Alex and Blake's Wedding

In June, we were blessed to celebrate the wedding of one of our dearest friends from medical school and her fiancee. I was honored to be asked to be a lector, and Julia was thrilled to be asked to be a flower girl! The wedding was at Alex's beautiful home parish. We stayed at the hotel where the reception was held, which was fun and made logistics blessedly easier (especially when Julia's full diaper leaked at the reception - poor thing!).

We had a wonderful trip sharing Alex and Blake's joy with them and their family and other friends as they began their married life together!

At the rehearsal. Julia STILL talks about the ring bearer, Barrett. He made *quite* the impression.

Blake's mom had the wonderful idea of having those of us coming to the rehearsal decorate a blank puzzle piece for Alex and Blake. She mailed them out, and had us send them back to her. She then put it together and set it out at the dinner. It was fun to see what everyone came up with! I had fun decorating our piece!

Rehearsal dinner

Alex gave us gifts for being in her wedding. Julia got wedding Barbie! What an adorable gift, huh? Julia was thrilled! She still plays with this Barbie almost daily.

Arriving at the church for the big day!

Receiving her beautiful (real) flower crown!

Alex is one the most beautiful people I know, inside and out! She made SUCH a beautiful bride!

This photo was taken within the last few minutes before Alex became a Mrs!

They did so well!

Cuteness.

Alex's family is the sweetest. They got a kick out of Julia!

Alex, Blake, and their tiniest attendants!

Alex with her sweet flower girls.

The whole wedding party.

Alex's Aunt Debbie and I were honored to lector at the wedding.

Our little flower girl.

We weren't quite ready for this picture! Haha!

That's better!

I *love* this photo! What a proud daddy with his little princess.

It was great to see some wonderful friends from med school at the wedding! Aaron with Elliot.

Sarah and Elliot

Sarah and me

Julia didn't take a nap (although we tried to get her to) in the afternoon. Finally, in the evening, she was so tuckered out that she fell asleep during the cocktail hour. We put her on some chairs when we went in to eat. Poor thing was startled awake by applause! Haha!

Beautiful ice sculpture

I loved the centerpieces!

Alex had even planned "kids' meals" for the wee ones. How sweet!

Gorgeous cake

Cutting the cake!

What a wonderful day!

Julia dancing with the mother of the bride. She is such a lovely, lovely woman.

And dancing with cousins of the bride. Love this whole family!

We danced a lot, too!

Alex dancing with her grandfather! How adorable is this?! In the background, you can see her grandmother is enjoying the dance, too.

With the radiant bride and groom! So happy for them!!

Precious.

What a night! Recovering from the evening's excitement the next morning in the hotel with some water and a sausage biscuit!