The WEDDING

It's amazing how we anticipate these big life events and with the blink of an eye, they pass by and leave us with memories galore.  That's how I'm feeling about my bro's wedding.  We shopped, anticipated, packed, traveled across the country, partied, dolled up, celebrated and now I'm blogging to tell about it. 

The festivities kicked off Friday with Becky's bachelorette night in Grand Rapids.  It was a perfect opportunity to meet the other bridesmaids and spend some QT with Becky before the craziness of the wedding.  We chowed on tapas and sangria and ended the night at a swanky bar close by. 

 

Saturday evening, all those involved in D-Day met at the church for a run down on the day of.  Following, we gathered at a local park for a pig roast of sorts.  Food was delish (thanks Mom and Becky's fam for going the extra mile in making that happen) and the kids got to play at the park.  Perfect. 

Sunday morning my Mama, Kira and I met to have our hair done at the one salon we could find that would take us on a Sunday.  This is GR we're talking about. It was a warm, sunny morning to start, which put smiles on every one's faces after a bunch of cloudy gloom preceding. 

The wedding party people got their fancy on at the church, including my little Dude and nephew Dylan.  2 little dudes all handsomed up?  Couldn't get enough of them.  Thank heavens for the toy filled nursery, which kept them occupied during all the down time.  We didn't get any ceremony shots since I was kinda standing up front and Tim was wrangling the two boys.  THANK YOU to my rock star husband for taking on the duty of babysitter for the day.  It allowed us to enjoy the day that much more. 

A few pictures, dedicated to the boys and their cuteness.....

Some day they'll hate us for this.  Until then, we'll enjoy their willingness to kiss each other.

The ceremony went smoothly and was a beautiful testament to Becky and Kyle's love for each other.  My favorite moment of the day was watching Kyle's baby blues well up the second he saw his lovely bride enter the church.  He's an emotional cat - love that about him - and this day pulled on his heart strings for sure.  They both made it through the service like champs.  Following the service the party hopped in a snazzy bus for photos and a leisurely drive to the reception.  By this time the rain (and tornado warnings) had come out in full force, but Becky handled it like a champ.  We were gifted with umbrellas, which will make for some fun photos to come.        

The reception....the photo below sums up Tim and my highlight of the night.  My dude.  The dancing KING.  He would not exit the dance floor.  Not for a computer game, not for chocolate, probably not even for a Disney parage.  This kid has moves friends.  And rhythm.  We did not stop smiling and laughing at his energy and spunk.  Dylan got his groove on too - watching the two boys dancing together will be a memory that won't quickly fade.   

Our Gigi made it to the dance floor too!  Way to be Gigi.  We love you!

My other Grandma and Grandpa were there too, along with four out of five of my mom's siblings and a big group of cousins. 

 

Aunt Kira was dragged into dancing with Duder - over and over and over.

It was a great day.  A great weekend.  We're SO happy for Kyle and Becky.  She's a fabulous addition to our family.  Thanks for including us in the celebration guys.  We're glad we could be there to celebrate you.