We were so thankful that so many family came to celebrate Jayden and Noah's day. Carina helped during the ceremony making sure everyone was where they needed to be. There wasn't a lot of structure and she definitely was a life saver. We had around 40 family from Iowa attend the wedding. Our friends from Florida, Aunt Jolene, Uncle Duane, and Janelle, Ferrari's, Melinda and Maggie, even Kyle and Abby with their twin boys and so many others came. It was so special to have so many make the long journey out and be there for the special day!
One thing Jayden told me her Pastor told her and Noah that they are an unusual couple that had really good odds working in their favor. They had gone through a few Marriage sessions at the church and the pastor said he has never had a bride and groom that have both parents alive, both parents married, no past abusive relationships, and both grew up in Christian homes. It is sad to think that is not normal.
Following the ceremony, the photographer took a few more photos of the new married couple as the sun went down while people made their way back to the tent. There were a few snack and charcuterie items for guest while we waited briefly. Once the couple entered, along with the wedding party, they went right to their first dance. Because the photographers were on a timeline, they were rushing shots and things moved pretty quickly. Everyone went in to start eating, the wedding party had a brief grand entrance, then ate. Next it was the cake, then the maid of honor and best man speeches, then a first dance, and a fake send off. If you weren't paying attention you missed it, which I did miss the send off. Jaynie and Izzie did a really good job and gave great speeches. The reception was a bit of a blur. It went fast, I never sat down, and so much was happening. The food was authentic Mexican that was made by friends right there on the ranch. In fact earlier in the day we saw the massive pot of meat and red sauces cooking outside over a hole in the ground. I thought the food was good. There was all kinds of alcohol and very little water at an open bar. I set up my slideshow and let it go continuously.
The dance started with the father/daughter dance. Ester, still having a boot on from her broken ankle, got the go ahead from her doctor to have one and only one dance. She was happy to have that one dance with Noah. I really think it was hard for her and with the many hours she had been decorating and on her foot, I know it was hurting. She danced a few songs during the night while sitting in her roller chair. I tried to make the rounds and talk to family that came. I met a few of Noah's relatives, but there were so many I never met. Later they had the garter and bouquet toss.
Jayden made sure the songs were appropriate up until the end, one friend played a crude song and I had to walk away. There was lots of drinking, some too much. I stayed up to the end and watched Jake, Luke, and Alivia. My brother and Carina had gone to bed. I was not about to leave the kids and go to bed. I had to shuffle the kids out of the garage and into the lodge and keep them there. I caught one trying to sneak out. Both boys stayed at the lodge too. Late, around 2AM, I helped Jayden with her many many buttons on the back of her dress. It took me quite some time to get all those buttons for her. Later she left and said her and Noah forgot the clicker and had to climb the gate at their place, now that's funny. I laid in my bed for hours unable to sleep and still very sick with my cold symptoms. I must have been running the whole day on adrenaline because I was so sick, I should have been exhausted. It was the first night alone in my little room and it made me sad. Mark was sleeping at the hotel, and Jayden was now married and in her newlywed home. I was filled with all kinds of emotions from the day and let the tears from it all come. What a celebration it was, and like that it's all over, one child married and now the beginning of her new life. I prayed a lot for God's protection and wisdom over them.
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