Wedding Bells...

My brother, Nathan, was married on Saturday. We excitedly traveled the 4 1/2 hours to celebrate with them - Lukas, Chloe, and Madelynne were honored to be a part of the occasion (ring bearer and flower girls, respectively!)

Friday evening my mom hosted a down-home rehearsal dinner, complete with Famous Dave's BBQ.


Friday was also Cassandra's birthday, and Nathan surprised her with a gorgeous set of pearl earrings, necklace, and bracelet.

Jason tried to mix things up a bit with a few party games...including the "shoe game" for the bride and groom-to-be. For example, "Who is the better cook?" or "Who spends more time on the computer?" Each having one of the other's shoes, they then had to raise either the bride's shoe or the groom's shoe. Trust me...it has all of the potential to be a hilarious game!

~Getting ready for the big day~

~Outside the church~

~Nathan & Lukas~

~Nathan & the girls~

~My mom, my brother, and his son, Michael~

~Cassandra and the kids~

The girls were assigned the special task of handing out mints from their baskets at the reception!

~Gifts for the happy couple~

There's a funny story about the cupcake tower...let's just say this is the "before" picture! Jason and the kids went to pick out cupcakes, and by this time several other guests had gotten their dessert (and thankfully, the bride and groom had taken pictures by the cupcakes). The unfortunate part was that everyone had taken from the same side - notice the very small base on the tower? I think a part was missing. It just happened the the cupcake Jason removed was the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back" and the entire tower went toppling over. That's right...cupcakes everywhere. Lukas was on site, scooping up frosting off the floor to eat. I was completely mortified, but also had to find the humor in the situation!

~The kids had a blast with the disposable cameras~

~My mom and the 4 grand kids~

Our family - amidst the hustle and bustle of the day, I completely forgot to ask anyone to take a picture of us...can you believe it? This picture was quickly snapped in the hotel lobby by an accommodating desk clerk!

It was a special day filled with so many emotions. My sister was unable to join us, as she is taking a 3-week intensive teaching course many states away. We all greatly missed her and missed the presence of my dad, as well. Nathan and each of the three groomsmen wore a pin in honor of our dad, commemorating the division of the Army in which he served.

We wish Nathan and Cassandra nothing but the best...and thank them for having us be a part of their day!