Wedding Weekend... a Month Later!

Our wedding weekend was a huge blessing for Joel and I and our kids!

There were a few struggles with sickness, bridesmaid dresses, teeth falling out... but all in all it was a wonderful time and we're both grateful for the turnout from our families!

There are a lot of pictures in this post, but I figured it was best to do it all at once... enjoy!

SATURDAY MORNING PHOTOS:

Zulema did Jenna and I's hair while Tif did Candi's, Chel's and her own!

"Daddy" had to hold his squirmy little daughter so she would actually sit straight! :)
While waiting for the rest of his suit, Diego listened to Grandpa Joe read... this pic cracks me up, because they're giving one another such funny looks!

Marcos watches Grandma Mildred iron his dress shirt (one of the first times he's ever seen that, that's for sure!)... thanks, Grandma! I'm thankful you, Mom, and Jeanne were on top of the ironing that weekend!

At the old train station, waiting for pics... my handsome husband and our (pretending-to-be) shy daughter. :)

It was... a little difficult keeping the kids clean! Thankfully, though, Mom and Tif attacked the boys' suits and our dresses with Oxi-Clean when we got back from the shoot!

Chel and Dad in a nice photo moment!

Lots of stories were told this weekend... imagine that! ;)

I am so thankful that Andrew was able to come down and help Ryan out with the photo shoot... I think the best memory was when we were late for the breakfast brunch and Drew just kept giving off the time in an announcer's voice... more and more frequently the later and later it got! :)

We had some "non-smiley" kidlets -- specifically Candi -- so Amy, bless her heart, decided to provide a little bit of entertainment by zooming Angel (Zulema's boy) around like an airplane! It was amazing... thanks, Ames!

Tif and Chel with their three nephews and niece!

THE REHEARSAL DINNER AT CAFE SED:

When I was originally thinking of the rehearsal supper, I was thinking soft lights, candles, nice dinnerware, etc. And then I woke up and realized that we have four kids and I am NOT a formal dinner type of person... ;)

Jarrin had offered her services for decorating (praise the Lord!), and so when I suggested a picnic-style rehearsal dinner, she was all over it! And it turned out super-relaxed, fun, and beautiful! Excellent job, Jarrin!!!

Above, our picnic baskets that we picked up before we ate dinner...

People mingling before the games started...

With so many nieces and nephews (not to mention our own kidlets), we had to have some games! Bobbing for apples was quite appealing for a summer wedding... :)

Jaxson taking a big bite of his catch!!!

There were sack races... Dad, would this be considered cheating??? Maybe not, but the attempt to knock everyone over might have been... ;)

Cheering the sack-racers on!

Mama Bahr and Mama Rink... calmly observing the antics of their families!

Duane made the pulled pork for our rehearsul dinner and made Joel & I two special pieces to symbolize Genesis 2:18-25... ribs! Thanks, Duane... the meat was incredible!

Joel with his new sisters-in-law!

SUNDAY MORNING... SHOW-TIME:

Dad came out before church with his overalls and jacket on... I, personally, would have been okay with his attire for the wedding... ;)

The beautiful cake that Aunt Paula and Fede decorated... it was pretty tasty, too! Thanks to both of you for all the hard work to put it together... :)

The kids from my English class sang "Above All" during the church reception, accompanied by Pau on the guitar. It was neat, especially since they sang in both Spanish and English!

(l-r) Isaac, Jazany, Ramses, Marcos, Yaneli and Pau

Speaking of English and Spanish... the wedding service was in both languages and our "getaway vehicle" was beautifully decorated with a Spanglish sign: "Just Casado"

Perfect!!! :)

Making all the little girls giggle... ;)

Amy had a picture of me doing laundry in my wedding dress, so I feel led to add a pic of my husband cleaning in his wedding clothes, too! ;)

It was truly a blessed time, and once again... thank you to everyone who could come! There were several friends and family who didn't make it into these pictures (thanks Mom and AP for your photos!), but we are so appreciative of your presence... thank you all for making this weekend special!

Thanks for your prayers... we head back to the States next Thursday for our receptions in Indiana and Kansas, and a work team gets down here today. Please pray for continued guidance and wisdom to walk worthy of the calling of our Lord Jesus Christ and to do all we do because of HIM. Gracias!