Emi & Stu

After being together for "quite some time" these two finally tied the knot! I love this niece of mine and am excited for her to move on to this next phase of life.

The couple of times I saw Emi before the wedding, I was surprised at how relaxed and unaffected she seemed. It became clear very quickly that that was because my other niece, Janelle, was masterminding and executing the event. She didn't seem quite as relaxed. I loved Janelle's lists for everyone and the written wedding schedule. A girl after my own heart. How do people live without lists?

It had threatened rain all day (still Emi didn't seem concerned) but the evening was dry and calm. It was a little toasty, but beautiful. Janelle created the collage boards at the back. It was just about the most fabulous thing I've ever seen.
Janelle is also the photographer who took the engagement photos of the bride and groom.


Instead of a "guest book" tags with prompts such as "marriage advice" greeted people as they arrived.
They then zip tied their tags to the peg board wall.

Inside are bubbles for when the bride walked down the isle and sparklers to light after the ceremony.

Janelle's oldest, Zander.

And my two oldest, of course. It was nice to hear them play. It's been awhile.

I have a hard time getting him in focus. I think it's because he is always telling me I take too long and so I am a little panicked every time.

Emi's sister, Maddie, with her little fam. Husband David and baby Pippa.
The centerpiece.

The ceremony begins. Janelle's kids (that Emi has nannied/raised for years) walk the isle first.
Ozzie reads a welcome/congratulation announcement and immediately steals the show. He invites everybody to take out their bubbles so that Emi can walk down the isle in a sea of beautiful bubbles.
Janelle's youngest, Zackry, is the ring bearer.
I have no idea who did Emi's bouquet, but it was gorgeous. We asked her if she was going to throw it but it was very large and heavy and she feared throwing it might cause an innocent bachelorette bodily harm.
Another niece, Kira (Janell's sister), snuggling baby Pippa.
Andrew, my nephew (Janelle's brother), chats with Britt.
The chow truck arrived to feed the masses.

We dined on gourmet chips and fried shrimp to start.

And then your choice of tacos.

The drink station was my favorite. Make your own flavored fresh lemonade. Peach puree, strawberry puree and mint were some of the choices.

Ozzie went for the plain.

My crew, on the other hand, dumped as many flavorings as possible in theirs. Except for Gabe. Don't be fooled by his colorful concoction. He is Mr. Vanilla all the way. He is just posing with my cup.

Stuuuuuu....

The bride wore neon.
After the ceremony, the chairs were cleared and replaced with comfy couches and candlelight. The bride's father and brother discuss how they are going to open up their great yard and home for my kid's weddings someday. Right?
Nope. Not over yet... Friday night was the ceremony and Saturday night was the reception. We came back for more food and fun.

I am usually not a pie fan. But these pies....! Every fabulous flavor imaginable! I stuck to the fresh raspberry peach and am now a raspberry peach pie fan.

It was after this picture that my camera battery died. I regret deeply not getting a picture of Janelle so you can have a visual of my new artistic hero. She and Emi are a wonderful, creative team. It was a beautiful weekend all around.