Love is in the air

In December, Chelsea said "I do" and I was thrilled to be a part of the festivities! 

Thanks to Tim's Mom, I was able to fly in early in the week to help anywhere I was able and to just be there for Chelsea leading up to the big day. 

The day I flew into Pittsburgh, Chelsea and I ran some errands and then grabbed some food before heading to her house. Well, let's just say that the food we ate didn't set well with me for whatever reason and less than 12 hours later I was so sick that I had to make an emergency call to my Dr. to call in Zofran for me to a local pharmacy. True Story! So awful. I'm happy to report it only lasted 24 hours and no one else was sick. I'm sad to report I lost an entire day of helping and hanging out. 

The day after my own personal plague was the bridal brunch at ironically enough....Chelsea Grill. I cannot tell a lie, I was a tad afraid to eat but I got over it and had a great time with all of these ladies who love Chelsea so very much.

 Love this girl so much...can't imagine life without her!

 One of my favorite parts of the rehearsal and ceremony - the parents praying a blessing over their child and their child to be. Such an incredible way to start things! 

 Um...I think they were "over" the rehearsal but they obliged my request for a picture. 

 Such a beautiful church!

 I love old things. Old buildings. Old jewelry. Old quilts. Old people (true story). The rehearsal was at an old restaurant and I thought it was really cool. 

 such charm

 The groom with my girl. 

 Kennedy had the privilege of speaking at Chelsea's wedding and Chelsea's friend Cindy was nice enough to "fix her up" before the ceremony. 

 My beautiful girl!

 Chelsea wanted snow on her wedding day and snow she got! It was gorgeous. 

 Tim and I went alone with Kennedy and Nana came in to keep the babes. 

 Kennedy practiced and practiced her poem ahead of time and when it was "go time" she did beautifully. Kennedy and I worked together to write the poem but all of the descriptive words were hers. So sweet. 

Kennedy's Poem:

 This day is very special,

Your perfect wedding day!

So here are a few things,

That I would like to say.

You both look so pretty,

In your suit and fancy dress.

And we are all filled,

With joy and happiness

Chelsea: you are generous,

loving, joyful, and witty,

But most of all,

you are so very pretty.

Eric: you are handsome,

Kind, gentle and shy,

And I am so glad,

That you are Chelsea’s guy.

This day has been so much work,

A lot of give and take,

But it will all be worth it,

When we get to taste the cake!

We have reached the end of my poem,

But I have one more thing to say.

I love you both very much!

Happy Wedding Day!!

 Courtney drove up from Ky and I was super thrilled to not only see her but to pass on boat loads of maternity clothes - Yay, yay, yay! 

I felt bad that Chels had a camera in her face 24/7 and thus I didn't take more of her myself, but that meant I had ZERO pictures with her except for the ones the photographer took (gasp!). Thankfully I've not gained access to some of those pictures (perk of being behind in blogging possibly?) So without further ado...the beautiful bride. 

 In addition to reading her poem, Kennedy also participated in the "ring warming" portion of the wedding. The rings were passed around in a sachet and all of the guests were given time to pray a blessing over their marriage. So cool. So emotional. 

 Chelsea has literally felt like a part of our family, so it's hard to believe she's now starting her own (no, she's not pregnant..I just mean she and Eric and at some point little ones). She is going to be an incredible partner for Eric and one day - an awesome Mommy. I couldn't be happier for her..for them. 

Congrats friend! Cheers to your happily ever after!