A "Love-ly" Weekend, Part 2

First, the sentimental stuff, because it wasn't just pretty dresses, sharp looking tuxedos, beautiful flowers, drinking, dancing and celebrating.  The big day began as many others have begun in Kelly's life.  If you read all of the Father's Day cards Kelly gave TJ, he kept, used as his toast inspiration and displayed in our weekend Airbnb house, there was a common theme.  "Thank you Dad, for the hours you spent sitting on a bucket catching for me while I pitched, the good advice you gave me about education and jobs and thank you for all the great breakfasts."  TJ is the morning person, breakfast is his favorite meal of the day!

All of that to say, when TJ woke up before anyone else on the morning of the wedding he took it upon himself to set the table and organize the most special breakfast he would make for his youngest daughter.  He went all out and included many of the bride's favorite breakfast foods... fruit, eggs, arugula, tomatoes, avocado, coffee and mimosas.  He also displayed many of the Father's Day cards and some memorabilia he has kept over the years from Kelly.

Breakfast is served!

The rest of us woke up slowly and came out to the kitchen greeted by one very proud and excited father of the bride.  It was the perfect way to begin a perfect day.
The bridesmaids and bridesman gathered and we systematically sat in "the chair" to be transformed.  The photographer arrived at noon and from that point on the momentum of the day carried us.

Cheers!

Love these 4!

The groom and his groomsmen and groomswoman had their own fun at another nearby home.  Both groups exchanged gifts, posed for pictures, toasted, helped each other get ready and basically paced, checked the time and hurried up and waited for the appointed hour.  The hours ticked by so slowly!  And then it was time!  Here are a few photos of what we all did to pass the time and calm our pre-wedding jitters.

TJ had a quiet moment and ate lunch.
Wonder what he is thinking about?

Michael and I took "Estella" the dress for a walk.

Dad got his "first look" 

Meanwhile across the road...the groom and his crew did just about the same thing.  Sort of.

There were ties to be tied.

And pictures to take.

And sunglasses ads to pose for !
It can't all be serious, right?!

Things got a little more serious as the picture taking progressed.

Floating along keeping the dress clean!

Being the best Father of the Bride!

Bridal party

It was right about at this point in the day, after seeing several of the photos that I decided I hated how my hair was done and had a mini meltdown.  We sent the bride and most of the wedding party to the winery and Katie stayed with me and we reconstructed my hair.  A decision I felt at the time was very vain because this day wasn't about me, but would have regretted had I not spoken up.  I felt much better after the reboot and so glad I listened to that inner voice.

Meanwhile at the venue the bride and groom shared their first look...without me sneaking in the shadows.  Maybe some things work out for a reason.

Hey Chris...she's right behind you!

The wedding ceremony was lovely!  The music was played by 3 of the bride and groom's friends (Esther's Temple) and was perfect.  Everyone processed to La Vie en Rose, sung in French.  So lovely!  One of the officiants was a very good friend of the bride and the other a very good friend of the groom.  They did a beautiful job of mixing traditional sentiments and vows with personal moments, readings and thoughtful advice.  It was so personal and meaningful.  They said, "I do"  they exchanged rings, they kissed and then they danced down the aisle to Depeche Mode's Just Can't Get Enough, played by Esther's Temple.  We all danced down the aisle and the celebrating began!

This one melts my heart! 
I just have to know what he is handing to his brother
 before walking down the aisle!

Here comes the bride!

They do!

You may kiss the bride!

Mr. and Mrs.!

Cheers!  They are married!

There are always a few moments that most of us miss out on throughout the day which is why you hire a photographer.  I love some of the moments that were caught by ours.  With so much going on it is so hard to take it all in and since none of us have superpowers just yet we appreciate being able to see what we missed!

This is in the "priceless" category in my book!
I hope in the future Dad can look at this and laugh...

Great job being the ring bearer, John!

She always said she loved wedding cake!

We ate dinner under the vines because we could!  When scheduling an outdoor wedding the weather is always a big question mark.  The bride and groom always said if we could we would and we could!  That perfect California weather showed up and it was a unique experience for us.  Food?  What food?  I was too busy visiting, listening to the toasts by the father of the bride and her brother, and reveling in the fact that "we" (the bride, the groom, parents of the groom, the Father of the bride, her siblings, caterers, wedding coordinator, Aunt Liz the florist and her team, Save the Date with Valerie, musicians, officiants, relatives and friends from far and wide) did it!  We made the day a cherished and lasting moment in time.

Nature's dining room!

The groom describing what it feels like to be married for an hour to his parents?

Sweet moment

Dad's toast made us smile and sigh.

Michael's toast had a little bit of everything
but most of all
it had a lot of love....and a few tears.

At this point we were all ready for the serious stuff to be over and the dancing to begin.  The band, Lucky Devils, was AMAZING!  We danced until they turned the lights and and told us we had to go home. And because this post is not nearly long enough and doesn't have enough pictures....a few more!

The first dance

Dancing with his "Brown Eyed Girl"

Priceless!

Mother and Son dancing!

Mull River Shuffle-ing?

 It was notable that the band all came out early from their break to witness the Mull River Shuffle in action.  They just had to see what the fuss was all about and they loved it!

It only took me a month to get this post written.  I am sure I have not done it justice either.  My hope is that the marriage is everything and more than the wedding.  For every moment of happiness they experienced at their wedding may they have a million more in their marriage.

May they live happily ever after!