Wedding Bliss!

Two (almost three!) weekends ago, Darrell and Julia got married!  I think it was the most beautiful wedding for various reasons...the bride and groom were so happy and in love, the weather was perfect, no detail was left unnoticed...and Makayla got to be a flower girl! ;)

The festivities started at the nail salon Friday morning.  A french manicure and a "I'm Indi-a Mood for Love" pedicure later, and this chica was ready for some decorating.  We had been working on decorations and favors for weeks, and now it was finally time to pull it all together in a Country BBQ/candy shoppe theme.  The bride, bride's mother, a few bridesmaids, mom, dad, and I all went to work and transformed two Sunday School classrooms in no time.  I was so excited to have so much help, and for it all to fall into place.







 
 





The rehearsal was a smooth one, and dinner with family and friends was a nice way to end the night.  My favorite part was a slideshow presentation that Julia's dad put together of various pictures of Darrell and Julia.  The pictures were timeless, and he picked the best music to accompany them.



 


Friday night, we headed back across the mountain to put the final touches on the groom's cake.  I was so honored that Darrell and Julia asked me/entrusted me to do this job.  Ideas ranged from a VT cake, a chainsaw cake, and finally to a "stump" cake.  Julia sent me pics of a stump cake she found on-line, and told me to have at it.  After a few (much needed) practice cakes, I was pleased with how the final product turned out.  I made the top layer out of a marble cake mix to make the tree rings, found an amazing chocolate frosting recipe that I have since added to my favorites, and tried a new craft of using rice krispie treats to do some molding and decorating.



After crashing Friday night, we all woke up eager and excited to get this wedding day started.  I took Makayla to get her nails done at the salon (she chose purple, of course!), and we headed back to Charlottesville.  We were able to have lunch with my extended family.  It's amazing to me how there can be years between visits, but once you see each other again, it seems like no time has passed!




Makayla and I headed to the church and Seth and Liam dropped off the groom's cake at the Jefferson Theater.  I loved watching the ringbearers (my nephews) and flowergirls (Makayla and my niece) prepare in their own ways for the big day.  They were so proud to be a part of this special day.  The photographers took so many candid pictures of the kids.  I cannot wait to see them.  They also did an amazing job capturing the day from start to finish.

Fastforward to 5:00...the wedding procession has begun.  I hear tears!!!  They're coming from Makayla.  I panic.  She's just about to walk down the aisle, and she's in meltdown mode.  She's flipping out because she wants her daddy, and for some reason she's convinced that we're not staying at the hotel that night.  Oh, dear!  After many condolences (and some bribery of gum and candy), she walked down the aisle with her cousin.  I got so emotional watching her walk down the aisle.  It was just beautiful!  I also loved watching the look on my brother's face as he watched his stunning bride walk down the aisle...once again, I became emotional!

After some bridal party portraits outside and downtown, we headed into the Jefferson Theater for an amazing reception.  The ambiance was perfect, the food delectable, and the time spent with family and friends was overwhelmingly beautiful.  I loved watching the two families bond, and the children dance (especially my own who danced ALL night!).



 
 
 
  
 


One of my favorite parts of the entire night was when my mom accidentally closed the curtains on the stage.  So, picture this...the stage is set with round tables reserved for both families.  Everyone is enjoying a lovely meal, when all of a sudden this heavy, velvet curtain comes rushing to a close...it's headed right toward my table.  I look up to see what's going on, only to see a look of horror and panic on my mom's face.  All I can do is laugh...do I get up to help her?  No, I couldn't think that fast.  All I did was laugh.  Her sisters  though were quick to think of taking her picture...I hope to get some copies of those pictures!  Well, mom tries to pin the curtain back, but somehow ends up getting wrapped up inside.  I kid you not, it looked just like a scene off of I Love Lucy!  The bride and groom were so busy being in love, I don't think they even noticed! :)



We left the reception shortly after the bouquet toss.  Makayla was devastated that she did not catch the bouquet.  Again, she resorted to meltdown mode.  It was a perfect time to end our day.  The kids did an amazing job despite the lack of sleep Friday night and no naps on Saturday.  I loved seeing them enjoy themselves so much as well.  We missed the exit of the bride and groom, but did get to see their get-a-way car in the parking deck...just glad I did not have to clean that one up! :)


 

 
 

 

All in all, it was a PERFECT day.  I am so happy that Darrell found such an amazing lady to call his wife.  We love Julia dearly!  I mean, we love AUNT Julia dearly.