully employed by the waiting guests.


Merlin the Magician (Bill Palmer) took advantage of the captive audience to work the crowd just a bit and keep everyone amused as the VIPs arrived...
Merlin the Magician (Bill Palmer) took advantage of the captive audience to work the crowd just a bit and keep everyone amused as the VIPs arrived...


Zen and Carol Camacho
Zen and Carol Camacho


Leslie's Uncle Ted from Montana, Uncle Gene from New Jersey, and Ted's wife Dr. Alice "Big Al" Wong.
Leslie's Uncle Ted from Montana, Uncle Gene from New Jersey, and Ted's wife Dr. Alice "Big Al" Wong.


Uncle Ted even packed his "company teeth" for the occasion.
Uncle Ted even packed his "company teeth" for the occasion.


The Groom's sisters Erin Marshall and Lauren Marshall Armstrong and grandfather Chester "Papa" Hall.
The Groom's sisters Erin Marshall and Lauren Marshall Armstrong and grandfather Chester "Papa" Hall.


Greg's Uncle Jim Marshall arrived with his family, and was met by cousins Mitch and (background) Jim West.
Greg's Uncle Jim Marshall arrived with his family, and was met by cousins Mitch and (background) Jim West.


Other members of the impressive West Clan showing were Elizabeth, Mitch and Scarlette West...
Other members of the impressive West Clan showing were Elizabeth, Mitch and Scarlette West...


...as well as Scarlette's husband Bill and his mother Mary Frances West.
...as well as Scarlette's husband Bill and his mother Mary Frances West.


Not to be outdone, the rare and unusual Kiplinger Clan was very much in evidence, seated just one row behind the unsuspecting Hally Beth Poindexter.
Not to be outdone, the rare and unusual Kiplinger Clan was very much in evidence, seated just one row behind the unsuspecting Hally Beth Poindexter.


"Dr. Ruth" Grubesic and Melinda Sue Hutchings cheerfully posed before taking their seats...
"Dr. Ruth" Grubesic and Melinda Sue Hutchings cheerfully posed before taking their seats...


...as did a much more dangerous group of coworkers and their consorts (Eric Gschwind, Suzanne Stehr, Bill Wright, and Tracey Rhoades).
...as did a much more dangerous group of coworkers and their consorts (Eric Gschwind, Suzanne Stehr, Bill Wright, and Tracey Rhoades).


But soon, with a nod to our piper Ian Martin...
But soon, with a nod to our piper Ian Martin...


...it was time for the processional to begin...
...it was time for the processional to begin...


...and the ceremony was under way.

The Ray Courtyard at the Rice Memorial Center made a wonderful, tree-shaded setting.
The Ray Courtyard at the Rice Memorial Center made a wonderful, tree-shaded setting.


The bride, of course, looked resplendent, as did her entourage, Matron of Honor Lisa Hammond,Bridesmaid Julie Alexander, and Sword Bearer Dan Bob Frattin.
The bride, of course, looked resplendent, as did her entourage, Matron of Honor Lisa Hammond,Bridesmaid Julie Alexander, and Sword Bearer Dan Bob Frattin.


On the other side of the aisle, Groomsman John Armstrong and Best Man Father Dave Tayloe cut dashing figures in their kilts, and the groom tried not to look and feel too foolish with his giant birdy legs hanging out for all to see.
On the other side of the aisle, Groomsman John Armstrong and Best Man Father Dave Tayloe cut dashing figures in their kilts, and the groom tried not to look and feel too foolish with his giant birdy legs hanging out for all to see.


After a few jokes and a card trick...
After a few jokes and a card trick...


...it was time for the bride and groom to exchange vows...
...it was time for the bride and groom to exchange vows...


...formally "tie the knot..."
...formally "tie the knot..."


...and, having done that...
...and, having done that...


...to kiss...
...to kiss...


...and be presented for the first time as husband and wife.
...and be presented for the first time as husband and wife.


Then Ian the piper struck up for the recessional...
Then Ian the piper struck up for the recessional...


...and the wedding party, family, and some 350 guests snaked their way across the campus...
...and the wedding party, family, and some 350 guests snaked their way across the campus...


...to the Baker College Commons...
...to the Baker College Commons...


...where there was much rejoicing. <I>(Yaaaaay!)</I>
...where there was much rejoicing. (Yaaaaay!)


