Under A Tree

This weekend was my brother, Luke's wedding. Craig and I left Memphis on Wednesday afternoon when I got off work. By the time we arrived to Florence, I had caught the sickness that had been floating around my classroom. It's always welcoming to get home and be asked, "What's wrong with you?" Well, Craig and I skipped out on church, so that I could rest. When the family (my sister, parents, my aunt, and 2 cousins) returned home, I was ready to get to work. No more time to rest...work had to be done for the rehearsal dinner. Luke and Laura love the outdoors and were having the wedding on a mountain under a tree. We decided to incorporate the outdoor theme into the Rehearsal Dinner. We used branches and pea gravel for the table centerpieces. We also used some trees from my wedding that Luke and I had chopped down. It was a very simple idea, but the couple loved it.

On Thursday, Mom, Bethany, Craig, and I left Florence at 8. Dad, Aunt Marcella, Katie, and Emily left a little later. We arrived in Hazel Green and began work, unloading all the decor. We touched up the trees and moved LOTS of tables and chairs. Once we had the room set up the way we liked, we were able to decorate the tables and the rest of the space. We took a break to have lunch at Sonic. Luke met us at the church after lunch. It was so good to finally see the groom!! After some afternoon final touches, we left Hazel Green. We drove to Huntsville to check in the hotel. We freshened up and left for the rehearsal at Burritt on the Mountain. Beautiful location!! After the rehearsal, we went to the church for the Dinner. Luke and Laura wanted breakfast, so we had sausage, bacon, eggs, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, and fruit! YUM!! After dinner, many friends spoke about the couple, which kept us laughing and crying. We wrapped up the evening with a slideshow.

On Friday, Bethany and I went to have our nails done at the mall. It was a very relaxing morning! When we got back to the hotel, we ate lunch and fixed our hair and make up for the big day. (Thanks Aunt Marcella for curling my hair!!) We arrived at Burritt at 1:30. After a few morning rain showers, the sun came out and the day was beautiful!! The weather was perfect for an outdoor wedding. We spent the afternoon taking pictures and having fun with the wedding party.

I didn't shed a tear until I walked down the aisle and saw my brother standing there with a big smile on his face. Then, the tears began to flow. The tears came again during my favorite part of a wedding...watching the Groom while the Bride walks down the aisle. Luke had the biggest smile on his face and Laura looked beautiful. It was a very sweet moment. During the ceremony, I looked out over the audience and was so happy to see so many friends and family members. However, I was also very sad. On the first row on the lawn, set my uncle and my cousins, but my aunt was missing. It was hard to see them all there without her. She loved family gatherings and would have loved to be at the wedding.

The weekend was wonderful. It was so nice to spend time with so many family members and friends. Thanks to all who came to celebrate with Luke and Laura!! Luke, I love you and I'm so happy for you!! Laura, welcome to the family!! May God bless the two of you and your marriage!! I love you both!!