(That's Bret & Erika, not breaking and entering)
August 16th, 2012
I have put off writing about this day because I cannot form an adequate sentence to describe the beautiful experience that it was. Even if I included all 904 pictures the blessing and emotions of the day would not come through. And, how am I supposed to select only a few pictures to include in the family album?
Watching my daughter marry someone that is so good to her and for her and who brings out the very best in her was most definitely one of the top highlights of my life. Witnessing their marriage in the temple was a magical moment as they, through covenants made to each other and to God, became their own eternal family unit. I have never seen Erika so calm or peaceful (no bouncing leg, twiddling fingers, playing with hair or fidgeting).
Erika went to Utah a couple of days early to meet up with Bret and his family. They had to get a Utah marriage license and also wanted to meet up with Mike and Kate to have some pictures taken while the temple grounds were a little (or a lot) less crowded. Poor Bret had been driving all day long from Colorado and then had to put on a suit and look awake for pictures.
Thanks, Mike and Kate!
Erika stayed with Mike and Kate for the couple of days leading up to the wedding. Kate worked her girly magic on Erika's thin straight hair not only once but twice! It took hours on her feet which couldn't have been very good for her swollen feet, puffy hands, bulging belly-button hernia or her eight-month-pregnant body. She paid a big price to spoil her niece on her big day.
I chose this picture knowing that Kate is a bit sensitive about pregnant pictures (the rest of us think she is one of the most adorable pregnant women ever!) and because I love Erika's expression....."I'm getting married today!!!!" We heard that several times that morning.
While the women worried about hair and clothes and the actual time, the boys were good to entertain themselves. No stress on their part. Put on their "church" clothes and get in the car. Easy peasy.
It was a really good thing they had their individual time for pictures a couple of days earlier because the day of the wedding was beyond crowded and crazy though all of it was a joyful crazy. When they chose to be married on a Thursday we thought it would be less crowded than say, a Friday or Saturday. Evidently, it doesn't matter what day of the week it is at the Salt Lake Temple. They had over 100 weddings scheduled for Bret and Erika's special day (it was exactly nine months from their official first date).
We did have a few minutes for some family shots but not a whole lot of time to pose or chat while having pictures taken.
After a few group shots and before we were shuffled off the stairs for the next group, Michelle was able to catch a few candid shots. One of my favorites is of LeRoy and Erika.
He has given her a goodnight on the forehead since she was a baby, clear up until the last night that she lived at home. As he gave her this kiss he was completely choked up with emotion. The last month had been hard on him emotionally even though he was excited for her and completely approves Bret. After all, she is his little girl.
As we were looking through pictures a few days later, the one of Levi and Erika seemed to capture the highlight of my day. It was wonderful to be in the temple with Bret & Erika. I don't want to take anything away from that experience. But, that joy was multiplied as we met up outside with all of our kids . . . our eternal family.
We weren't sure if Levi was going to come to the temple or to Colorado for the reception with us but when Erika personally invited him he decided to come to all of it. When I saw them hugging and laughing like best friends, I couldn't hold my tears back any longer. What a beautiful moment to see my children love each other and cheer for each other and support each other.
Most of the group headed to the park where we were going to have a picnic while Michelle, Bret and Erika stayed a little longer to get some pictures. Kara stayed behind as moral support for the mother of the bride. (Really? I'm the mother of the bride?) I stayed to pack the camera bag for Michelle and to help Erika change out of her dress once pictures were done. Grandma & Grandpa Fullmer were our designated drivers . . . I was to drunk on happiness to drive in Utah.
It was pretty obvious when they were ready to be done with pictures
Then it was time for a picnic.
Bret's parents had Cafe Rio catered for us at the park. The food was great, the company was the best! We already knew that we liked Bret's family but after having some playtime together it was like we had known each other for years.
Cory had his skateboards with him and was so patient to teach Nathan and Hyrum. They followed him around the entire time we were at the park. Megan and Katie stayed close by to offer hugs when they scraped their knees and fingers. When it was time to leave the boys didn't want to come with us. They wanted to go with Cory, Megan and Katie.
After our early dinner we all went our different ways with plans to meet up in Colorado the next day.
We headed over to Kellie's to play in the pool for a while. The boys had a great time!
Nathan finally got up the courage to put his face in the water and was even able to stay underwater for a record 8 seconds. Not bad at all for a boy who is afraid to have water even splashed in his face in the tub.
Hyrum loved jumping in the water to Kellie. He isn't afraid of water at all and actually had to be rescued as he bobbed up and down in the water, not realizing that he had gone deeper than he should have.
Derek and Justin had fun goofing off with their cousins (sliding off the sides into the water like a walrus) and took turns watching out for the younger kids.
By the time we got to Mike and Kate's for the night we were completely worn out!
It was perfect day!
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