Once inside, the newlyweds greeted many happy family and friends, while other members of the wedding party and guests got to take a break...
Once inside, the newlyweds greeted many happy family and friends, while other members of the wedding party and guests got to take a break...


...and enjoy afternoon tea.
...and enjoy afternoon tea.


Jill Reisman finds the buffet...
Jill Reisman finds the buffet...


...while John and Dan find the keg...I mean kettle...and have some, uh, "tea."
...while John and Dan find the keg...I mean kettle...and have some, uh, "tea."


Botschafter Udo Mayer, Baker College Ambassador to Frankonia, flew all the way from Germany to be present. Finding no one-liter steins provided for champagne consumption, Udo nevertheless found a graceful way to manage. (Engineers solve problems!)
Botschafter Udo Mayer, Baker College Ambassador to Frankonia, flew all the way from Germany to be present. Finding no one-liter steins provided for champagne consumption, Udo nevertheless found a graceful way to manage. (Engineers solve problems!)


Also spotted among the celebrants were Terry Shepard and Debra Thomas...
Also spotted among the celebrants were Terry Shepard and Debra Thomas...


...David Droogleever and Angela Long...
...David Droogleever and Angela Long...


...Robert, Winston, and Alisa Marshall, all wearing the family colors....
...Robert, Winston, and Alisa Marshall, all wearing the family colors....


...Mandy, John, and Jim Marshall, visiting with Bill West...
...Mandy, John, and Jim Marshall, visiting with Bill West...


...an impressive Canadian contingent: Laura Lucier, Jason Dyer, Deana Smith, and Tim Braithwaite...
...an impressive Canadian contingent: Laura Lucier, Jason Dyer, Deana Smith, and Tim Braithwaite...


...Merlin and the mothers of the happy couple...
...Merlin and the mothers of the happy couple...


...Jasmin Lindo...
...Jasmin Lindo...


...Marty and Marissa Merritt...
...Marty and Marissa Merritt...


...Dan Frattin and Bob and Mary Brandt...
...Dan Frattin and Bob and Mary Brandt...


...Eric Peden, Angie Prince, and Janice Voss...
...Eric Peden, Angie Prince, and Janice Voss...


..."Uncle" Nancy Hammond and Steve Hunnicut...
..."Uncle" Nancy Hammond and Steve Hunnicut...


...Leah Steinlocher and Casey Joyce...
...Leah Steinlocher and Casey Joyce...


...Debb Wertheim and Bob McNaughton...
...Debb Wertheim and Bob McNaughton...


...Kristine Kennedy and Angie Prince...
...Kristine Kennedy and Angie Prince...


...Cynthia Singleton and Evalyn Krudy...
...Cynthia Singleton and Evalyn Krudy...


...Avery, Tom, Matt (and Bucky Jr.) Miglin and Rochelle Pritchard...
...Avery, Tom, Matt (and Bucky Jr.) Miglin and Rochelle Pritchard...


...Jeff Findley, Scott Singleton, and Jeff and Liam Henderson...
...Jeff Findley, Scott Singleton, and Jeff and Liam Henderson...


...Mark and Linda Lipsky...
...Mark and Linda Lipsky...


..."Aunt" Gene Vurganov and "Uncle" Nancy Hammond...
..."Aunt" Gene Vurganov and "Uncle" Nancy Hammond...


...Matt Kruger, Steve Riley and the bride...
...Matt Kruger, Steve Riley and the bride...


...Father Dave, Papa Hall, Lauren Marshall Armstrong, and Unca Frak Everts...
...Father Dave, Papa Hall, Lauren Marshall Armstrong, and Unca Frak Everts...


...Sarmad Aziz and Ruch and Melanie Deemer...
...Sarmad Aziz and Ruch and Melanie Deemer...


...assorted highlanders (Dan Frattin, Mike Marshall, Jim McGaha, Father Dave Tayloe, Ian Martin, Greg Marshall, John Armstrong, Bob McNaughton, and Mort Grant)...
...assorted highlanders (Dan Frattin, Mike Marshall, Jim McGaha, Father Dave Tayloe, Ian Martin, Greg Marshall, John Armstrong, Bob McNaughton, and Mort Grant)...


...Scott Poppers and Michelle Hollinger...
...Scott Poppers and Michelle Hollinger...


