Since we couldn't talk Jessi out of a December wedding, we packed up the car on Dec. 26th and headed to Portland. It is about a seven hour drive, and we had been praying for good weather so the roads would be clear. We were grateful that our prayers were answered. We arrived safely there and were also grateful for our dear friends, the Watson Family, who opened up their home for us while we were there.
On Friday the men had planned an unique bachelors party--all the men were going to go to a shooting range and shoot an assortment of guns. Josh and Larry really enjoyed that, and Josh actually thought it was the best part of the whole weekend. Us women folk, stayed at the house and worked on finishing up the last minute decoration things for the reception.
Saturday morning the Theurer Family provided a wedding breakfast for the family. They held it in a conference room at a hotel next to the Portland Temple. It was so nice. Jessi, Devin and I were the first to leave, as we needed to be at the temple earlier than the others.
When we arrived at the temple, we couldn't believe how packed the parking lot was! We soon found out that they had already had fifteen sealings already that morning, and by noon, they will have had 18. Wow!!! Needless to say, the Bride's Room was a busy place. We actually were put into an overflow changing room and we shared it with another bride. It was an orderly but busy place. I couldn't help but think how great it was that that many couples were being sealed that day in this temple!
I helped Jessi get ready and our little temple helper was so sweet, she was from Hawaii and I found out that she was an aunt to someone that used to be our ward in Meridian. Small LDS world!
Jessi was in such a peaceful and happy mood. She just radiated joy! I have decided that there isn't many things in this world that brings me as much joy as being in the temple with my child as they are being sealed to their spouse! It was a grand and glorious day!! I got misty eyed as soon as they brought them into the room. I was just so happy for my Jessi!!!
The Sealing room was full of people who loved this young couple and it was amazing to have that much support. When we all had the opportunity to give them hugs, Devin's Grandma Theurer hugged Jessi and said the cutest thing: "Welcome to the horrible name!" (It is German, and pronounced "Tire".) It might be a challenging last name, especially for two people who are going to be teachers.
We took some photo's outside the temple, again waiting out turn for the photo spot, as there was so many sealings that day. It was overcast, but it didn't rain, and when the wind wasn't blowing, it wasn't too cold.
After that, we went back to the Theurer's house, and grabbed a bit for lunch and then got things together for the reception. Pan, Devin's mom, and I went over to decorate. After that, we rushed back to get dressed and returned for the reception.
The reception was beautiful and well attended. The Theurer's had so many friends and family members that came for the kids. My Aunt Betty and Uncle Lyn had flown in from St. George to be with us. And the Watson family came to the reception. One of the highlights for me was when we finally got Britteni on the phone to skype with her. The phone reception was horrible, but we were able to see her and she spoke with Jessi for a few minutes. It all turned out to be a grand day!!!
Aunt Betty, Lyn and Rachel along with Larry and Josh enjoying the breakfast.
Danielle taking a photo of Betty getting a photo of the couple.
The radiate bride!!!
Steaming out the last of the wrinkles....
The Portland Temple was so beautiful!
The happy couple!!
The Gilley clan.
T
The photographer stopped for a moment to pose with her sister.
The happy couple!!
A big hug from her little sister....
A big smooch from Mom!
T
Pure peace and joy and happiness!!!
Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Theurer!!
Her dress is gorgeous!!!
Danielle photo shopped in Britteni......
The Portland reception:
The favors.
The gift table.
The entrance table.
The hot cocoa bar.
The cake.
One of the biggest highlights for me was when Josh and our friend, Elizabeth Watson, worked it out so that we could Skype with Britteni in Canada so that she could see her baby sister on her wedding day.
 |
The cutting of the cake. Devin was so funny, when they fed it to each other, he kept eating. He took about three more bites, and said it was delicious!
The Daddy-Daughter dance to Sunshine On My Shoulder.....a classic that Dad sang
with the kids all the time while they were growing up.
Mom with her beautiful daughter!
And they lived happily ever after.....
The food table and the drinks.
.jpg)
To me, this is such a funny picture. It's like I am saying, "Give me the baby!"And look at the expression of Ethan after I walk away with him....what is he thinking????
Josh and his best friends, Alex and his phone. This is how he spent most of the evening. He said he was "wedding-ed out."
Ethan enjoying his snack with Grandma Woodall.
Jessi is blessed to have a great mother-in-law. Pam and Bruce Theurer drove from Portland to join us at our Open House.
Jessi took time to share a sweet moment with her nephew.
The entrance table and "sign in book".
The gift table.
The outside of the clubhouse.
Gramma with Ethan!
A week later, Jan. 4th, we held our Open House Reception. It was more casual, and it turned out nice. I estimated that we had close to 100 guests come by. It is such a busy time of the year, that I didn't know how many would be able to come. I was grateful for Danielle, Rachel and my friend, Kassie Cook, who helped me decorate.
The Woodall's and Theurer's!
Some guests: The Cottle girls, and Eve Scott in the background. The Brown's stopped by, too.
Beautiful Sisters!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment