Several years ago while living in Africa we had the privilege of welcoming into our family a dear, sweet friend, Leah! It was a joy to have her a part of our lives for the year she was with us. It was one of my very sweetest seasons in our North African home because she was with us. When we she left, I wrote and posted this poem for her. She means so much to our family.
After her year, she moved to New York City to attend College. Then she met Sterling, they fell in love, he (wisely) asked her to be his forever (more or less) and she said “yes!”.
This weekend they got MARRIED! We would have been honored enough to attend the ceremony, but she asked my two older kiddos to be in the wedding. We were all so very honored and blessed to be a part of their special day.
So here comes the photo dump… it was such a great weekend (In Loveland, CO) I want to have it all on here. And frankly, the grandparents are waiting to see photos. So photos they will get. (Some of these were taken by Leah’s Uncle Bill and snagged by me on Facebook, hope that’s okay!) :) Here we go…
First up, the rehearsal.
There was one other sweet little flower girl. We had to try a few different orders before my kiddos felt comfortable. Eventually the first flower girl took to the aisle herself and my kiddos followed side by side after her. It worked!
It was good practice and he did very well! Very important job, eh?
After the rehearsal we had a little snafu with this girlie cause her new favorite game is putting small rocks in the holes of the van’s hubcaps. She’s a busy girl and when she finds something to keep her busy, we rejoice!
We thought it was harmless, but it indeed it was not! Luckily Leah’s Dad came to the rescue with some tools so we could fish out the offending rock and avoid putting on a new set of brakes.
Lesson learned. :)
Then for a rest and a failed napping attempt at our hotel…
Then onto the rehearsal dinner.
I just love this sign…
Delicious food. Lovely evening. Wonderful people.
Happy kiddos.
It was so beautiful. Rather magazine-ish!
My girlie cuddling with the groom. Ha!
After the dinner was over and we got to know lots of lovely people, it was time to get the kiddos back to the hotel for baths and bed. But for this girlie before her bath came the very fun stick-her-head-in-the-shower-time.
Great fun.
Clean! And rather different looking without her crazy curls.
After a not-impressive night of sleep for the kiddos, we were up early getting ready.
Can you believe these curls!? This was before I separated them when we got to the church. The curls stayed in for most of the day, I was so pleased!
Aunt Leah is a Bride! (fairly certain she was a princess in Sweet N’s mind.)
I have such a full heart for this special lady!
Precious little flower girl with flowers in her hair…
I think this is the best one I got of the kiddos together.
It was rather bright outside (a gorgeous day!) and so I got a lot of these…
Just a few more moments to go. I love this…
Selfie!!!
He’s ready folks! And looking incredibly handsome.
They did great coming down the aisle!
There was a little hesitation to go stand at the front, but with a little encouragement from Mama they went for it.
Here she comes! *tears*
The kids did great standing at the front.
Hudson got a little case of the nerves I think, he was taking his job so seriously and did so well!
Becoming husband and wife!
The kiss!
Done deal, yipppeee!!
Portraits were outside after the ceremony. It was beautiful and relaxed.
The kids did great waiting. Except for that time I found Sweet N casually looking through that white purse on the grass next to her. Not mine, not hers, um sorry!
Gorgeous group of young people.
Meanwhile Mikey had driven this tired little lady around the block to get her to fall asleep. It worked.
A short drive to Ft. Collins and we were at the reception. (Don’t ask me about the look on N’s face! Ack! Family photos with kids!!! We were so close to having a great one, I mean even the baby is looking at the camera!)
The bride and groom arrived. I just love them!
So I took a selfie with them. It seemed like the right thing to do. :)
There were smiles all around…
These kids did the classic run like crazies all over the empty dance floor while we waited to take our selections from the brunch spread.
There was a clever New York theme to the tables. I loved it.
Toasts.
Cake.
Toss.
Dance!!
After brunch the lights were lowered and we boogied for a couple hours. Dancing with Aunt Leah (Princess Bride) was Sweet N’s dream come true! And Lil’ A got to dance with the groom more than once (and half of the other people in the room too!)
The dance floor was packed out for the classic “YMCA”. So much fun!
Here I needed a little break, whew!
Then it was outside for the send-off.
I just love these last few…
So much joy!
Congratulations Leah and Sterling! We couldn’t be happier for you and were so honored to be a special part of your fabulous day.
Have fun honeymooning!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment