Happily Ever After(without spending $10,000)

Today was Grandma Z and Lyle's Wedding, and what a nice wedding it was. This has been the second wedding in a year for the Zajac family, and both have been lovely. Today took place at Bob's brother's house in Maple Grove~an intimate gathering of only the bride and groom's children(and families), and brothers and sisters. It probably amounted to about 40 people, and the small size just somehow made the wedding "ceremony" seem more meaningful instead of making it such a show.

The house was beautiful, and the sunshine made a perfect backdrop for the special day. Bob spent hours setting up just the perfect special lighting on the main floor, and a complete dance club in the basement with sets and sets of choreographed lights(and special music CD's he had made throughout the week) and new sound activated light tubes which were super cool. Fragrant pink tulips and roses were spread throughout the home, a chocolate fountain sat in the corner on a table adorned with rose petals, and a private chef took control of the kitchen, quietly making a gourmet meal before our very eyes. The bride looked lovely in cream, while her groom looked handsomely dressed. Pastor Dave turned what we all thought would be only a 10 minute exchange of vows into a complete moving, and beautiful wedding ceremony. It all seemed to come together so perfectly. I don't think it could have been any better.

Laura spent her day freaking out over a tiny toy poodle that was only 1/4 the size of Thomas. I wonder where half of our kids got their innate fear of animals. They have never had a bad experience with one, but they are scared to death. Melissa set up all of the champagne glasses, and danced the night away. Crispy enjoyed sampling the decadent buttercream cakes in 3 separate flavors. Thomas enjoyed all the special attention given to him by cousin(in-law?step-cousin?who knows the appropriate term) Carly. Jonny took on role of videographer, I think I turned into photographer, and Bob was the silent DJ. Michael and Alex jumped in and helped where needed. It was truly a family affair and a great party. It really makes me rethink my view on the perfect wedding, and even how I will be imagining this special day in the future for my own kids.