Eric & Aleyda: A Parkland Hospital Wedding

I really didn’t know how I was going to start this post. I am so moved by the love Aleyda and Eric have for eachother, that the tragedy  turned triumph story is more significant than how they first met! 

For the sake of telling their story, I will briefly tell of their fairy tale intro After seeing Aleyda at a sports bar, Eric  would return in hopes to see her again. Finally, a month and a half later, their paths crossed. They exchanged numbers, and as Aleyda told me….he called her “bright and early the next morning” and the rest is history! I have known Aleyda since we were in 7th grade, and I KNEW she was waiting for the day Eric would ask her to marry him! The day came and she said “YES” of course! They were in the process of planning a destination wedding when tragedy struck.

Eric was in an accident and burned on a large portion of his body.  He was in ICU @ Parkland when Aleyda called me to tell me of the news. I could tell in her voice that something was wrong because she is the most chipper person I know! After she explained what happened, she followed with “I have a favor to ask. Eric is going into surgery tomorrow to have some skin grafts done and if he’s well enough, we would like to get married this weekend. I wanted to know if you would take pictures for me. It’s nothing big, but it means a lot and I want to have pictures.” WITHOUT hesitation I said “YES”!!! 

I arrived at Parkland and Aleyda was vibrant as always! She got ready on the 2nd floor bathroom and waited in the hallway as close family and friends filled the chapel. As she came in, Eric had the BIGGEST smile on his face! Of course, Aleyda was in tears…..I LOVED IT! Even though Eric was in pain, he managed to stand for the ceremony and keep a smile on his face the entire time! So here’s to my friend and her new husband. I LOVE to see people in love and better yet, I am moved when love is an “act” and not just a “saying”. God is good and I am thankful for the opportunity to witness true love.

Aleyda was sooo beautiful!!! Just want to throw this out there….as long as I have known her, she has ALWAYS had flawless skin!!!

She has two of the cutest kids! Little Gabby is SO SWEET, while Gavin is…..well…..just a HOOT! He is my daughters good friend, and let me tell you….I can say they go together like peas and carrots!! lol

I LOVE the look on Eric’s  face as he sees Aleyda for the first time! His smile is soooo HUGE!

Here is one of my FAVE first kisses!