Image Up Advertising & Design

| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | FEBRUARY 2026 | 43 A Focus on Love: February is often associated with love and partnership, making it a perfect time to turn our genealogical focus to marriages. Weddings remind us that family history is built not only on names and dates but also on relationships. Marriage records are among the most valuable documents in family history research. While birth and death certificates often receive the most attention, marriage certificates often contain a surprising amount of information. In addition to the names of the bride and groom, these records may list: parents' names (including maiden names); ages or birth dates; places of birth; residences at the time of marriage; occupations; names of witnesses or officiants. These details establish family connections, identify generations, and resolve conf licting information found elsewhere. In some cases, a marriage record may be the only document that links a woman to her maiden family. Another advantage for researchers is accessibility. Laws governing marriage records are less restrictive than those for birth or death records and can be found easily, making them an excellent starting point when researching ancestors. Marriages were often public events, which means they frequently left multiple records. Local newspapers are a rich source of wedding information. Engagement announcements, marriage licenses, and wedding write-ups may include descriptions of the ceremony, attire, the guest list, and even the honeymoon destination. Church records are another key source. Baptismal and burial records are well known, but church marriage registers can provide additional information. As you document marriages, seek out photographs, letters, newspaper clippings, and oral histories. A wedding image paired with a well-documented marriage record is a powerful reminder that genealogy is, at its heart, a story of love, connection, and family. Documenting marriages also opens the door to exploring the customs and traditions that shaped your ancestors' lives. As you research, consider noting how couples married and celebrated. Weddings were held in many settings and celebrations ranged from multi-day festivities to modest family meals. Including these details helps transform names on a chart into real people with lived experiences. In the same spirit of love, our club is built on supporting one another. Just as families are formed through shared stories, our members truly enjoy helping beginners get started, answering questions, and sharing the joy of discovering one's family story. Our club meets once a month. Join us Sun., Feb. 8 at 5 pm in the South Clubhouse. For info., email Rob Thomas at rthomasma@yahoo. com. Genealogy CLOSED DECEMBER 2025 Wisteria GC, 4976 Silverado Ave, $520,000 • Riviera GC, 6078 Lake Buena Vista, $425,000 Great home with a great backyard that includes an Alumawood patio cover and low maintenance landscaping. Kitchen has upgraded granite counter tops, newer hanging lights and tile ooring throughout home with some carpeting in living room. 2 Bdrm, 2 Ba with Formal Living, Dining, Family Rooms. 1,383 SF. $364,900 Great Golf Course property on the 14th hole with A View! Back patio faces southwest so you also get great sunsets. Home has many upgrades including tile ooring, guest bathroom custom granite walk-in shower and countertop, master bath also has granite counter tops. 2 bd, 2 ba Kitchen, Family, Living, and Dining rooms. 1,561 SF. $445,000 Perfect Home for downsizing and priced just right! Living room with gas replace, kitchen includes tile counter tops, lots of cabinets and a separate dining area. e backyard has rock landscaping, a owerbed with roses and a cement pad. Gate for direct greenbelt access. 2 Bdrm, 2 Ba Living & Dining. 921 SF. $299,000 San Jacinto Condo 672 La Quinta 850 SF $289,000 Santa Rosa Condo 1024 Hogan 920 SF $299,000 Tivoli 1534 Woodlands 1,383 SF $364,900 Riviera GC 6018 Lake Buena Vista 1,561 SF $445,000 DRE Lic. #00612262 Cindy Snow Realtor - SRES (951) 845-8802 DRE Lic. #01425131 SunLakesRealty.com (951) 845-7378 380 S. Highland Springs Ave. Ste. #2K, Banning, CA 92220 CAROLYN BURTON Broker • SRES • ASP • ePro Cell (951) 845-8802 Home (951) 943-1257 Carolyn@SunLakesRealty.com ACTIVE LISTINGS FEBRUARY 2026 Licensed 48 years Licensed 20 years Corporate DRE #00531231 C = Corner lot • G = Golf course view • L = Lake view • M = Mountain view • P = Pool TIVOLI RIVIERA SANTA ROSA CONDO

• Cover