Our oldest daughter, Hannah, married her high school sweetheart, Alex.
And it was glorious.
God gave us the sweet gift of unbelievably perfect weather for not only the day of the wedding, but all the days preceding it - making preparing and decorating for Hannah and Alex's outdoor ceremony in our backyard on October 26, 2013, relatively worry free.
And so. much. fun.
But how much fun it was is the subject of another post I've got simmering about Hannah and Alex's wedding, so I'm gonna try to keep it out of this one. (It might be hard, though, because it was all so much fun!)
This one is about some pictures.
My dear friend, Sue Roweton, is pretty handy behind a camera. (major understatement) She has an eye for a "moment," and she readily agreed to be the party pic girl at our big event. She tried to tell me it was the VIP parking that swayed her decision to say "yes" to such an assignment, but I know it's because she really loves me and mine. It's nice to know you're really loved by a friend, isn't it? Anyhow, she did a great job capturing the big moments and some of the less obvious big moments.
It's some of those less obvious moments that I want to share here - I'm trying to save posting the main wedding pictures until after Hannah and Alex have seen them, but I thought they wouldn't mind a few peripheral pics.
Before the wedding, everybody but the bride and her crew got to buzz around outside. Here Alex, Lou and I are walking out our driveway to see the decorations that were by our subdivision sign. I liked this unexpected stroll with our now son-in-law.
After the year my 87 year old mother had, I would never have believed she would be at one of my children's wedding. But she was there, spunky as ever, and looked absolutely amazing. I know this will forever and always be one of my favorite pictures of her - and my boys.
And this might forever and always be one of my favorite pictures of me and my boys.
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| Luke, MOB, David |
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| Bruce Morgan, Luke, Colby Morgan |
And this precious soul with her precious baby? Lara Casey Weaver - who has been in our lives since she was born. I remember her first babysitting for us when she was 11ish. She spoke - and continues to speak - Godly truth, beauty, and goodness into our lives.
There are big, prayerful moments in life, and putting a ring on is one of those.
And those moments are appropriately followed by joy!
After the ceremony, we were hovering, waiting to be summoned by the official photographer.
Sue was hovering too.
I'm drawn to this picture of Lou and me for a couple of reasons.
1. It's Lou and me, and I like us together.
2. I don't know for sure, but I think Sue snapped this when our kids were being photographed with Hannah and Alex. When that picture was being taken, there wasn't another spot of real estate on the planet that had more of what Lou and I love bound up on it.
Another casual moment when my David just sat down by me. I always like that.
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| It was a good hair day for both of us too;) |
Another special father/daughter moment.
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| Lou and our Marea Faith |
I'll end with a special moment at the reception.
First dance.
I love the look on Alex's face. I love seeing his wedding ring.
Definitely a whole lotta love going on!
Obviously I'm spending this week after such a huge life event in our family reflecting on it all.
We had a wedding this past weekend, folks!
I am so very grateful to God for the joy that surrounded it. There's a lot about life that doesn't have joy surrounding it. Those times will come and God's grace will be there for them too. But what a sweet gift of grace from God these joy filled events are!
Blessings!
Simply beautiful. The candid pictures are priceless.
ReplyDeleteThis post brought tears to my eyes. You have such an AMAZING family!
ReplyDeleteOh Shelley!!! I just read your post and it brought tears to my eyes. These are such happy days as you have watched this young lady grow in to womanhood, rooted and grounded and now she has wings to fly. I can tell by what you write and the pictures you post what a wonderful family you have and how involved you are in every aspect. As I looked at the pictures, I could not help but think of your precious dad and how thrilled and blessed he would be to have been a part of this special day. I am so glad that Mrs. Violet was able to be there. I am thankful that God gave you such beautiful perfect weather. I know you will get to do this many times over as you have more children to follow suit in the years to come. I only have two children that managed to somehow get married 4 months apart. So now you settle in for the ride as your family will continue to grow as others marry and the babies come along. It is so fun to watch them as adults and parents. God bless you. It is obvious that you and Lou have done an amazing job. I am blessed to get a glimpse and watch through your blog. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your words. And the picture of you and Lou looking at your children, priceless. I have learned so much from watching you be a wife and mother. Thank you for the window into your life. Your wisdom is something I always carry with me.
ReplyDeleteShelley, thanks for sharing such beautiful thoughts and pictures (esp for those of us who couldn't see it in person). How precious! :)
ReplyDeleteEveryone dressed up so well. The guys were asked to wear a gray suit, huh? They all look daring especially your boys, Luke and David. Hannah must’ve been very happy to see his brother dressed up like that for her wedding. Anyhow, do you have a solo photo of the groom? Hehe!
ReplyDeleteBhavik Popat @ Suit Yourself - Exclusive Menswear