9.21.2013

This past Saturday, I had the honor to stand beside my brother and his new wife as they took their vows. The weekend was as beautiful as you can ask for this time of year, sunny and cool! The day went off without a hitch! As I stood there, watching the love in my brother's eyes, hearing the Scripture and music they chose, and the words they both said, I couldn't help but think their love is a love to last a lifetime.

The wedding festivities began on Wednesday for me. After the entire fam (by entire I mean Oregon cousin, LA great aunt, SD cousin, and the regular old Stewartville family) went and cheered Kaylee on at her tennis meet. She did fabulous and creamed Winona Cotter! I was so proud. Jacque and I headed to get our nails done next. I couldn't go with the wedding party since I had to work on Friday.

Friday after work, I rushed home and rushed to Bethel for the rehearsal. The rehearsal was such a fun time. Pastor Wahl did an amazing job working his way through the service of marriage and explaining each part. It was fun to have that intimate time with him and Will and Amanda. After the rehearsal, we all headed to Willow Creek Golf Course for a delicious Italian meal. Amanda's entire family joined as well as my entire family (entire as in parents/aunts/uncles/cousins, not the extended fam). It was a blast! Charlie graced our presence with a tie on! So cute!

Here's my little brother as a single man!

 Saturday morning, I arrived at Amanda's house around 7:30 with egg bake in hand. The bridal party enjoyed breakfast while getting our hair and makeup done.

SNAP! I was upstairs putting my makeup on when Amanda sent me this snap!

Here's Amanda heading to see Will for the first time on their wedding day. 

First embrace! Precious. 

The bellringers (flower girls) watching

Megan was a flower girl in our wedding, and she got to be in Will and Amanda's too! Lucky girl!

My little brother as a married man!

Charlie was unimpressed with the ceremony. It could be because it was during his nap time...

The wedding party took a trolley around town. Here's the married couple pouring champagne. 

Bridesmaids and the bride. 

Bell ringers!

Not so flattering....I don't know where this came from!

We were being sassy on the trolley

Around 7, Mindy came and picked Charlie up. They kept him overnight! It was so nice for Tony and I to have a night just the two of us (and my entire family :) ) 

Laura and I enjoying the night. 

I snapped this right after Will and Amanda let go! Proof that my parents danced the night away!

Again it was a beautiful wedding! I'm so happy to have Amanda as my newest sister-in-law!