Anyone who has had their quilts exhibited at our shows over the past several years has dealt with one of our very special people in Special Exhibits, Carmen Valls.

Rose Reyes and Carmen Valls

Well, I am happy to report that she is now happily married to one very nice (and dapper) gentleman, Mr. Jon Beck!

Meet the new Mr. and Mrs. Beck!

Don’t they look beautiful? We are all so happy for them, and her wedding was such great fun, as proven by the many smiles…

Carmen Beck with Rhianna Griffin

.

Allison Cooper and Amanda Schlatre

.

There were a number of pictures on display at the reception, but this one of Carmen and her chihuahua, Fernando, was my very favorite!

Most of us at Quilts Inc., are rabid Downton Abbey fans, including Carmen, and last week, the first episode of season three premiered in the U.S., featuring the wedding of Matthew Crawley and Lady Mary. (I don’t think I am spoiling anything for anyone, because even before season three launched, the actors were on a cross-country promotional tour and confirmed that there indeed would be a wedding!)

I love Matthew and Mary’s story line, and in this episode there is a very touching exchange between them on the eve of their wedding. They quarreled earlier in the afternoon, and Mary had sizable concerns about marrying him before she went to bed. In this scene Matthew reassures her, and says something that is so very sweet…it just sums matters up.  (Make sure to turn the volume way up on your computer and watch it to the very end!)

So I want to dedicate this brief yet poignant exchange to Carmen and Jon, and hope all of you will join me in wishing them both years and years of happiness…