Congratulations to Blake and Natalia! It was a wonderful wedding. I made up for the lack of pictures in last post with this one. We had the family dinner in our shop Friday night. I had wanted to elevate it and make our shop to be simple, elegant, and beautiful. It came out exactly as I had in my head. The kids all showed up around 10:30-11 and we were working hard. Dave and I had been up at 5ish and to bed at midnight all week. I scrubbed the house clean and we started setting up tables and chairs. Blake and Natalia had been out the week before to help hang lights and finish up the lemonade cart.
I had a list of things that needed to be done last minute. As we got closer to the time we were running out fast. At 5:15 I glanced at the clock not knowing if we were going to be done in time. But I knew with out a doubt that Cannon, Nicole, my dad, Natalie and Joe would come early to help, even though I had not asked them to, and I could just start handing them chores. My family is so awesome and I have great friends. Between them, my kids, and Dave we got it all done. My house was a shamaz and I was embarrassed to those that needed to use the bathroom that it looked that way. But food was out and shop was decorated. We prayed and prayed for the weather and it was about perfect. It was not muddy or to hot, and it was not blowing a hurricane.
We ate tacos and had a dessert chocolate bar. Blake and Natalia then introduced everyone, Dave and I did stories of Blake and a welcome to Natalia, Todd and Tanya did stories of Natalia and welcome to Blake. Blake then did his toast to his bride. Leah had wanted to do a welcome to the family gift for Natalia, her and Cora found some cute things that represented us and gave them to her with an explanation. Last we played the wedding shoe game. After everyone left we got to cleaning. Cannon and Nicole, Joe and Natalie stayed to help get everything down and shop swept out, and some dishes done. Then I sent everyone home with sincere thank you, even my kids and I finished up. I was so so sore. My feet did not want to feet anymore. But I could not leave my kitchen unswept or dirty dishes out. I slept well that night.
The next morning Blake got ready by tagging our last calf. He said it was the perfect way to prepare.
The ceremony was simple and short.
I was a disappointed that they did not get a picture with all the bridesmaids and bride or the groomsmen and groom. Seems odd. And I made all the ties. I would have liked to have had a picture with all of them and the dads standing together.
The rain started as we were driving away from the temple. It was perfect for pictures. Dave and I went to Leah and Braydon's during the down time. I thought we would have a few hours, but ended up with only about 45 mins before we headed to Raymond to help get ready for the reception.
It was also beautiful. Jane was my little buddy all night and it was so fun. Dave and I were very social as was Blake, we did quite well.
Dave and I were in charge of retrieving the hidden truck for the send off.
And that was that. Well after more hours of clean up. :) Man, weddings are a lot of work. Blake and Natalia are a great couple. They will help, support, and love each other in all that they do. I am excited for this next chapter for them both.
