A Beautiful Christmas Wedding

 

Terry and I headed out again this weekend to watch my granddaughter and her fiancée marry. We drove into Lowell where we met up with my daughter and son-in-law. My two granddaughters flew in from Arizona to join in the festivities and to become part of the array of bridesmaids. 

We rode in with them to avoid the hour and a half drive to the wedding venue, located up in the Blue River area. There was snow on the ground, but nothing on the roads really. The temperatures seemed to remain in the higher 40s, taking the threat of ice away from the drive there or home. 

After arriving and unloading, we were met by the family. Hugs were passed and we were all happy to be together again. I was able to see the bride, my granddaughter Jess upon arrival. She was doing a great job of staying out of the groom's view but could visit with her family before the wedding began.

The bridesmaids and maid of honor were walking around in their wedding attire of gorgeous blue green dresses of varying styles. The groomsmen and best man were dressed in a maroon- or burgundy-colored shirts with black cowboy hats. The groom was decked out in a nice black western shirt and hat. They were all looking good!

Jess was wearing her bridal gown of course. A white dress with a white lace top layer. She wore a white shawl as well to fend off the cold weather, especially as they went outside to have pictures taken in the snow. The bride seemed to be pretty calm. The groom on the other hand was a bit nervous. It was nice to see that he shared his emotions and didn't hold back. I was very proud of both of them. 

Shortly after arrival, the wedding began. All the wedding party advanced to the front of the hall and spread out along the sides of where they would be exchanging their vows. It was quite a large wedding party between the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. Once they were in place, the groom stood nervously awaiting his beautiful bride. 

Brandon, the groom, waits nervously for his bride to appear.

The couple exchanged vows and rings while all the groomsmen and best man looked on.

Vows and rings exchanged, and the couple are officially married!

Now is the fun part of any wedding. The dancing, eating, visiting with friends and family. 

The children were also joining in on the fun. 

Two of my daughters helping the babies fall asleep.

The wedding lodge before the wedding began. 

The tables were Christmas themed as well. 

After all was complete and the bride and groom were introduced as Mr. & Mrs. Ricker, it was time to eat, and oh my, did we eat! There was ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, green beans, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, corn and a bunch of cupcakes. The cake for the bride and groom was set in the center of the load of cupcakes. There were sugar free and regular cupcakes, and plenty of both. 

We stayed until late in the evening. Taking our leave, we walked through the crowd and said goodbye to everyone. My daughter, her husband, and Terry and I walked out to leave the younger ones to party hardy as I know they did. It was an amazing wedding. Beautiful yet simple. Elegant yet laid back. I thought about our wedding in June. Terry and I have chosen our date in June and our choice is to be married on Wolf Tree Ranch. We are having our entire family up on the ranch for the big day. We decided to have it simple and laid back. No stress. We would like it to be a special time for us without all the glitz and glamour. 

I know that Terry and I will have a special wedding, at least special to us. The love felt between us and just being together makes it special to me. Knowing that I have his heart and him mine is plenty enough for the both of us. We shared a picture of our engagement rings too while at the wedding. Each time I feel his hand around mine makes me smile. That is plenty enough to give me comfort and know the love is there between us. We have vowed between us to remain together forever, even before he proposed. I know most couples feel they will be together forever when they marry, but this time, I believe this is truth. I know definitely it is on my end. Terry reminds me every day of how much he loves me, and I can see his love through his eyes and his actions. As we tell each other all the time, we love each other "soul deep."

Terry and I displaying our engagement rings. 

Congratulations to the bride and groom! May you have an amazing life together, with your love growing stronger and stronger every day. December seems to be the month filled with love this year.