Pink Roses

flowers...

The wedding flowers are starting to fade, and I don't know why I didn't photograph them sooner.

My house has looked like a floral shop all week!

There were flowers everywhere...wreaths on the doors to the church, on the ends of the pews, on the alter, at the dinner tables, bouquets, boutonnieres, flowers on the cake...hydrangeas, cabbage roses, lisianthus, larkspur...all in shades of white, pink and purple.  I brought some home, and gave away all the centerpieces to friends.

The bridesmaids wore purple, and the men were in black tuxedos.  It was lovely...

brother/sister moment:2...

I call this photo "Surfin' USA", because that is what he was singing at the time.  It is one of my all time favorite photos of my kids because it captures the true spirit of each of them.  She is a bit reserved, cautious, poised.  She follows the rules and is full of grace.  Notice her feet in perfect ballet 3rd position.  He, on the other hand, is carefree and full of life.  He is charming, adventurous, and has been known to break the rules.  This photo was taken in April 1994, ages 4 and 7, matching Kelly's Kids outfits for Easter.  All I asked was for one photo.  She instantly assumed this pose and stood there while I tried to convince him to stand next to her.  I'm sure it involved begging, and possibly bribing.  He finally got in front of her and sang the Beach Boys "Surfin USA" and struck this pose.  I took what I could get! He was notorious for hamming it up...

On Saturday, before the wedding ceremony, while guests were arriving at the front door of the church, the photographers took Elizabeth and her bridesmaids into the side courtyard garden for photos.  We had been there for a while when Elizabeth said "I want my brother.  Can someone please go get him for me?"  Christopher was inside the church, because he was one of the groomsmen and was ushering people.  He came outside and she said she wanted pictures with just him.  They posed and looked beautiful together, she in her wedding gown, and he in a black tuxedo.  I stood watching my two, happy as could be.  Then she turned to him and said "Now let's do one for mom".  He knew just what to do.  She stood gracefully, holding her wedding bouquet, and he started singing "Surfin USA" and once again, struck this pose.  I jumped up and down and screamed!  I loved them for knowing it was my favorite!  It was a GREAT photo and the last one she took before walking down the aisle! In a strange twist of fate...the ONLY picture I took of my children (with my mom) the entire weekend was this one, taken at the Rehearsal Dinner...

Who is the clown now?  Go figure!

brother/sister moment:1...

{There were a few moments, this past weekend, that I want to remember forever.  Moments that are etched into my mind and heart, but I want to preserve in writing as well.  Moments that remind me that being a mother is the greatest job in the world.  Moments that remind me of how blessed I am. I am writing this for ME, but sharing it with you}

Saturday September 24, 2011 1:00am

Tonight was the rehearsal dinner, and the first true realization that Elizabeth is really getting married.  Friends and family from out of town were there and it was a lovely relaxed evening.  After we got home, we stayed up for a while, going over details for the next morning.  Time line of hair appointments, makeup, lunch, transportation, etc.  We had 7 people staying at the house, Elizabeth was sleeping with me, and all had gone to bed except us.  It was 1:00am. Elizabeth took a shower and washed her hair, and as the hairdresser had recommended, I was to put mousse in her hair and roll it in sponge rollers to give it extra body for her hairdo the next day.  She was out of the shower, wrapped in a towel, sitting on the bench in my bathroom at my dressing table.  I was standing behind her with a hairbrush in my hand, getting ready to start. Christopher walked in and asked what we were doing, and I explained.  He took the brush from me and with one hand he held her long wet tangled hair, and with the other, he started to slowly and gently brush her hair. NEVER, in 21 years, has he EVER brushed her hair. No words were spoken between the 3 of us, but our eyes were locked with each other in the mirror.  It was the kindest, sweetest, gesture of love I have ever witnessed between my two children.  It was completely unexpected. When he was done, he kissed us both goodnight and left the room.  She and I stared at each other in the mirror and began to cry.  "He brushed my hair" she whispered through her tears, "I love him so much".  "He loves you too" I managed to say.  "I know" she replied, "I know"...

married!...

 

My baby girl is married!  EVERYTHING was PERFECT on Saturday...the weather, the food, the flowers, the music...you name it, and it turned out just as we had hoped.  Elizabeth never stopped smiling all day, and night.  I've never seen her so beautiful, or happy!  She made EVERYTHING worthwhile.  I wasn't allowed to bring my camera to the wedding...(orders from my children-" just enjoy the day mom"), so these are from my Uncle.

She and Paul are just made for each other!

I will share details soon, once I have recovered! It was a fabulous wedding, surrounded by family and friends...so much love and laughter and happiness.  Every bit of planning and stress was worth it to see her so incredibly happy. It was the BEST weekend EVER...

2 more days...

My girl is getting married in just 2 days!  So much emotion and excitement...so many DETAILS!  I've never prayed for sunshine quite so hard!  This photo is of the gifts I gave her at one of her Bridal Showers...something old, new, borrowed, blue.  So much to share with you, but I promised her I wouldn't until after the wedding.  I'll be back soon, but until then, you can see some of our inspiration on my Pinterest HERE!