Wedding

For those who missed it, couldn't be there for all of it, or just wanted to see it again...   here it is.  All of these gorgeous photographs are thanks to our wonderful photographer Sara. 

Caitlin and Neil met this past spring.  

And before we knew it, we were planning a fall wedding.  11/11/11 to be exact.  

It was a beautiful autumn day. 

Bride and Groom with some of both families on the temple steps.

I LOVE this!  I'm not sure what these men were laughing about, but I love the happiness, and how Caitlin stands out like a princess among them.

Neil and Caitlin with Neil's parents, Richard and Francisca.  We're so happy to be family now!

We had to have our turn too!

There's a story behind that scowl.  Chloe was convinced for some time that she was also marrying Neil.  So..when she saw them come out of the temple in wedding clothes, she knew she'd been left out.  There were a lot of tears.  In this picture, she still wasn't having any of the attempts to make amends.  

We're proud of the choices they made that brought them to this place on  this day.  We're so happy to see them begin their life together and pray that God will give them all blessings they can hold.

And then it was time to party!

The tables were absolutely stunning thanks to the beautiful chair covers, as well as the lovely centerpieces that Alicia made.    Mauricia and her sisters made all the Mexican food..  and it was GOOD! So many people loaned us things, advice, and help to put this reception on. We appreciate them all!

Caitlin chose some beautiful bridesmaids.

Is it really a party without chocolate?  I think not.  

I may be a little biased, but I think they make a beautiful couple.

This is Neil's "Padre" from Arizona,  who's loved him like a son for so many years.  He was so happy to have him here!

Cake cutting time!

Caitlin wanted dancing.  It was a good choice.  Everyone had so much fun!

Neil danced with his mom.

Caitlin danced with her dad.

Everyone ate, and laughed, and danced.  As Caitlin said once, "Wedding receptions are such happy places!"  This one certainly was.  

Before we know it, it'll be her turn.  Which makes me want to cry like a baby just typing it.  Because Caitlin was this big just five years ago...   well, ok, maybe more than five... but that's what it feels like.  

Weddings and....

Here are some things I've learned about wedding planning. I'm not an expert. Just a few tips from the trenches.   


1.  No matter what colors you pick, you won't find bridesmaid dresses or fabric in that color. Pick the dress or fabric first, and work the entire wedding around that.  Great advice from a friend...  a little too late.  


2.  When it's time to proof read the wedding invitations before printing --  have at least 20 people help you. Really.  Apparently 8 or 9 isn't enough.  


3.  Something is bound to go wrong (see #2).  No amount of excellent planning can prevent it.  Good advice from my daughter's future father-in-law.  It's ok...  we're laughing about it already.


4.  Men don't really have any interest in helping plan the wedding...   except for the food. They definitely care about the food.  


5. You will alternate between feeling totally on top of things one day, and in a hysterical panic the next.


6. What the bride and groom want and will make the most memorable day for them is more important that tradition, what you want, what the magazines say, etc...


7.  The only thing that really lasts from the wedding (besides the marriage of course), is the photographs.  You can find an excellent photographer for a very reasonable amount (with some detective work), but don't skimp on the quality or quantity of the pictures.


8.  Ask everyone you know for referrals for everything.  The best resources/people are usually the ones your friends  have given rave reviews.  


9.  A beautiful wedding can be done for relatively very little money.  There's no need to scale everything down and do without if you just use some creativity and good prioritizing (although I appreciate her willingness to give up the childhood dream of having doves released at the reception...  maybe some things have to give!)


10.  Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream are TO DIE FOR.  I realize that has nothing to do with weddings (unless you want to serve them at one), but I can't stop thinking about them.  If you try one, you won't either.