Here comes the bride!

Amanda, my youngest sister, joined Jake in marriage on July 30. It was a sweet ceremony. They did some really neat things such as:

 a sand display of unity

An ice cream sundae social reception (this is the "menu" of sundae suggestions)

Served popcorn & cotton candy as appetizers to the ice cream & cake.

Dyed her slip orange.

Prayer together & with parents.

The girls were flowergirls and they did really well. Kalli took a slip at the end of the runway but she was all smiles after it. Cora did the role of "big sister" very well and I think it helped her get over her stage nerves to get her to walk down the aisle. I was at the front of the church waiting for them and the doors were closed. I could see heads bobbing up and down as the got the girls and 2 ringbearers "together" to walk down.  No flowers were thrown by the girls (though they had full bags of petals to throw) so on the way home from the wedding Cora started asking about the flowers and she wanted to throw them now and why couldn't they do the wedding again.

During rehearsal, Kalli proved to be especially curious, social, and outgoing so we realized the best option was a babysitter for all the kids (4 of them) from after their walk to the end of the ceremony. My sister had a friend that was available....what a blessing. We all were able to enjoy the ceremony without the distraction and stress of our little ones.

Amanda was a BEAUTIFUL bride and Jake a HANDSOME groom.....it really just reflected who they are on the inside.  Congrats! We love you both!!

Here is a copy of the poem that I read at the reception during my toast/speech.

A Wedding Prayer

by Kevin Hartnett

Lord thank you for this happy day,

And praise the kind and mighty way

You brought this pair to love and grow

Through plans you purposed long ago.

We sense your gracious, guiding hand

In joining them that they might band

Together in your cause of love;

For covenant comes from above.

And so through Christ, our Hope, we pray

You bless them in broadest way

Their love and service may abound

To make your Name the more renowned.

Lord grant them health and strength this day

That they might run the race and stay

Protected safely in this life

From evil, hurt, disease and strife.

Remember to pour out your grace

In every trial that they face,

And give them wisdom, skill, and might

With courage to contend for right.

Provide them means so needs be met,

Not just their own but further yet

To help the poor, and there perceive

The wealth that giving does receive.

Lord, grant them sweet and loving speech,

And may such fruit abide in each

That faithfulness secures the day

When tensions tempt their hearts to stray.

Let children come in time we pray,

And with them insight that they may

Instruct each in way of grace

So gospel truth their lives embrace.

Oh Father of the family tree,

Root now these lives in unity;

And let the heavens sing along

With us in praise through joyful song.