Monarch Butterfly ... Mariposa Monarca

We chose the monarch butterfly as our "mascot" for many reasons. Did you know that Monarch Butterflies migrate from the eastern United States to southern California and Mexico? As far as we know, there are no customs stops or border patrol for them to pass through -- good thing! They overwinter in warmer climates with food sources and then migrate again to the north the following summer. The same butterflies don't make both trips back and forth, but their offspring do. This is a photo of a monarch butterfly visiting a milkweed flower at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, where Bri worked as an intern one summer, in New Hope, PA. This picture was taken on the day that we found Bri's engagement ring.

Monarch caterpillars, or larvae, eat the leaves of plants from the milkweed family, or Asclepias, because these plants produce a milky sap that is toxic to many other animals, like birds. So when Mr. Robin is looking for a tasty treat, he leaves the monarch caterpillars alone. The yellow and black stripes help to warn other animals to "Take Caution: I'm Yucky!"

While the main host plant for monarch caterpillars is the milkweed, adult monarch butterflies prefer to suck on the sweet nectar found in the flowers of the milkweed, or other flowers too. This is a photo of Echinacea, or cone-flower, another butterfly favorite. Large butterflies, like monarchs, like flowers with big "landing pads." These include what are called composite flowers, or the ones most of us think of as daisy-type flowers with a central head and radiating petals.

The orange plant is called Asclepias tuberosa, or butterfly weed. It is a member of the milkweed family. The purple flower is larkspur. Of course, Bri is really into flowers (she inherited that from her Grammie), but she especially likes the types of native flowers that provide habitat for our native fauna.

The other reason we chose the monarch to symbolize us is because this is a transformative time in our lives. We are changing and growing. We hope with hard work, patience, and love that we will create a beautiful life together.

Our Registry ... Nuestra Lista De Regalos

People have been asking about where we are registered. If you go to any of these sites, you can enter the bride's name (Gabrielle Crowley) to access the information, or follow the links below.

Anthropologie

We love their whimsical patterns and quality products. We know it might look like we just chose random things, but we do have a practical plan. Our idea was to have mix-and-match items that we can use every day. No, we did not choose a formal china pattern. Yes, this was on purpose. ;)

Williams-Sonoma

These are items for the kitchen. Carlos likes to cook and bake. Bri usually does the eating and the dishes.

Macy's

For every purchase through Macy's a donation will be made to the Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund. According to their Web site, MALDEF promotes equality and justice through litigation, advocacy, public policy, and community education in the areas of employment, immigrants' rights, voting rights, education, and language rights.

Carlos' Hometown ... Mi Pueblo

San Mateo Ozolco is Carlos' hometown in central Mexico close to the city of Puebla and also close to Mexico City. With its magnificent volcanoes and fascinating customs, Ozolco is a great place to visit. These are some photos from when Bri visited Carlos' family. The orange house is his cousin, Sylvester's.

In the old kitchen, making carne de res.

Pascuala, Carlos' mom, in the new kitchen making mole, a traditional Pueblan dish - hers is the most delicious ever! With his brother, Saul, watching in the background.

Popocateptl and Iztaccihuatl are two volcanoes that are very close to Carlos' hometown. Popo is active. There is a legend about the two volcanoes. Read it here.