Mr. and Mrs. Ballesteros

Our beautiful Cami met her forever partner, Jared Ballesteros.  It was a beautiful day to see them make this special commitment to each other.  😊 Thank you to everyone who made this day extra special for our daughter and new son.  We have been joking about all the Amazon packages that are arriving at our home, I used to be the one to get excited about that....but now, they are all for the Ballesteros!  ha!

Cameron and Jared met in Alaska.  They went to the same high school, and they were even in the same Alaska history class.  Romance didn't blossom then, but when mutual friends helped them join a mutual chat . . . sparks started to fly.  Jared and Cameron love music.  Jared is very talented on the guitar, as our Cam. They have a lot in common, and their personalities are very similar.  And yes, when in Alaska, Cami said she did not want to go to college in Alaska, which definitely propelled our decision to move back to Texas . . . and then, she marries someone from ALASKA!  And an Alaskan native none the less!!  (hind sight is 20/20) 

If you know our Cami, you know she does not like to be the center of attention, so this day turned out perfect for her and Jared.  They got married at the gazebo in front of the Bastrop County Courthouse in front of family and friends.  We took pictures by the Colorado River near the Courthouse, and then went to eat at Cameron and her Dad's very special Italian restaurant, Trattoria Lisina, in Driftwood, Texas.  Josh had taken her there on a very special daddy/daughter date, and they had both fallen in love with the excellent food and atmosphere.  After we ate, we returned to our home for cake, snacks, and an opportunity for friends and family to come and congratulate the new couple.  Every moment was perfect, from the homeless man who said he wasn't gay, but definitely could recognize how handsome Jared was, to the moments of hugs and smiles as we congratulated the couple.  Jared's family and grandmother traveled all the way from Alaska to share this moment with him and Cami.  It was perfect.  Cami and Jared then spent their first night as a married couple at the Westin in downtown Austin, and then headed to New Orleans for their honeymoon.  We were all jealous as they sent pictures of beautiful Austin at night, and of all the delicious food in Louisiana. 

As a parent, you worry a little about who your children decide to marry.  I want my family to always be close, and I want their forever partners to be 'one of us.' I am looking forward to big family vacations, and a lifetime of being near (probably not always in proximity), but near in the terms of always being close to one another.  Jared has made this so easy.  He fits in with our family with ease, no awkward moments, weird vibes, or conflicting opinions (ha!).  He is one of us now, and I am so grateful my daughter can pick out the perfect addition to our family.  Welcome Jared!! for good or bad you are half Bright now. 😜