Week 203 - Melissa and Erik's Wedding - 07-04-2010

The Wedding of Melissa and Erik

On July 2nd, 2010, the day had arrived for the wedding of our youngest daughter, Melissa to Erik Johnson. Mattson weddings are family events, planned by the brides and grooms and carried out by family and friends.

1) Emily's husband Chad erects the sun shade for the valet parking crew. 2) Head Chef Janet and Paula work on the Asian dinner that was requested by the bride and groom.

Lennie, the sound man, looks on as Pete prepares to greet the guests. Valet parking was provided by Pete's sister Donnalee and sons, Nick, Andrew, John and nephew Kevin. Donnalee arrived days early to help with anything from pressing the bridal gown and table linens to food prep and anything that would have fallen through the cracks.

The Bishop stands by as Erik, Joe and David check their text messages to see if anything important is happening today!

The guests wait with anticipation for the service to begin.

Dad and daughter share a few private moments as they stroll to the "altar".

1) Pete shakes hands with his new "son" Erik. 2) The ceremony was very personal as the Bishop took the time to get to know and learn about the young couple.

The setting was beautiful and the weather wonderful as the bride and groom made their lifelong commitments to each other.

1) The Kiss and 2) the Johnsons talk their first walk together as husband and wife.

The receiving line was fun as John kept the bridal party enthralled.

The two "most beautiful girls in the room", Emily, the Matron of Honor with her adorable little sister, Mrs. Johnson.

1) Erik's groomsman, brother-in-law David, Erik and his best man and brother, Joe Jr. 2) Ellen with her friends of 28 years, Janice, Harriett, Jean and Janie.

Dad is pretty happy today, posing with Ellen and Jean. Melissa Jean Johnson's middle name was in honor of Jean, who has been here for her from birth, through Sunday School and now at her marriage. Thank you Jean for all your years of friendship to us and our family.

The service was at 10:00 a.m. and the reception at 6:30 p.m. That gave the bride, groom and bridal party a chance to visit IN 'N' OUT Burger for lunch, in their formal wear!

1) While they were gone, Lennie set up the sound system for the dinner and dancing. 2) A sample of the fabulous Asian dinner.

1) Best man, Joe Jr. gives the toast. 2) Erik and Melissa prepare to cut the cake. Melissa was so relaxed during the day that when there was no cake knife, she went up the kitchen herself to retrieve it and chat with the chef and kitchen staff.

The couple minded their manners and didn't shove the cake up their spouse's nose.

1) Relaxing after cake, Melissa chats with Point Loma University roommates, Ashley and Julie. 2) Bridesmaid Sarah poses with the roommates.

Sarah and Melissa hug as Dennis looks on. Dennis, instrumental in our lives for decades, provided tools and equipment and his time to prepare the grounds for the wedding.

Isn't she lovely?

Sergeant of Arms, Don, makes sure that no one dances with Melissa before Erik does.

Sharing their first dance together, they are obviously in love.

Dad and daughter share their final time together, at least for a while.

Erik dances with his mother, Pam. Pam and stepfather Reed, came many days before the wedding, stayed at our house and did anything we needed. Thank you Pam and Reed.

"Hey, it's fun looking for the garter!"

Matron of Honor, Emily and husband Chad, share a dance. They also arrived early in the week to prepare for the wedding.

Our sons, John, Andrew, Nick with Hayley enjoying the reception.

"She's the baby, gotta love her".

Introducing Erik Daniel and Melissa Jean Johnson.

Ellen and I want to thank all the family and friends that helped make this such a special day for Melissa and Erik.

Wedding Planning: Melissa and Erik
Wedding Dress Alterations: Donnalee
Matron of Honor: Emily - Bridesmaid: Sarah
Best Man: Joe - Groomsman: David
Estate Landscaping & Maintenance: John , Dennis , Pete & Ellen , Reed
Rehearsal Dinner: Paul , Pam
Music Selections: Melissa
Sound System: Lennie
Valet Parking: Chad , Donnalee , John , Nick , Andrew , and Kevin
Makeup: Ashley
Wedding Officiant: Bishop Greg
Reception Meal: Janet , Paula , Paul , Donnalee , Pam , Susie , Janice , Ellen , Hayley , Nick , Jean , Sarah , Ashley , Julie, and Renee
Table Decorations: Melissa and the Bridal Party
Photography: Official: Angela and John, Unofficial (this travelogue): Peter , Kalonie , Hayley

And we want to thank the dozens of others who provided important services as needed. You and all those that came to the service and reception have truly blessed Melissa and Erik.

Love, Pete and Ellen

Photos from Jul 2010