All because two people fell in love

My nephew got married this weekend and what a beautiful wedding it was. Knowing the bride-to-be and her family, I knew it was going to be spectacular anyway. They always put on a great show!

The wedding was held at the Round Barn at the Taylor County Historical Museum and it was fantastic! I had never been in the round barn before so I couldn't stop looking around.

The weather was windy. I mean really windy! At one point in the service, the wind blew so hard, I was sure a tornado was within earshot. But everything was fine and the gorgeous evening turned into a fun night.

As we walked up the sidewalk to the barn, there was a sign. “You are my sunshine” painted on, what looked to be, old boards. A little further up and we came to “My only sunshine.” And so it followed suit all the way up to the barn, “You make me happy,” “When skies are gray,” “You'll never know dear,” “How much I love you,” “Please don't take,” “My sunshine away!” The signs weaved side-to-side and it was very inviting. So see, I was smiling before I ever got inside!

At the door, I met up with the groom-to-be, Jordan. Gave him a huge hug and told him how excited I was that he was about to be a married man. I could just feel the excitement happening in his life. Of course he told me he was excited too and the smile on his face was just too cute!

So we get inside the barn...out of the wind...and I immediately start looking for windows and any type of circulation. And I don't see anything substantial at first. As we are ushered by some of the best and most handsome guys around (Alex, Tyler & Zach), I tell Tyler he needs to put me somewhere that I won't melt because I am going through menopause and am hot. Okay, I lied. I am not going through menopause...that I know of. But I still was hot and this girl doesn't sweat very pretty, okay???

It's okay though because not only did we walk past those guests already seated, but we walked past the area where the immediate family was to sit and right out another barn door to a grassy area of beautifully covered chairs. In the wind. It was like I had won the lottery. For more reasons than that.

We just happen to be sitting right directly behind the pastor and directly facing the bride and groom. We couldn't have paid for better seating actually. As we sat there talking, waiting for the ceremony to start, Lindsay made a point that I am sure was dead on. “I bet the Weed family wasn't the backdrop that Bailey had planned on when she was envisioning her wedding day.” True that. I'll bet she was right!

Jordan escorted the mothers (Ann, Laurie & Tammy) to their chairs and for a split second, thought he had to go back for more. Maybe he thought he needed to walk Bailey down the aisle too? He quickly changed his mind (I wondered if someone stopped him?) and stayed still.

The processional starts and the jr. bridesmaids (Emilee, Kennedy, & Kelly) walk around looking so cute in their dresses and the jr. groomsman (Cameron) all shined up in his fancy clothes. That little guy is cute on his dirtiest day anyway! Next, the bridesmaids (Mally, Abigail & Ashley) get escorted out. They each looked so gorgeous in their dresses and the groomsmen (Ryan, Andrew & Ryley) all looked so handsome.

The matron-of-honor (Morgan) and the best man (Bradyn), brother and sister, were next to come around. I think it was then that it hit me. These kids are all grown up! I can remember each of them as babies; watching them grow up. How is it that all these kids are growing older yet here I am, the same age??? ;-)

The little ring bearer (Jackson), who was a hit with everyone simply because he is so cute and such a well-behaved little guy, did perfectly! And I believe...but I could have gotten some of these out of line...that the glitter grandma's were next. Four grandmother's throwing glitter on the floor (or in someone's hair) in front of them as they walked around to their seats. That was cute. Never seen that done before!

Next comes the bride. And I would be selling her short to say she looked stunning. I don't know a better word though. Standing still, she could have passed for one of those china dolls. Buuuuut there wasn't much standing still for Miss Bailey. And that's ok! She had the jitters, and who doesn't at that point? Her dress was so gorgeous. I should have taken pictures, I know. But I wanted to enjoy the evening. Besides, there was a photographer for that! And a damn good one...okay two...at that!

Pastor Tim Maxa welcomed everyone and gave the wedding message. Then they played “I can't help falling in love with you.”

Okay, this is where it gets touchy for me. Music always makes me emotional. I don't care where it's at or what the reason. I cry at the Star Spangled Banner most of the time. I would say the song was about three beats in and Bailey started to cry. That kinda made me panic a little bit because I knew if I looked at her again during this song, I would be crying as well.

So, I pan to the left of the bride and groom. Grandpa Larry is wiping his eyes Grandma Karen is wiping her eyes. I could not see the mother of the bride but I bet she was doing the same thing. What am I going to do? Oh look, some well-wishes are already starting to fall out of my eyes! I look at Morgan, only to find her crying as well. It just so happens that to my right, playing in the grass are three beautiful children. And they loved saying hi to Morgan (she is an aunt to two of them) during the ceremony. Those kids saved me! Phew!!!

As Jordan was saying his vows to Bailey and slipping her ring on her finger, she couldn't keep her tears at bay. I wondered at that point how she was ever going to get through her own vows. But she did. And she did a beautiful job. Her voice didn't waver (much) like mine did when I said my vows, but there was so much emotion in her voice that you knew this was her best day of her life so far.

After some praying and the introduction of Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Jenkins, the wedding party made their way to the upstairs area so all us guests could linger out. It was then that I saw the top of the barn had no ceiling in it. There were some boards but no actual ceiling. And the view was spectacular, to say the least. That barn will be enough for me to come back for a visit. I had never been inside before. Truly amazing!

We were given sprinkles to throw on the wedding party as they left the barn but I saved mine back. I have a special purpose for mine. It was really pretty to see all of those on the ground though. That was a very neat idea.

The wedding reception was so fun! It was held at the fairgrounds. They had a dessert bar with enough sugar to make the moon high. It was such a neat idea!! “Oh snap” photography booth where we all put on costumes and had our pictures taken. Cindy, Kathy, Lindsay, Jackie and myself all got up there and embarrassed ourselves! And it was at the request of Cindy of all people, who never wants to do stuff like that! Senility I wonder??? hehehe

We had a great time helping Jordan and Bailey celebrate their future. I'm glad I was able to go. I got to connect with friends that I hadn't seen in years (literally) and just spend a relaxing night enjoying all the festivities.

To Doug & Tammy Thompson, Kenny & Ann Weed, and Pat & Laurie Jenkins...you all did an amazing job with this wedding and reception. Maybe you should all go into the business? No stress, right?

To Jordan and Bailey Jenkins...thank you for allowing me to share in your special day. It was truly a magical and magnificent day. I can not wait to see the pictures (I hope that photographer knows how to blur big purple blobs!).

Bailey is a wonderful addition to our family and I can't wait to show her just how crazy her “new aunt” can be! I hope I don't embarrass her too much!!! -_-

Until next time..I hope all my readers enjoyed this day with me. And thanks for reading!