After so much anticipation, its strange to be looking back on this week as something that already happened. This was wedding week and the emotions were deeply felt and wide in variety. Gratitude was prominent, on so many levels but still, it was a lot to walk through.
May 12
Even in the early Monday morning hours (and beautiful light!) there was an excitement and a here-we-go feel to the week (not pictured here by Aiden ;)).
Avery happened to join Amanda and I in the gym.
The girls and I ran errands together, like picking up all three dresses (!!) and shopping for the perfect flowers.
May 13
As I was ironing 19 table runners, I noticed a robin out the window tending her nest. I felt both empathy for her and a camaraderie. She was devoting her life to caring for and protecting her eggs and soon the chicks will hatch and fly out of the nest and she can only hope that the work she did to prepare her chicks will be enough for what they will face.
I went along for the ride to the venue so Jack and Avery could drop off supplies and finalize the details.
After Aiden's practice, we went to watch Jack's softball game with Avery and some of his family. I can't be at a softball game without remembering with fondness all the summers my kids spent playing in the dirt during the games.
May 14
At store opening, I met Amy to get the flowers started. Avery had a vision for table centerpieces that was comprised of about 140 small vases that needed to be filled. I see this wall of flowers and think, how pretty! Amy sees it and says, I know how to put these together!
This was Avery's bachelorette day. Her girls planned a day of coffee shop, nail salon, outlet shopping and yummy food. They ended the day at our house for games and fun. We were out of the house so I didn't even see them but it sounds like it was a very fun and girly day.
May 15
Another round, this time with Avery so we could be clear on her vision.
It was meant for Amy to be the flower consultant, but it ended up being mostly on her shoulders and dining room table.
Over the last few weeks, Avery spent quite a bit of time going through her belongings and packing up what she's taking into her new place. Though neither one was living at the apartment, Jack and Avery wanted to be mostly moved in by the wedding.
Somehow it worked out that the five of us drove to the wedding rehearsal in just one car. I was taking it all in, thankful for one more day of my back seat full of kids.
Feels like this happened yesterday. Avery was three and the flower girl in Auntie Sarah's wedding. Only she was shy and very unsure about walking down the aisle. So her dad talked her through it, walked her through it, practiced and talked, talked and practiced. She wasn't sold on the idea, but she trusted her dad and he encouraged her and cheered for her and was so proud when she conquered her fear.
Jack's parents had the rehearsal dinner catered, a whole mexican spread, with the perfect weather evening to sit out on the patio of the church. It was very relaxed and very lovely.
Our friend Shelley was there to help set up, serve and clean up. Way back at the engagement, we borrowed her car so Avery wouldn't spot us when we showed up to peep through the bushes. She's just that kind of girl.
Amy was there to take pictures and in general be a support.
May 16
Earlier in the week Shaun saw that things were mostly under control so he asked that we carve out this Friday morning for family time. Aiden stayed home from school and we made breakfast, sat and talked and practiced veil management for the altar and dancing for the reception. It was a very sweet time.
We finished up the bathroom project, too...ready for hairspray and flat irons.
The bridesmaids arranged for a professional to choreograph their reception entrance. Maddy and Ezra came over to put some coordinated moves to Hamilton's
Satisfied. Amazing to watch Maddy's seemingly effortless art come together.
May 17
Wedding Day! Someday, when I have pictures, I'll do a full post; for now, just briefly. The wedding was as smooth and special and wonder-filled as it could be. The weather did just what we needed it to and it was incredible to be with so many people who love our family and have been involved with Jack and Avery.
When I came out of my bedroom in the morning, I looked down the still-dark hallway to the bedrooms, where my three kids were soundly sleeping in their beds. I stopped to breathe in the moment and to give thanks for these almost 20 years with Avery.
In an effort to not overdo it physically and to not be too obnoxious, I refrained from taking too many photos, but now I wish I'd done more.
Most of the girls spent the night and by 9 AM we had both the hair and makeup ladies there. Avery set the tone of a laidback, chill morning and we were ahead of schedule the whole day.
Father/Daughter first look. They shared so many sweet moments throughout the day. What a rare gift to know a father's love and affection.
Again, when I saw these two together, my mind flashed back to her flower girl days and I thought of how quickly time slips through the hour glass but also how much life has happened in between.
May 18
They checked in at the airport in Costa Rica and we were SO happy to see them!
