Rehearsal Dinner

It is tradition that Chris and Carrie always come for Sunday dinner, so most of the wedding planning/talk happened on Sunday nights. I knew Carrie had a vision for her rehearsal dinner. So after much contemplating I told Carrie, our wedding gift to them would be the rehearsal dinner. The planning, the food, the execution, all they had to do was show up. I felt I knew her well enough to know what she would love and could make happen what she wanted. 

And I am pretty sure we succeeded. I say "we" because it was a group effort. 

The location was pretty important to me and my sister-in-law, Aubrey has the most beautiful back patio for just an intimate romantic evening I envisioned. So I convinced (actually it required no convincing at all) Aubrey to join me in the effort, and I am so glad I did. 

It was absolutely stunning.

 

Aubrey had this idea for centerpieces. She wanted  a natural mosquito repellent so with a bunch of essential oils we made just that, and it smelled divine. 

She executed this so well.

Her friend, also came to the rescue and was able to spruce up what we had and somehow made something I already thought was beautiful even more beautiful. 

Just look at those centerpieces! I keep looking back over these photos and I just think they were so beautiful, they also smelled soooo good.

 

I made these burlap utensil holders and I thought they were so cute. Pretty proud of my work.

 

The happy couple.

 

I also MC'd the evening (you can email me for bookings ;) 

We then asked the groomsmen and bridesmaids to each take a few minutes and

 give a congratulatory speech.  

We asked each parent to give a little speech as well.

 

 There were laughter tears and joyful tears. 

 

 It really was a beautiful evening. Even though the weather teased us with thunderstorms but thankfully for some last minute help we put up tents to keep the guests dry, luckily, it never rained (probably because we were prepared for it). 

We finished the night with a photo video of Chris and Carrie. 

The Wedding

 It was the wedding of the decade. 

Our best friends got married.

Also known as Brad's brother.

It was an incredible, beautiful day full of sunshine and plenty of smiles. 

It was a bit special for us, because we were all in the wedding party. 

 All the photos were beautiful and I wanted to document it all because Carrie did such a superb job on the wedding. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I ever attended, let alone been apart of. 

I was honored we were all asked to be a part of it. 

So there are a ton of pictures because I just couldn't decide.

 

 We started the day at the temple, where they were married forever. 

 Here is the stunning bride. Her friend described her as "Wedding Barbie", I mean just look at her. 

 

This is my favorite picture of the happy couple.

 This picture was a request of a nephew who couldn't be an attendance, it's pretty darn cute. 

 

The family. 

 The congratulatory hugs. 

She "lubs" her uncle Tris. 

On a side note we were discussing how sad it will be when she finally says his name correctly. Another side note, Little C can say his name better than her big sis. 

 Aubrey and her new sister.

 We are finally sisters!

 Here Carrie said to Brad, "I'm your sister now Brad you're stuck with me".

I don't think he minds.

 My darling nieces.

 

I like this one of Chris and his mom.

 Aubrey got some cute pictures of the girls, who were flower girls.

 Bridesmaid pictures.

And the wedding party... it was huge.

 

The groomsmen.

 Flower girls pictures.

 The gang.

 And we actually got some family photos ourselves. It's rare we get family photos,

it's especially rare that we are this cleaned up.

 

My extremely talented sister-in-law Janna.  

 We danced the night away.

 The reception was beautiful. It was held at a vineyard. 

 They hired our neighbor kids to run the soda bar.

 We ate our hearts out of gourmet waffles.

 

There was even a craft table for the little ones.

Pure genius. 

Carrie thought of everything.

 

Dancing with her new auntie.

 Look who caught the bouquet.

 Just look at her determination, she deserved it. 

She will never forget this moment.

 

Then they walked away in a sea of sparklers.

I was a little worried her hair might catch on fire.

But it was a successful walk. 

 And drove away on the motorcycle.

Perfect day.  

And then the next day I took a 3 hour long nap.

Next up... rehearsal dinner.