Goin' to the Chapel

This past weekend was a big weekend for our family!

A little over a year ago, Jeramie's brother, Nick, proposed to his super sweet girlfriend, Lori Ann.  While we were all on our family vacation last June, they asked the three of us to be in their wedding; me as a bridesmaid, Jeramie as a groomsman, and Ethan as one of two ring bearers.  We were thrilled, and have spent the past few months preparing for their big day!

I was a worried mess leading up to the wedding, though.  Partly because I just get like that with any big event, but also because my calm 15-month old from last summer has turned into quite the opinionated, active two-year old; I had no idea what to expect from him.  I found myself showing him YouTube videos of ring bearers and bribing him with fruit snacks and a wooden train.

I feared the worst as we practiced at home and I watched him throw down his pretend pillow, throw himself on the floor, and yell "NO!"  I imagined my mama carrying him out of the sanctuary, kicking and screaming.

I made a plan for every chunk of time over the weekend ... an early nap, videos for any down-time, and a "bribe bag" for the ceremony.  Mama was there for back-up since Jeramie and I would be focused on our bridal party duties, and I really don't think we could have done it without her!

We talked a lot about "quiet feet" and "inside voices", especially at the church.  It occurred to me, as I comforted Ethan after being startled by the organ, that he has never stepped foot inside a traditional, Baptist church.  To him, it was a whole new world to explore.  And reverently explore, he did.

Even with all that preparation, I was still a ball of nerves.  It wasn't until we lined up to begin our walk down the aisle, and I saw him take the flower girl's hand, that I breathed a sigh of relief.  He was going to do it!

I beamed as I got to my spot at the altar and proudly watched him walk (quietly and slowly!) to me.  Keeping him quiet was a different story, however, and I sent him to sit with my mama and sister shortly after the ceremony began. Aside from a few "Mama!"s coming from the pews, he did great! In fact, the whole day went exceedingly better than my imagination led me to believe it would.  He made me one proud Mama, for sure, and had a blast in the process!

Congratulations Nick and Lori Ann! We were honored to be a part of your day and we pray blessings over the days to come.  We love you!