My firstborn son is married.

We had two weeks to prepare. Their original plan was to get married in court when he was 6 months sober and then have a big wedding the next summer, but last minute they decided to have a small wedding now. Then, the small wedding began to grow larger.

The weather forecast was uncertain. Maybe rain, maybe sun? We were prepared (hahaha) to have the wedding inside or out. The day dawned gray and moody—-perfect for photos.

I am the mother, photographer, hostess, optimist.

I have a rule here. No stressing about weddings. I broke it several times.

I went about pressing my boy’s suit as I recalled yesteryear and folding his little boy clothes.  I reflect on where we’ve been and where we are and I am feeling sentimental and thankful. The kids and I set tables, arrange bouquets and dust chandeliers. Levi’s mom and dad flew from across the country to join us and his mama immediately started cleaning. I was going to stop her, but it was so nice having her work beside us.

Landon had his four brothers for groomsmen.  His best friend asked to officiate, making the ceremony and vows extra special. Jed & Lucas filled the misty air with beautiful music.

Clouds gathered and swirled around the treetops giving Windy Ridge a sense of mystical romance. The steam engine echoed up from the valley and the cows grazed in the front pasture during vows. It was perfect.

(thank you to my baby sister, Rachael, from Trousseau Films for helping with the video)