A Beautiful Wedding

My brother was married last weekend in the most beautiful ceremony.  I was so glad I was able to go-I had lots of warnings about the airlines and flying when 35 weeks pregnant but no one said a word to me.  Jeff and I had our last little getaway for a long, long time and traveled to D.C. and had so much fun.  We had a little time to explore the city-Jeff loves all those museums and sites.  I, on the other hand, find walking for miles quite uncomfortable now, so we compromised...I made it to the destination and then sat and people-watched or ready my book, while Jeff explored.

Here are some pictures of the gorgeous bride, Karen, and groom and the wedding ceremony and reception. They were both as cool as cucumbers, but every detail couldn't have been planned more perfectly, and you know that doesn't happen by accident.

The setting:

Had to get a close up for my boys-Uncle Joe has a sword???  Awesome!  I answered endless questions when I got back about his sword usage and good guys and bad guys and wars and what not.  (I just made up the answers Joe, hope you don't mind.  You can correct all the mistakes yourself when you come to visit...definitely got the "good guy" part right though.)

We were all waiting for Karen to walk down the aisle, but the big surprise was she had a little escort in the sky-one of the Marine One helicopters did a little fly by.  It was pretty darn cool.

After the ceremony we headed into the reception area.

 I love love love the colors Karen chose...so summery.

The beautiful bride-I had to take a photo of her hair for Abbey-I knew she would love it.  So classy.  I forgot to take a photo of Karen's shoes, darn it...she had on little royal blue flats under that dress and it was just the perfect touch of color.

Loved all the buttons.  Her dress was a crisp white silk shantung-simple and elegant.

My mom and Joe.

Karen's dad's touching toast to the bride and groom. 

How awesome is that cake?

Another one for my boys...they used the sword to cut the cake.

And I thought it was hilarious that boys never really grow up?

I sat and watched the festivities- no way was I dancing with my huge midriff.  Maybe it was just because I am pregnant and limited to big tent maternity clothes, but the female guests at the wedding had on the most beautiful dresses.  So many bright summer colors and really pretty styles.  I sat at my table and snapped away:

Don't feel too sorry for me-I had good company:

I'm so happy for both Joe and Karen and their new life together.  They are now making their way across the country to a new home and new jobs...by the ocean in a sunny CA climate perfect for visiting.