A+C The I DOs

Continuing my recap and photo sharing from the wedding of Adam and Courtney, today's post is about the ceremony.

The I DOs.

Adam and Courtney wanted to get married at Purdue, where their love story began, so they needed to find a church that would allow non-members to be married there, and would also allow an outside officiant to perform the ceremony. They decided on Trinity United Methodist Church, which met all their criteria, and was beautiful to boot. It is the oldest church in Tippecanoe County, and was a lovely setting for the exchanging of vows.

Adam seated the grandmothers and the mothers, which was a special way to start the ceremony.

Adam seating Courtney's mom.

The bridesmaids' dresses were available in slightly different styles, which allowed each bridesmaid to select the style that worked best for her. Here is David's wife, Shylah.

 Andrew's wife, Darci.

This is Courtney's friend and college roommate, Megan. Notice Jennifer waiting in the doorway.

Jennifer was supposed to go before Megan, but she was downstairs nursing her 12 day old baby! No one panicked, and Megan just went on and they discreetly switched places after Jennifer got to the alter. Bless Jennifer's heart, she was a trooper throughout the whole day, dealing with fussing (baby Piper's), tears (hers), and all the emotions that go with watching your baby brother get married when you are 12 days postpartum. I know she was honored to be a part of the wedding party, and to stand up with Adam and Courtney.

 Courtney's sister, Britney.

 Courtney's best friend and maid of honor, Chellsey.

And here come the cutest little flower girls, our granddaughters Haleigh and Ella.

Followed by grandsons Matthew and Noah, looking quite dapper. Matthew liked to refer to himself as 'corraller of children' instead of ring bearer. He did a great job walking 18-month-old Noah safely down the aisle. So cute.

Here comes the bride!

I love the smile on Adam's face as he waits for Courtney to join him at the alter.

Courtney and her dad.

Such a beautiful church!

Our good friend, Reverend Jamalyn Peigh Williamson, performed the ceremony. She was the associate pastor at our church in Greensburg several years ago, and we have remained close friends ever since. I have made several trips to Haiti with her, which pretty much makes us family. She has been the officiant at the weddings of three of our children. They even have the t-shirts. True story.

Jamalyn's homily was personal, humorous, and meaningful. Even 11-year-old Matthew made a point to find her at the reception to tell her she did a good job. :)
I love this photo of Adam's 3 brothers listening.

Little Haleigh stood sweetly beside her mama.

One thing I have been told by several people who know either the bride or the groom is how they bring out the best in one another. I have heard it from members of Courtney's family, and I have heard it from our family. And isn't that what marriage is all about? Two great individuals who are even better together.

I pray that they will always remember the happiness of the day, the love they share, and the strength in the union of two lives in a marriage. May God bless you, and may you continue to bring out the best, to be the best, and to see the best in one another.

Remember to pray, laugh, love, forgive, laugh some more, forgive again, and keep praying.

You may now kiss the bride. (I love David in this photo.)

Mr. and Mrs. Adam and Courtney Stewart!

A pom pom exit cheering them on as they walk side by side into their future. Amen!

Photos by LinneaLiz Photography.