The Tying of the Knot

Well, I don't know about you, but I've missed all of you.  It's been two weeks since I've posted and I'm so g-l-a-d to be back. 

We returned Wednesday afternoon from an 8 day trip that began in DesMoines, Iowa attending my nieces wedding.  The first "person" to greet us upon our arrival, was sweet "Tater."

If you've been reading my blog very long then you know how much I love Tater.  He's a Goldendoodle and the BEST dog in the world and truly, he does not know he is a dog. ~giggle~ Oh, in case you didn't know, Tater belongs to my brother and his family.

I hosted a Bridesmaid Luncheon for Ashley the day before the wedding.  I enjoyed all the preparations and it came off without a hitch, even though my planning was done from 800 miles away.  But, you know we Southern gals can pull it off, no matter what!

We ate, had delicious Red Velvet Cake for dessert (the bride's favorite) and then had a fun photo shoot.  It was a good time for all.

Friday evening the groom's parents were hosts to the Rehearsal Dinner.  A lovely meal was served, the groom and brides Dad's made some really great remarks, which made for a nice ending to the dinner.

Bride enjoying some special moments with her Dad and Mom at the Rehearsal Dinner

Preparations began early for the bride on the day of the wedding.  She had her hair styled and then her makeup done and it was such fun for me to watch and photograph the entire process.

Her bridesmaid were the sweetest gals and they were at Ashley's ever beckoning call to assist in making it the best day possible.

 

The photographer began at 1:00 (the wedding was at 4:00) and of course, I had to be respectful and make sure that I was not snapping when she was snapping.  I certainly did not want to mess up any of the professional photos, but I sure did want to be right up in the big middle of it with my camera, but I restrained myself. ~laugh~ So, I snapped as I could and as a result, some of mine are not what I would have wished they had been.  But...........sometimes you just gotta settle for less than the best and be happy. ~grin~

This photograph does not do our pretty bride justice because of the lighting from this huge window.  But, as I said, I just had to sneak in a picture when I could and this was the best I could do under the circumstances.  I promise to post a professional picture of her when I can get my hands on one in a few weeks.  Can I just say that Ashley's dress was gorgeous!

About an hour and a half before the ceremony

Yep! these were the brides shoes - doesn't it just pain you to look at that heel........but she handled it like a champ!

Ashley and her brother doing their "dorky" pose -  I LOVE it! They are too cute!

The lovely Father and Mother of the bride (my brother and SIL)

Joel and me before the wedding - I love having a baby brother!

 Following the sweet ceremony a reception was held in the church's activity center.  A sit down dinner was enjoyed and then the bride shared a special dance with her new husband, her Dad and her brother.

The table scape's and the cake all carried out the peacock theme of the wedding.  They were perfectly beautiful!  I have no idea how the cake designer got those realistic peacock feathers on that cake.  It was so, so pretty. 

Now, the lovely couple is off enjoying a honeymoon in Jamaica and will return to the "real world" this next Sunday evening.  It was an enjoyable time for our family to share in this special event and we wish nothing but the best for this sweet couple.

Now, just a few random photos from the day............

Me and my "main squeeze" decked out for the occasion

Hubby and I with our son and daughter

My pride and joy - Brandon and Bridget

Our son and DIL - aren't they the cutest!

Me with my girls - DIL and daughter

The morning after the wedding,  Hubby, myself, our son, DIL and the princess all headed to Omaha to enjoy the College World Series.  Stay tuned, there'll be another blog about all that fun!