By the Way: Friday, January 20, 2012

The Civil Ceremony

Will and Cecilia wanted to have
a civil marriage ceremony
before their church wedding celebration
scheduled for April 28, 2012.

Tia Olga listens intently as the JP begins
promptly at 2 PM on Friday, January 20th.

Cecilia aglow.

The ceremony was in Portuguese, of course;
and Will speaks the language very well.
When the JP asked Will if he was marrying
of his own free will, it was a Portuguese phrase
that Will hadn't heard before. ("Portuguese Legalese," Helio said.)
His hesitation was followed by a little interpretation
and then his quick affirmation!

There was the kiss . . .

. . . and the celebratory cheer.

Then everyone began to sign the official document.
First Cecilia Garcia Maia Bingham,

with her Calla Lilies or Copo de Leite (KO poh dje LAY che).

Then William Reese Bingham--
A name that ties the tongues of most.
(More about that later.)

Cecilia's brother Helio (A lyo) was one of the witnesses.
Cecilia's sister Flora, nephew Joao, and Tia Olga look on.

Cecilia's mother Dora, the second witness, signs carefully.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Bingham examine their certificate.

Will and Cecilia at the Courthouse in Niteroi.

Cecilia is not sleeping, but Will definitely has stars in his eyes!

The Wedding 'Parade'

Helio descends the courthouse stairs and dances into the afternoon heat,
while Flora, Will, and Cecilia chat and walk.

In front of Will, Cecilia, Flora and Joao
are Dora, Helio, and Helio's girlfriend (Maria) Cecilia.

Will helps Cecilia change from her pumps to some sparkly sandals
for our walk to the restaurant.

The wedding parade pauses briefly for Tia Olga to find
just the right plastic envelope for the certificate.
Tia Olga, cousin Marcia, Flora, Helio and Cecilia
all cheer when the sought-after cover is found.

The certificate is now safe.

Everyone but Joao tries to walk in the shade of a Brazilian summer afternoon.
They keep asking, "This is hotter than Texas, right?"
But actually it's not. Right now, the temps are very similar to EARLY Summer
in South Texas. It's just as humid too.

The shade-seekers parade continues for several blocks,
to a really nice Italian Restaurant.

The Family Meal

counter-clockwise from left:
Marcia, Joao, Helio, (Maria) Cecilia, Dora, Will, Cecilia
me (SAN gee in Portuguese!), Flora, Olga, Tacio
The name 'Sandra' is spelled and pronounced just the same in both languages.
I may finally be using my given name!

Dora and the bouquet.

Cecilia's brother Helio and his girlfriend Cecilia.

Cecilia's nephew (Flora's son) Joao hams it up.

Flora, Tia Olga, and Tia Alice's son Tacio with his wife Marcia.

The ring pose!

C's engagement ring and bands made specially for them.

Flora made this headband for Cecilia.

The happy Mrs. Bingham!

Flora and I talk lots, because she speaks very good English.
Helio and his Cecilia also enjoy practicing their fluent
English skills. So, with those 3 plus Cecilia and Will,
I never feel left out of the conversation.
Can I say how bad my Portuguese is?!!!!

Ana Paula is a good friend of Cecilia's from grade school.

Let the toasts begin.
DISCURSO! (DJIZ KOR ZOO)

Will toasts in Portuguese, to the delight of everyone.

The new Mrs. Bingham shares a toast,
as do the old Mrs. Bingham and C's mom.

Will and Joao have a great relationship.

Will settling the bill.

The Walk

After our meal, we all walk through the streets of Niteroi
to a park with some breath-taking gardens.

Dora has stopped at this statue of Mary to pray for Cecilia, Will and Daniel
for a long time. She wants to lay Cecilia's flowers there
in front of the statue and pray with Cecilia and Will.