Steph's wedding day was nuts. Exciting and nuts.
My main projects the day of the wedding were flowers and cake, which meant I got to spend a lot of time in the quiet, cool apartment across the garage, smelling delicious things. It was a lot of work, and I just barely got it all done in time to get myself ready for the ceremony, but it was fun work. I'm really happy with the way everything turned out. It was my first try at wedding flowers, and after some hiccups (like all the fillers getting stuck in Kentucky, and not a single peony opening in time), now I know what to do to make next time easier.
Here we are, getting ready to walk down the aisle. (Photo cred to Tommy Corey for lots of these.) The boys had hysterical fits about putting on fancy shoes and bow ties, but eventually, Jolly Rancher bribes did the trick.
I loved everything about this wedding. Every single thing. The clouds came out after a week of horrible heat, so 90 degrees and shade felt comfortable. Steph chose to have a harpist play "Ave Maria" during the procession. All the little boys in their vests and bow ties grumpily trudged down the aisle with candy in their pockets. Melissa and I carried our baby girls behind them, and they were magically well-behaved through the whole ceremony. It all came together beautifully. I didn't even mind so much that they forced me to wear lipstick.
Matt officiated really really beautifully, but the highlight of the day was the vows. I'm so glad Steph and Teague ended up writing their own vows. It was way better than a movie. It was real life love, and it made us all weepy.
Madsen Family
Little nieces and nephews
Wolfley Family
Maid of Honor/baby sister Julia
Magazine cover shot
Matt and I got to sign the marriage license, as the officiator and a witness. We were both extremely honored to play a part in this incredibly special day.
The food was all kinds of yummy. So many good recipes were discovered in the making of this wedding. Matt was a big part of that, and had too much fun directing people in the kitchen chaos.
I caught this little gang of well-dressed boys trying to escape through the fence and out to the creek during dinner.
Julia was the MC for speeches and the program. Here's the gist of what people had to say:
Julia -- She was trying to think of the first time she met Teague, and she couldn't even remember. He has always just felt like part of the family.
Sara -- Thanked everyone for coming from so many places all over the country, and for all the people who helped to make this night beautiful.
Steve -- Everyone was trying to make this marriage happen sooner, asking Teague what he's been waiting for, but Steve was happy with the timing. It gave him a chance to really know Teague, and for both Steph and Teague to grow into wonderful people together. They influence each other in the best ways.
John Wolfley -- From being in Redding a few days, he was glad to see that Steph and Teague have one important thing in common -- the importance they place on family and making time for their siblings. He encouraged them to pass that love on to their own family. Also, California heat made him really miss Wyoming.
Denim -- Told a joke about Teague singing a country song on a tractor when he was like fourteen. So happy to see the commitment that took place today.
Melissa -- She loves the person Stephanie has become with Teague, the person she always knew she could be.
They ended with an open mic, but I didn't get up, because I'm afraid of attention.
Then Mazie, Sarafina, and Julia sang Ingrid Michaelson's "The Way I Am", accompanied by Uncle Brian on the guitar.
Grandma Tutu and Pseudo-Uncle Alan Glander
Cristy, my friend from high school, came up from Sacramento and brought her little sister Sophie. Cute Sophie is the same age as Josh. We have baby pictures of them together!
Steph calls this one our senior prom photo.
I don't mind saying, the cake was really good. Lemon with raspberry filling.
Here are some of my favorites from the photo booth.
Here's our flash mob! We danced to "Primadonna Girl" by Marina and the Diamonds, choreographed by Julia. I think I have a video clip somewhere, but it's probably embarrassing.
Wish I could get my choreography right so I wouldn't mess up epic pictures like this!
There was a lot of dancing that night. Steph put her party dress on, and even my mom came out on the floor with us at the end.
The happy couple left with their hair, clothes, and ears full of confetti. Julia drove them away in my mom's convertible (just to their rental car down the street, but it was necessary for a grand exit), and off they went to Cancun for the week!
And just like that, it was over. I've seen some beautiful weddings, but nothing compares to this one for my little sister. It won't be mentioned in magazines and it didn't cost tens of thousands of dollars, but it was a family effort. It gave us something to work on together, something to be proud of together. And most importantly, there's pure magic in the air when you get to celebrate the love of two of your favorite people. I will always look back on this wedding day with lovey dovey eyes.
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