Wedding Recap: Down the Aisle

Note:  All of the pictures with watermarks are taken by our photographer, Nathan Peel.

After waiting in the construction zone, I was informed it was time to begin.

My brothers, Jeff and Tom, went up to light the candles.

After lighting the candles (apparently Jeff was much slower than Tom who was looking at him in the picture above asking Dude?  When will you be finished?), my brothers had to rush back and begin the seating of the grandparents. (My grandmother, mom’s mom, escorted by Tom; my grandma, dad’s mom, escorted by Jeff; Matt’s step-grandmom, mom’s stepmother, escorted by Diana; and Matt’s grandaad, mom’s dad, escorted by Amber.)

Music was very important to me.  I’ve played handbells since I was 8 years old.  Four of my lovely bell players from Purdue agreed to play “The Gift of Love” as the mothers were being seated.  Unfortunately, I don’t have a video recording of the ceremony (<—one regret), but it was very much like this (except with 4 people):

Here are my ladies playing.  They had only practiced for an hour or two earlier that day and I know that they sounded awesome!

Thanks Michelle, Karen, Jill, and Kate!!  My friend Beckey said that it brought tears to her eyes, because it was so me. 

While the bells were playing, time to seat the mothers.  My stepmom escorted by my “baby” brother Robbie.  Yes he has surpassed me in height now.  DANG IT!

Matt’s sisters and parents.

Matt’s grandparents wondering when it’s time for cake.

My mom escorted by her two sons along with my stepdad.

Our short little mothers lighting the candles.  I’m surprised that they could both reach.

Our little ring bearers apparently saw the mothers walking down the aisle, and decided it was their turn.  Apparently they went too early, but when you’re dealing with a 3.5 year old and 4 year old, you let them do whatever.  They looked cute.  Who cares?

(See their mothers watching in the background?)

In this picture, I’m imagining Colin (on the right) saying to Owen, “But I don’t want to!”

Finally it was time for the bridesmaids.  Right before we walked over to the Narthex to walk down the aisle, my maid of honor, Kathleen, looked back at my dad and me.  While I know she didn’t intend to, but it made all of us tear up.  My dad was all “DANG YOU, KATHLEEN!”

Anyway, bridesmaids.  We all walked down the aisle to Trumpet Voluntary, with a quieter section for the bridesmaids.

Brooke

Jen

Jan

Sarah

Matron of Honor, Amy

Maid of Honor, Kathleen

And with that the doors shut and it was my turn.  I will always remember how my dad’s arm was shaking.  The guy was bawling and trying so hard to keep it together.  It surprised me so much.  Tearing up just now thinking about it.

Ugly crying face!

And there was my groom at the end of the aisle.

As I was walking down the aisle, I was smiling at everyone, trying not to cry.  I remember seeing Matt’s best man’s wife holding a small child and thinking “Who is that kid?  Oh that must be one of Jamie (his other friend)’s kid.”

Anyway more walking down the aisle pictures.

Yeah, he’ll do.

Next up:  THE CEREMONY!