It has already been three years ago on that beautiful sunny May afternoon at the University of Houston chapel. Rodney was fortunate to be able to bring his mother, Lorraine and sister, Beverly all the way from Michigan to Houston for this joyous occasion.This was the first time in over ten years that Lorraine and Beverly were able to come to Houston, and the first wedding they attended here. The last wedding they attended was that of Tammy and Derek in Davenport, Iowa back in 1996.Tammy and Derek flew in from New York, and at that time Tammy was still pregnant with Jackson. Derek along with Ovi's brothers were attendants and Tammy, Jeanne, cousin Anya and Lavergne were the bridesmaids. The ringbearer and flower girl were perfectly chosen eing our two grandchildren Sergio and his sister Sierra. Julie was most fortunate to have her former parish priest, Msr. Leroy Braden(now bretired) from St. Christopher R. Catholic Church. Fr. Braden baptized Julie when she was just a cute little red headed baby. Fr. Braden along with the University of Houston campus priest co-officiated the wedding ceremony.Also in attendance was Rodney's Norwegian cousin, Erik Riddarskjold from Kerrville, Texas

(Erik has long since been a US citizen and served in the US Army). This was Rodney and Erik's first formal face-to-face meeting, although they had previously conversed on the phone together as well as exchanged e-mail.











Both Rodney & Margaret each sang a selection before the processional began. Rodney sang his customary "Lord's Prayer" of Malotte and Margaret chose her favorite "Ave Maria"of Franz Schubert Other music was provided by flautist Sr. Leigh Ebbesmeyer who played processional music with the organ. Soprano/mezzo duets were sung by good friends and former HGO chorus colleagues Jeanette Adleman and Darlene James. The organist was provided by the University of Houston. After the marriage ceremony, a reception was held in the ballroom at the Marriott Hotel in Houston's famed Medical Center, where almost 200 guests attended.

The very unique part of this wedding celebration was the bringing together of two different cultures, namely Hispanic and Anglo.The Schwender family.beside having the German heritage have likwise had Hispanic traits which originate from Margaret's mother, Arminda and her Puerto Rican/Spanish heritage. Ovi's family originated from Mexico and Julie, of course has quite a mixture. The two cultures were equally represented during the dance music which was played and danced to to the early hours of the morning.