The Pounding

My niece, Megan, got married last month.

She got married right in the middle of that snowstorm we had.

The wedding was far, far south of here - near the Alabama line and still they had issues because of the snowstorm.

They wound up having to change the venue the day before the ceremony because the road to the church was un-navigate-able.

They wound up having to prepare their own corn boil for the wedding reception because the caterer couldn't get there.

They started the ceremony a little late so that some of the guests could slip and slide to the wedding.

My parents, Mike and I weren't able to get there.

So, at the last minute, they picked up the phone and FaceTimed with my parents.

They adapted.

They made it work.

They are married as married can be.

Wrapped with smiles and love that only newlyweds can wear.

They shared the joy of receiving things to make their home feel the presence of family.

They began building memories that will follow them forever.

They opened the gifts which were assembled with love and happy thoughts.

They learned a little more about their family members and one another.

Their pantry will be fuller.

Their bellies will be warmed and filled with the love shared by family.

Their home will be blessed.

Their home will have decorations and touches which surround them with the hugs of relatives.

We planned a simple affair.

Our children, Mike, and I recently hosted an old-fashioned pounding to celebrate their new life together.

We served simple fare.

Bryan grilled up some Boston butts to make delicious Bar-B-Que and stirred up some of his special white sauce to top it.

Bridgette and Jessica baked up cute little brownie bites.

Jessica stirred up some slaw.

I picked up corn-light-bread and chips.

I stirred up some baked beans.

We invited aunts and uncles in our extended family to join us for the celebration.

We chatted and laughed and enjoyed the fellowship

.

We jotted down some advice on marriage for the newlyweds.

Some advice was philosophical and some was short, quick, and to the point!

Some advice was straightforward and some was wreathed with emotion but all was heartfelt!

Some advice took lots of thought and reflection.

Some was more everyday and humorous.

All of it was offered with love and practicality.

The folks brought gifts that were practical, utilitarian, and sensible as well as a few which were extraordinary and unique.

Wishes were wrapped and included with merriment.

Blessings abound and happiness multiplied while we supped and interacted with joy for the newlyweds.

From eldest to youngest, we al surrounded them.

A good time was had by all.

And we sent them off with a bounty, warm hearts, and sweet memories.

May they have a long and happy life together!

Anniversary Number Six

Today we celebrate our anniversary.  Folks all over the world are celebrating!  I looked up to see what sort of gift I should give the hubs and found this site which suggested candy or iron.  I gave him a handful of chocolate Kisses.  Hope that was good enough!

A Wedding In The Family

A couple of weeks ago our niece got married.  It was a beautiful on-the-farm affair.  I took a stroll with my camera at about lunch time and snapped a few photos.

The hill around my mother-in-law's house was a-buzz with folks setting up and getting ready for the big event.  There were folks working in the garage to prepare the meal for the reception.

Our friend, Jackie, was stirring up pot after pot of pasta and making macaroni and cheese to go along with the bar-b-que, baked beans, potato salad, and slaw.

There were folks working just outside the garage and in the driveway setting up for the reception.

There were folks working in the front yard setting up for the ceremony.

Both of the nephews were working hard to get all the tables set up and positioned in just the right spot to suit their baby sister's dreams.

Even the children had duties and jobs to do.

There was a multiplicity of floral arrangements.  Most were a combination of hydrangeas, pink roses, eucalyptus, Queen Anne's lace, and such arranged in a quart canning jar accented with a raffia bow.

There were also several fall arrangements with sunflowers, lilies, broom corn, and various other natural flowers that were combined in a pumpkin.

The pumpkin floral arrangements graced the front porch, the front flower beds, and the front steps.

The colors of the season showed on the hillsides as well.

The center of the arch where the ceremony would take place was constructed of three sturdy hardwood posts.  It was wrapped with yards and yards of white fabric and topped with a spray of greens and a burlap and lace bow.

At the base of each post was a milk can filled with flowers.

Down the center aisle, to mark each row were lanterns adorned with a raffia bow alternating with a shepherd's hook holding a canning jar full of flowers adorned with a raffia bow.

An orange feed bucket and a milk can filled with flowers marked the end of the aisles.

Guests were encouraged to choose a seat.

At the farm entrance, folks were directed toward the parking area and encouraged to join the wedding and dancin' at the top of the hill.

A beautiful piece of furniture held photos of relatives who were smiling down from heaven.  Other beautiful antique chests also held photos from the past.

This is the look of a wedding farm table!

Burlap and ruffles made the delicious cake look beautiful and it was topped in true southern fashion - with the monogram of the bride and groom.

Jars of utensils sat at the ready for cake and a delicious meal.

A galvanized tub was to hold drinks to whet a thirsty whistle.

Drink dispensers of lemon water were chilled and ready as well.

Even the bar combined the rustic with the elegant.

Another hand-crafted chalkboard explained why.

Yard after yard of burlap was used to add a rustic, farm-like feel to the elegant white tables.

Candles and canning jars of flowers added elegance at a down-to-earth level as well.

The gift table combined the same elements of country-rustic and elegant-class.

One of my favorite center-pieces was on the buffet table.  It was a miniature milk can filled with beautiful, elegant, fragrant flowers and greenery.

The decor truly showed the farm roots of the bride and groom and the elegance of the occasion.

Guests signed the porch swing that served as the guest register.

It was photo time for the bride and groom and I don't think she has ever looked more beautiful!

I think my favorite sister-in-law has rarely looked more beautiful either.  Even if she was having to do a re-touch as a result of the heat of the day.

Julie and her lace-covered dress were gorgeous from every angle.

Doug looked pretty spiffy as well.  I loved that I caught this contemplative moment.

This one was pretty special as well.

Isn't that the look of a glowing bride?

Showing off personality from the top of her head to the tip of her toes!

The fact that the Volunteers were playing Georgia certainly had a couple of us distracted but Dough certainly showed his colors!

My brother-in-law came for the photo shoot, too.  The look on his face sort of shows that he will be giving his baby girl over to the care of her husband, doesn't it?

He was full of smiles and stepped up to the occasion when the time came, though.

I love this beautiful and serious moment as well.

The ceremony came off without a hitch and even several chuckles were enjoyed.

Julie's twin nephews preceded her down the aisle and carried a message for the crowd.

I think the two of them must have danced the night away, too!

The two youngest members of our family may not have been big on the dance floor, but they did clock several miles wandering round and checking everything out when their mothers didn't have them corralled.

After the ceremony, the wedding party was introduced and they formed an arch for the bride and groom's entrance to the reception.

The serious part of the evening was definitely over and the fun began!

I'm sure that the evening may have seemed aswirl for our niece, my sister-in-law, and their entire family at times.  But it was a beautiful afternoon and evening and I think everybody had a big ole' time!

We hope she lives the rest of her married life with most of the days finding her just as happy as she was at that moment!