Kevin & Michele Thomas exchanged wedding vows on July 26, 2008. We had a beautiful wedding and a fun reception.
We've captured some video of the ceremony that we've provided here for those who could not attend. We've had to break it into 8 segments in order to load it to the web site.
Thanks to Matt Downey for the wedding video and to Mike Downey for the photos. Anyone who wants to contribute photos for sharing feel free to send to celtgrace@aol.com
The Bride was ready early as a gang of out-of-towners were about to converge on the Downey house to dress for the wedding.
Diana had things ready as everyone converged on the house. The Mother of the Bride was almost as radiant as the bride.
Lee Parks Jr. talked with Mike Downey, who had flown in from Des Moines to represent the Downey's, and to serve as family photographer.
As we arrived at the wedding chapel, Jeff Downey made sure his handkerchief was just right.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as the Groom arrived, but we had to post Chad and Dave to keep Kevin occupied so that he couldn't see the Bride.
It was the job Bridesmaid, Tiffany, and Matron of Honor, Andrea, make sure that the Bride was beautiful. Good Job Team!
Inside, we knew that we had arrived at the right place.
Diana gave last minute instructions to Staff Sergeant Downey and his Father.
We finally let the Groom and his Best Man inside. Both looked eager to get this event going.
It was finally time to get things going as Kevin led the way. He looked happy as Uncle Lou and other family members looked on.
The Pastor, Kevin, Chad, and Kevin's twin brother, Nick, were ready as Matt readied his video camera.
Finally, here comes the Bride...
Exchanging Vows
Lighting the Unity Candle...retaining their individual lights while creating a new one together.
You may kiss your Bride...
Introducing Kevin & Michele Thomas...
Before moving on to the reception, we took some time for Family Pictures in the Garden..
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Thomas...
Kevin & Michele with the Downey Family...Jeff, Pete, Diana, Kevin & wife Michele, Kristy & husband Matt.
A good close up of our married children and their spouses.
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Mike got a good shot of the Parks Family. Lee & Sharon are next as son Tom, will marry Leslie in September.
Dave Christophersen with his girls - Janine, Whitney, Storey, Ashley.
Anne and Don Brand, here with Anne's brother Tom and fiance, Leslie, brought the youngest guests with son, Ben, and daughter Nora, Don thought it the better part of valor to stay outside with Nora, but Nora would later show that she could dance every dance at the reception.
After Pete missed a couple of turns and led the Parks and Christophersen's on a tour of Oakland County Lake Country, we arrived at Edgewood Country Club. After that harrowing trip, Jeff Downey was ready to party.
Pete finally had some time to talk with Kevin's brothers, Nick, Jeff, Randy, and brother-in-law, Phillip Fisher.
The Bride and Groom arrived to a round of applause and then cut the cake, which we would eat later - a delicious cream frosting with lemon curd.
After dinner, it was time for the Kevin & Michele's First Dance.
Next was the Father-Daughter Dance, Michele and Pete used the classic Motown sound with the Temptations' "My Girl"...not quite "Butterfly Kisses," but a lot more fun.
Kevin's family rolled out the Macedonian dances. It was obvious that they had a lot of practice over the years.
Kevin, Michele, and Jeff participated along with dancers of all ages. The young cousins danced all night to any type of music.
We met George and Mary, whose son Chris had the band made the CD for the Macedonian Music. Chris credited his mother with teaching him the dances.
By the end of the evening, the two families had pretty well danced themselves out. We appreciate all those who came to help celebrate Kevin and Michele's wedding, and support them as they begin a new chapter in their lives.