Wedding Day!

The day has finally come!  And I think we are going to be ready!  We had WAY too much stuff to fit in our car with all 5 of us headed up to Uncle Mike's house, so we left a bunch of stuff for Madison to drop by and grab later this morning before he headed up.  I just hoped we remembered everything!

The party rental company had dropped off the chairs and tables and other things yesterday, so we were able to get right to work setting up for the evening ceremony.

My mom's garland looked absolutely stunning up on the gazebo for our backdrop.

We set up the tables, and set them with the rented tableware, adding our own personal touches.

I calligraphed, about 1:30 this afternoon, all the dinner guests' names and Jon was able to put them in the forks just in time to need to get ready!

The flowers came out last, and after I had already retreated to the bathroom to get beautiful.  I trusted everything would get done in my absence.

I was so pleased to have Tara there with me.  She is so talented, and it helped to pass the time quickly heading into the ceremony.

First was hair, which she did a marvelous job on.  She had been less confident about the hair, but I don't know why!

She did my makeup, and by then we were in a bit of a rush getting the girls ready and everyone dressed.  It was finally time for me to get my dress on, and of course my mom was there to help me zip up and prepare to head outside.  I love my mom, and I am so glad she was there to help with SO many things.  There was an emotional hug after I was dressed.  She has wanted me to be happy and find someone who would travel through this life with me for many years.

Jon escorted his mother down the grass hill at Uncle Mike's house just before the girls came down with their rose petals.

He waited patiently for me at the bottom.

My dad escorted me down the same hill, and I was so happy to be there on his arm.  He, too, has wanted my happiness for a long time.  I am so grateful my family could gather to witness this sacred event.

Finally I was down, and standing with Jon in front of Bishop Keller.  He spoke words of counsel, words of encouragement, and even cracked some jokes, as well as made a plug for his business, which cracked me up.  Jon had a little coughing fit in the middle, which actually helped to release the tension of standing there in front of everyone.  Faith snapped this pic, which I appreciated because it showed the girls sitting there by my parents.

Soon it was time for the prescribed words, and Jon and I gripped each other's hand.  Sweet sweet Leiden began crying and Grandmere held her huddled against her.  I think they were tears of joy and probably a lot of emotionally overwhelmed and probably a bunch of other things, but I know she loves Jon and is excited at this change. 

And with a few words, Jon and I were declared husband and wife.  I love this man, and looking into his eyes this evening and seeing him moved with emotion and love for me and the girls I am forever grateful he has come into our lives that we might grow together.  I am blessed by my Heavenly Father.

The girls came running up as soon as it was done, and Jon talked with them about how a big deal had been made about he and I becoming husband and wife, but that all we were really doing is solidifying a new family together.  He presented them their rings, and placed them on their right ring fingers, explaining that the rings should remind them of our family.

They are so beautiful.

Then it was hugs and picture time.  Leiden had calmed down mostly, and we got some BEAUTIFUL shots with the girls and our families.

We wandered the yard for a short while with the photographer while my dear mother and others got out dinner for everyone.  And then we ate!

This day was THE best.  It was seriously so perfect, and everything came off seamlessly.  I am so grateful for my mom, and especially Joni, who helped with all the food preparations and a million other things.  Our day was perfect and we are so excited to begin this journey together.  We were so grateful we could celebrate with our families, that Jon's parents could be here on such short notice, and that everyone was able to join us in our joy.