Check out this cute couple!

Nope, those aren’t the ones who got married. (This is a G-Rated blog, after all!) That’s just the excited flower girl and ring bearer, testing out their new clothes for the highly anticipated wedding of my brother to his wonderful new wife.
We got to travel to Chattanooga, TN for the event. That in itself was a treat, since it was a state no one had visited before. Boy, was it beautiful. We took a little time the first day to walk around the downtown, enjoying lots to see despite a drizzly rain.

The weekend didn’t leave much time for sight-seeing, though. We had an event to help with, and what an event it was! Dinners with family members new and old, meeting lots of new people, rehearsal, decorating, scone baking–never a dull moment!

Although the bride and groom were understandably occupied with their own details most of the weekend, our family of four enjoyed celebrating with them, supporting them, and spending lots of good time with my mom, dad, and sister, as well as other family members from the St. Louis clan.
The wedding was classic and elegant, and my sister transformed this coffee shop patio into a lovely reception space.

The focal point was a flower photo wall, all paper flowers made by Kaye (or mom, or me, but she did the best ones!!)

The bride and her mother had been collecting tea cups for ages, so each guest got to go home with a lovely cup and saucer, in keeping with the “afternoon tea party” feel of the reception. There were fresh flowers, nice food, and happy people all around.

The best part, however, was the ceremony. My son, all gangly and tall, proudly bringing the rings… My daughter, lovely and excited, carefully scattering her petals… The honor of reading God’s Word as part of the service… My handsome husband, strong and supportive at the right hand of his good friend… The time-honored words of the service and the vows, nearly identical to the promises made at my own wedding almost 15 years ago… The overwhelming joy on my brother’s face, and the anticipation in the eyes of his precious bride… HOORAY!!!

Of course, all is not perfection and roses. There were plenty of funny things, unusual things, problems to be solved, wrinkles to iron out, and crazy memories made. Weddings are weddings, and there is no other celebration quite like them!

We ended our trip with an afternoon in Atlanta before boarding the flight for home. I can’t wait to see the “real” pictures from the wedding photographer–I was too busy having fun to take many of my own, but it is a time we won’t soon forget. Thanks, N & K, for letting us be part of your special day.