...the groom, Francine Hammond, Papa Hall, Hillary and Unca Frak Everts and Merlin...
...the groom, Francine Hammond, Papa Hall, Hillary and Unca Frak Everts and Merlin...


...Teri Rorabaugh and Matt Meyers...
...Teri Rorabaugh and Matt Meyers...


...John Armstrong, Carol Marshall, Bob McNaughton, the groom, and Dr. Erin Marshall...
...John Armstrong, Carol Marshall, Bob McNaughton, the groom, and Dr. Erin Marshall...


...Michael and Melanie Wright...
...Michael and Melanie Wright...


...and John Armstrong, Papa Hall, and the groom, to name just a few.
...and John Armstrong, Papa Hall, and the groom, to name just a few.


At length, though, it was time for Greg & Leslie borrow Dan Bob's sword...
At length, though, it was time for Greg & Leslie borrow Dan Bob's sword...


...and use it to cut the enormous wedding cake.
...and use it to cut the enormous wedding cake.


Then, with a quick farewell to the mother of the bride...
Then, with a quick farewell to the mother of the bride...


...and the willing assistance of friends and former students of Greg's...
...and the willing assistance of friends and former students of Greg's...


...who were only too happy to help with clean-up...
...who were only too happy to help with clean-up...


...it was time to toss the garter and the bouquet...
...it was time to toss the garter and the bouquet...


...which were caught by the groom's sister, Dr. Erin Marshall, and Pedro Palacios of the Pastafarians.
...which were caught by the groom's sister, Dr. Erin Marshall, and Pedro Palacios of the Pastafarians.


Soon thereafter,Greg's cousins Emily (pictured) and Hillary and Rosemary...
Soon thereafter,Greg's cousins Emily (pictured) and Hillary and Rosemary...


...helped shepherd all the remaining guests outside...
...helped shepherd all the remaining guests outside...


...and line them all up and provide them with packets of rice...
...and line them all up and provide them with packets of rice...


...which they gleefully flung at the escaping couple.
...which they gleefully flung at the escaping couple.


..as they tried to make their way into the relative safety of the St. Arnold Brewery's Tie Dyed Bentley.
..as they tried to make their way into the relative safety of the St. Arnold Brewery's Tie Dyed Bentley.


Once inside, it was "home, James," to Melwood Manor where the bride and groom changed into more comfortable clothes (and the bride dumped at least a cup of wedding rice out of her cleavage).
Once inside, it was "home, James," to Melwood Manor where the bride and groom changed into more comfortable clothes (and the bride dumped at least a cup of wedding rice out of her cleavage).


James then drove the newlyweds to palatial Wombat Acres, home of Father Dave and Julie Tayloe, and site of the post-nuptial tie-dyed T-shirt barbecue for "In-laws and Outlaws," at which the St. Arnold Bentley was a perfect thematic complement and quickly attracted a trio of young admirers (Rosemary, Hillary, and Emily Everts).
James then drove the newlyweds to palatial Wombat Acres, home of Father Dave and Julie Tayloe, and site of the post-nuptial tie-dyed T-shirt barbecue for "In-laws and Outlaws," at which the St. Arnold Bentley was a perfect thematic complement and quickly attracted a trio of young admirers (Rosemary, Hillary, and Emily Everts).


Soon, fortified by red wine and the best barbecue in Texas, prepared by Bubba Glen Jackson who drove all night from North Carolina to be present, the bride and groom were feeling much more at ease...
Soon, fortified by red wine and the best barbecue in Texas, prepared by Bubba Glen Jackson who drove all night from North Carolina to be present, the bride and groom were feeling much more at ease...


...and even had a bit of time to catch up with visiting family (the groom's sisters Erin Marshall,Lauren Armstrong, and cousin Mary Frances West among them).
...and even had a bit of time to catch up with visiting family (the groom's sisters Erin Marshall,Lauren Armstrong, and cousin Mary Frances West among them).


We hope you enjoyed these images from our wedding weekend. If you have photos to share, please visit our contact page and mail or email us whatever you have--we'd love to see them!

Thanks to everyone who travelled to the wedding to celebrate, and all who were present in spirit. It was everything we dreamed it would be, and our family and friends were the reason why.

Love to you all,

Leslie Michelle and Greg

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