Wedding Bells

After months of anticipation, Luke and Ruby had the privilege of being the flower girl and ring bearer for Katelynn and Dylan in their beautiful backyard wedding.  We first met Katelynn six years ago when she responded to an add we had placed looking for a babysitter for Luke.  Both she and her mom came to the initial meeting/interview and we immediately liked both of them.  Katelynn started babysitting for us and over the years, has been one of Luke and Ruby's very favorites.  She has always been so kind and loving and made their time together such an adventure.  We have loved how well she has always taken care of the kids and the fact that we have never had to worry when she was in charge.  Over the years we have watched her mature and experience life and still remember when she first told us about dating Dylan.  After they got engaged she came to visit Luke and Ruby and asked them to be the ring bearer and flower girl for her wedding.  She gave a book to each of them that they read and studied  (they were story books, but the kids took them very seriously).  Over the months we got to go shopping for their wedding outfits, and she periodically dropped by with a little gift to get them excited.  By the time there was about a month left, the kids were in countdown mode and I think were almost as excited about the big day as Katelynn and Dylan.

Wednesday night we went to the rehearsal dinner and the kids finally got to see exactly what they would be doing and who else would be in the wedding party.  Everyone was so impressed with how well they paid attention and I think were surprised at how well behaved they were considering their ages. Before the rehearsal, they both had been a little nervous about the wedding - I can only imagine what they had expected.  After the rehearsal, they were both really excited and I think realized that their part would just be fun. 

Katelynn invited Ruby and I to come over early to have Ruby's hair done.  Her bridesmaids were there getting ready and Katelynn's hair girl did a fancy braid and updo for Ruby.  She was a little shy around all of the girls, but I could tell how much she loved being part of the princess party.

The kids had the chance to spend a few minutes with Katelynn right before the wedding.  They were both a little awestruck at how beautiful she looked and the bridal party all made them feel so included.  While we were waiting for the big moment, we were able to watch Katelynn's interactions with her grandparents and then with her dad.  It was so sweet to see all of the love and tenderness that she and her family had for each other - they were all just so happy for her. 

Luke and Ruby were the last two members of the wedding party to come out of the house before Katelynn and they were absolutely adorable.  Luke made sure to help Ruby down the big stair and then they were so cute as they walked down the aisle - Ruby spreading petals as she walked. 

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful.  Their pastor started with a prayer and then gave a really amazing talk about love and marriage.  Katelynn and Dylan had prepared their own vows and they were so touching - there is nothing to make you believe in love like a wedding ceremony. 

The ceremony was officially over and kids' jobs almost done.

After the ceremony we were able to get photos of the kids, and then went to the lake with the wedding party for some official photographs.  I think they must have been on a wedding high because both were completely willing to pose and let me take as many pictures as I wanted.  

The entire wedding party.

We all had the best time at the reception.  They had games and activities for the kids, and we all loved the tacos.  I feel bad that I didn't get more pictures of the party - we were just having such a good time that I didn't really think about it.  When I asked the kids about the wedding, and what they liked, Luke said that it just made him feel so happy in his heart to be a part of the wedding and spend time with Katelynn.  Ruby loved how beautiful Katelynn looked and kept talking about how she looked like a princess just like Katelynn.  We all had so much fun and by the time we left, we practically felt like part of the family.  We are just so excited for Katelynn and Dylan and their new life together.