There was so much that was right and that was perfect on our day. The fresh covering of snow added an element of magic. The rustic and country style decor set the perfect mood. And when the choir started, everyone knew we were in for something special. We had so much help and support throughout the whole process, and we wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who helped.
First, I would like to thank our wedding party. Wendie, your support, help, emotion, and sense of sparkle helped bring the magic to the day, and helped keep us sane. We will never forget the emotional support and love you gave us. Dawn, you and I have always had a connection, and from the engagement at your house, to the engagement photos day, right up to walking down the isle with Nate, you were a part from start to finish. As it should have been. Melissa, your help and suggestions visually helped us so much! And personally, I thank you for being a constant in Mark's life, throughout so much change. And your reading was perfect! Tisa, how amazing that you came back into my life at a time when Mark and I were starting our life together, You have become one of our best friends, and it all started when you volunteered to jump in as a last minute bridesmaid.
To my brother and sister, and children too. You have all seen me at my worst, and were there to help me pick up the pieces. You supported Mark and I every step of the way, and you have accepted and loved him as a brother. It means the world to him. And I am forever grateful. JB, Nate, Aiden and Emma, it meant the world to me that you were there as our marriage started, and you have helped us become a family again. JB your song was a very special moment. Nate,from start to finish, you were our right hand man, We would not have been able to pull it off without you. Aiden, your toast was perfect in every way, and Emma, you were beautiful, just like a real life princess. You will always be my little girl, but that day I realized the beautiful young woman you are becoming Thank you all, and I love you to the moon, and Mark does too. To my buddy Rich, I am so sorry a bad chicken wrap took you out! But, leading up to the wedding, you helped keep me sane by letting me vent and stress to you. Thank you! (Speaking of chicken, remember the chicken is the bush???)
And to my nieces and nephew, Kaden, Krista and Olivia. We love you just as our own, and you all made us so proud that day. Our wedding would not have been the same without the parts you each played. We love you!
Aside from the wedding party, we had so much help making our crazy ideas and visions come to life. A huge thank you to Sue Hopkins for all the little details she brought in for decorations, all the help she gave, and it was because of you we even had that venue. (Which was perfect!) Another huge thank you to Mark's dad, Mark Sr.. From start to finish, he wore many hats. From taking a trip to the hardware store for an electrical part to make the gazebo light up, to his beverage shopping trip with Mark. He helped keep everything safe. And most of all, got to spend the morning before the wedding getting ready with Mark. That is every bit what a father does, and we thank you! And the cleanup would have been so much worse if not for your help!
And to our moms- whether it was Mom Howe helping us to keep things in perspective, or Mom Delaney helping us fix the flowers and helping us make the last minute ends meet, we thank you and we love you.
Perhaps one of the biggest gifts to us, was the catering. My auntie Lisa and uncle Dan prepared, cooked and set up the entire buffet. The food was outstanding, and we will always be grateful for your gift. Our first meal together as husbands was prepared with love by you. Thank you and we love you!
Becca and Auntie- each of your readings were perfect. Becca, it really is true, all I ever really needed to know, was learned in the sandbox in kindergarten. Thank you. And Auntie, yours was so heartfelt, and was perfect. Your perspective on the promises of marriage was inspiring.
Now for the nuts and bolts-Mark's friend Maria bought that beautiful wedding cake, and his friend Margaret picked up the plates and napkins when we had a minor crisis. And Wendie with the biodegradable utensils! Such a small detail that meant so much to me. Thank you all!
Uncle Dean, we are so thankful you recorded the day. We didn't even think about that, and you captured it perfectly. (By the way, here is the link to the video: https://youtu.be/BdguT2k7y9c)
If I have forgotten anyone, my apologies. There were so many people who helped us, and we are so appreciative.
Of all the special moments, from the choir, to the exchange between Mark and the kids- from JB's song, to our vows, there is one moment that sticks out to me.
The choir was singing "Come What May". I was leaning on one of the beams towards the back, and watched as my kids and our closest friends walked down the aisle. I looked around and saw all the people who have played a part in our journey. And then in the doorway, this man appeared. He was tall, and handsome and looked like a prince. This man represented everything I wanted in a partner, and more importantly, everything I didn't know I needed. I remember him trembling with nerves, and it was everything in my power not to grab him and hug him. All I could think was "God, I love this man." As we made our way down the aisles towards each other, all the fear, questions, doubts, and anticipation melted away. This was it! I was marrying my best friend, my soul spark, my everything. I will never forget these moments, and the embrace we shared when we met in the front was raw, real, and perfect.
So thank you to all of you for helping our journey begin with the perfect day. We hope you all felt part of a big family, and felt the love that was shared that day. Here's to many more years ahead of us!
