Jenny's Wedding

I have spent the last three days reveling in the precious memories of my sister's wedding. Oh, friends, it was everything we wanted it to be and so much more!

It was hard for me to pick just a few pictures to post, but I whittled it down to some of my favorites. Bear with me while I let the pictures speak for themselves.

Seesters.

Mommy and her cowboys, waiting for the wedding to start.

Goliath and Little Middle walked Nana down the aisle; Baby was the ring bearer.
I could not have been prouder (or more thankful...whew!)
of the way they took their "jobs" so seriously.

Jenny's cake--amaretto cake with raspberry filling.

Howie's UT Tower cake--chocolate with peanut butter filling.
He's kind of quirky.

The design of Jenny's bouquet included rings belonging to all four of our grandparents
as a tribute to them and in recognition of their long-lasting marriages.

Here I am with my grandfather Buck...

Grandmama...

and Gran. I LOVE them!

My Brother and his Other--looking mighty fine!

Caroline, me, and Rachel--my besties!

Dancing with my love.

Mom and Dad dancing the Cha Cha Slide. YES!!!

I shared a number of dances with these handsome guys, including "Shout" and "Smile."
When they weren't dancing with me, they were dancing with each other!

All that partying wore Goliath out!
He found the perfect napping spot under a table.

Great wedding...tired boy.

The wedding ceremony itself was absolutely beautiful. It was extremely meaningful, much more so than the average "'til death do us part" service. My brother and I were honored to be included in the program. Phil read this Scripture that Howie and Jenny picked out:

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15

When he was done, I offered some Words of Hope that came straight from my heart. I will share with you what I said at the wedding, because it is the best way to sum up what I feel about my sister and her new husband:

Jenny and Howie, you only have to look around this room to see the evidence that you have touched lives and are well-loved. My heart is full of joy and hope tonight, and I know I am not alone in wanting to share it with you.

I hope that you will strive every day to put each other first. I hope that compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience take root and grow deep in your marriage, so that you are able to honor and cherish each other every day of your lives.

I hope that you will make it a point to have fun together and seek out joy in all the little details of your lives. I wish for your home to be filled with tremendous laughter and happiness, and that you will take time to simply enjoy being together.

I hope that you, Howie, will be the strong leader in your household that God made you to be. I hope that you will seek Him diligently by studying His Word, and that you will faithfully pray for and with Jenny. I hope that you will be tender with her, always remembering that she is the greatest treasure that God has given you.

I hope that you, Jenny, will be the loving, caring wife that God made you to be. I hope that you will encourage and support Howie in all that he does, and that you will faithfully pray for and with him. I hope that you will bring as much joy and delight into your new home as you have always brought to ours.

I hope that the difficult times you face--and you will face them--will make you stronger. I hope that as you weather the storms of life together, that you will hold fast to the promises that you will make here today, and that you will come to realize the sweetness that “for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do we part” can really be.

I wish you a lifetime filled with grand adventures, unwavering love, unshakable faith, and boundless joy. You are both so very loved.

Confidential to Jenny: I could barely contain my joy on Saturday night! What an amazingly magical wedding it was--everything we have talked and dreamed about for all these months. Thank you for asking me to stand with you on your day. It was my absolute privilege to be beside you as you committed your life and your love to Howie. I am so very proud of the lovely woman you have become, both inside and out. You deserve every happiness, and I will continue to pray that God would grant you favor as you open this new chapter of your life. I love you!