Congratulations to Derek and Christy Newton

Mr. and Mrs. Derek Newton

July 20, 2012

Derek and Christy pose across the street from their home after the wedding

Susan and I had no idea what to expect when we gathered with my son, Derek Newton, and his fiance, Christy Kidder, and close family members at the Newaygo County Courthouse in White Cloud, Michigan. Would Derek and Christy just go in and sign a couple of papers and, "presto", be married? 

But all was well. Magistrate David J. Cherin, a very friendly and humorous person, met us all in the hallway and first asked why we were here. "Any burglars? Any murderers?  "Then it must be a wedding," he continued.

Say What?

It turned out to be a very intimate, traditional ceremony. Magistrate Cherin came out from behind the bench and stood in front of Derek and Christy to have them exchange secular vows and then rings. 

Earlier he asked, "If anyone has good reason why these two should not be married....", Derek and Christy suddenly jerked their heads around. (No, I'm just kidding. That really didn't happen but I wanted to use this picture)

After the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Newton posed with Derek's son, Alex Newton. Susan and I, as well as Derek's mother and step-father, Susie and Phil Becker, were thrilled to have gained a new daughter. Welcome to the family, Christy!









Photos of the wedding party and others were taken along the scenic Muskegon River at the City of Newaygo's Riverside Park, followed by a light lunch at the new couple's home. 

Christy and her sister, Nellie

Derek with brothers, Dennis and Dana

Newt and Susan, Christy and Derek, Susie and Phil Becker

David Zoppa, Nellie Savage, Derek and Christy, Wendy and Dan Zoppa

Later in the day Susan and I took (l-r) Derek, Christy, Paula, Nellie, and Dana to Grand Haven for a walk on the pier and dinner in Spring Lake.









The following day, Saturday, was the annual Phathaphak reunion hosted by Dennis and Kathy Newton at their cottage on Canadian Lakes. This gathering of Derek's many cousins, aunts and uncles served as the wedding reception and Kathy presented the couple with a wedding cake.











The first bites, as you can see, created a traditional smash-mouth experience. 

Later in the day Derek and Christy were fooled into posing for another picture only to find themselves quickly tangled with silly string spray.

Congratulations to the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Derek K. Newton!