Was a blast!

We arrived early, but were still late, because we are the Kelly family. I think it is in our DNA.The idea was that we would assemble to take a few family photos. You know, the regular. Luckily, despite our lateness the bride was still getting ready when we arrived.

My dad made the bride’s bouquet and Chas held onto it while he waited for his lovely bride to emerge from the dressing room.

It was the sweetest thing, because every time anyone walked through the door he hoped it would be her…

Ah, me! Is ANYTHING sweeter or better than YOUNG LOVE?

Nope!

When she finally walked through the door, Chas was a happy man (you can’t see his expression here, but trust me, he was happy!)

HOLY Babe-ness! Check out that fine woman on my brother’s arm!

Here is the deal. The Kelly and the Card families have known each other  for years. This means we share many loved ones in common. We know their friends and family – and we love them. They know our friends and family – and love them. So this party was, in my opinion, what I imagine heaven will feel like.

People kept streaming through the door that we ALL LOVE!

Me loves, you loves, you loves, me loves  – it was, quite simply, a love fest!

Now, onto the wardrobe. Recall if you will the many trips to the mall that were taken to find the bride’s wedding colors.

Many friends have asked me how it all turned out. I even got an email that weekend from someone asking me, “SO?! What did you wear?”

Here’s how it all came together. Upon arrival all the Kelly sisters (minus Allison – boo, hoo!) congregated in my parents bedroom and we put all our clothes in a pile and started to figure out who would wear what. It was a little nuts, but I hope you will agree that the results were pretty awesome!

Kelly Sisters minus beloved in-laws

Card Sisters (minus Hailey – boo-hoo! – who is currently serving a mission)

All sisters join to pay homage to the bride. (A bride worthy of such homage, I might add.)

More Kelly sisters

Card Family

Kelly Family (minus Ben and Ian and Allison, who hadn’t arrived)

Bride and Groom with their parents

So, we did the best we could with these family pictures despite the fact that a small portion of the Kelly family weren’t even off the airplane when they were taken. And Jan doesn’t relish taking pictures with a nasty old flash (flash we are grateful for you but we prefer Mr. Golden Sun) but as ever,  Jan was a good sport.

And speaking of good, may I say that

good times were had.

I assure you!

Have a peek:

Happy mother-in-law, Khaliel with arms around beloved daughter-in-law, Allison

Linds’ labor of love, or “the wedding cake”

Classic Bette and Tess!

The Presidency of the Kenneth Branagh Appreciation society reunited after 15 years

The Freedmans (whom I heart)! Who doesn’t!?!

Rose and Liz enjoy the company.

Cake maker in all her glory! Piping on the finishing touches.

Cam and John

Baby Betta

Cutie-pies Sara & Michael

Aunt Gerry & Uncle Kent

Brynn Bethany Zimmer

There are more photos capturing the happiness felt on this wonderful night – but there is yet more to tell so I am off to write the next post.

STAY TUNED

for more of

Chas & Sam’s wonderful wedding weekend!

Still to come –

the family lunch

and actual wedding,

we didn’t just party – they actually tied the knot!