Mando and Lucy Garcia celebrate their 55th Emerald Wedding Anniversary

By GLENN GARCIA

MARFA – “Anillo de compromiso, cadena de nuestro amor, anillo de compromiso, que la suerte quizo, uniera los dos,” the enchanting vocals emanated from the balcony of the choir loft in St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Remigio Carrasco’s solo serenade of the popular Mexican classic song was most fitting for the occasion, Armando “Mando” and Lucy Garcia’s 55th Emerald Wedding Anniversary celebration held on January 7 in Marfa.

The church was adorned in the seasonal décor of Advent, twinkling lights, flowers, Nativity scene, wreaths, and candles.

Mando and Lucy Garcia cut the cake at their 55th Emerald Wedding Anniversary celebration. (photo by JOHNNY CALDERON)

The Couple of Honor presented themselves to the Lord to renew their original wedding vows. They were followed into the church by a procession of family and friends including their children, son Glenn Garcia, wife Letty and their sons Aaron and Marco; daughter Deborah Marie Falknor, husband Ken, and their son Steven; and daughter Brenda Jo Garcia and her children, Andrea Estrada and Jon Michael Fierro, and Andrea’s sons Diego and Sammy. They were also joined in spirit by their deceased son, Edward “Sammy” Garcia, who passed from this world in 1979.

The procession also included their original Best Man and Maid of Honor Richard and Ida Zubiate, respectively, bridesmaid Mageli Venegas, Lucy’s sister; and grandniece Kayla Vasquez, lasso bearer, accompanied the family.

Father Miguel Alcuino received the couple and served as Mass celebrant. Daniel Hernandez and Jarrett Lujan assisted as altar servers. Rick Ruiz sang beautiful songs of love and worship. Aaron and Marco Garcia selected and recited the Bible readings, Steven Garcia, the responsorial psalm; and Andrea Estrada and Jon Michael Fierro presented the offertory gifts.

The Couple of Honor were simply charming; radiant and beaming just as they were when their journey began over half a century ago. Upon receiving the Lord’s Blessing, family and guests were invited to the Marfa USO Building for a reception, dinner, and dance.

More than 250 guests gathered at Marfa’s proudest and recently renovated historic post. The décor was simple, but elegant, as designed by longtime family friend, Lilia Gallardo Fierro. Fresh white roses with emerald green glittered branches and stems were the theme. All tables were adorned with elegant vases filled with a rose and carnation arrangement. Wedding party tables were draped with rhinestone-laced tablecloths. The head table featured a beautiful bouquet of white long stem roses in full blossom.

Guests dined on the traditional favorites of asado, rice, beans, brisket and potato salad. The asado was prepared in traditional iron kettle fashion by maestro open-fire chef, Frank “Pancho” Martinez. Grill meister Danny Dominguez cooked the brisket. Mark and Liz Rodriguez catered the event. Traditional biscochos, puchas and lady fingers, prepared by master bakers Hazel Martinez, Mageli Venegas, Lupita Ramirez, and Elsie Juarez were served with the butter cream-frosted, custard-filled cake gifted by Deborah and Ken Falknor.

Mariachi music, beautiful love songs and old time favorites were passionately performed by Mariachi Santa Cruz from Presidio. After a brief break, the mariachi transformed into The Resonators, who “rocked” the party with a variety of dance music featuring big band hits, love songs, cumbias and rock and roll from the 50’s and 60’s.

The celebration was truly a joyous occasion shared by many. The Garcias’ journey continues as they begin year 56, and will hopefully celebrate many more.  They express their sincere gratitude and love to everyone.