I hope you enjoy the story and the pictures!

I got into Houston about  a week and a half before the big day, and Kristin and I turned right around to head up to Dallas for the weekend. We stayed at their apartment. Poor Josh was banished to the blowup mattress in the guest room. I guess that will be my bed the next time I visit them ;-) We had a great time just hanging out, then the rest of the family and the Voice of Grace ensemble came up Saturday night. Sunday morning the ensemble sang at the two services at Josh’s church.

The week of the wedding started off amazingly normal. Monday I took the kids to their writing class, then ate at Chick-fil-a with Kathryn (first of many visits to that restaurant this trip! We are rather addicted.) Tuesday I took over the meal planning and preparation, so most of the day was spent at the grocery and in the kitchen. It’s amazing how quickly food preparation skills for a large family kick back in. I’ve been on a single person’s diet for so long (i.e. cereal) that it was a treat to fix real food for the family.

Wednesday night was a special night. We had all the bridesmaids (except Sarah, Josh’s sister, who was sick) over to our house for a nice dinner. I wanted it to be a special night for Kristin, and give everyone the opportunity to show her how much we love her. :) Everyone gave her a special personal gift and made her cry. Then we watched movies and talked and ate and just had a blast!

The guys had a bachelor party the same night, playing basketball and eating at CiCis. Such a guy thing. :)

Kristin was pretty busy the whole week before, wrapping everything up. She did an incredible job planning the wedding. Every detail turned out so beautifully, speaking of the countless hours she poured into it. And not only was she planning a wedding, but she was packing for a trip of a lifetime, and moving out of town.  Any one of those things would be enough, but she pulled off all three. Josh and Mom were huge helps in the process, but I was so proud of Kristin for managing everything so well.

Friday morning I took Kathryn and Matthew down to the church with me, and we were amazed at all the work so many volunteers were doing. There were probably 50 people there throughout the day getting ready for the rehearsal dinner and wedding. It was humbling and a blessing at the same time.

Rehearsal dinner was outstanding! Paula Wychopen outdid herself. The decor, the flowers, the food (compliments of Larry Stephens), the program–wow, wow, wow.  Amazing.

When I walked into the sanctuary for the rehearsal, I was blown away by the  gorgeous stage and the music from the practicing choir and orchestra. It was breathtaking. Overwhelming. Real. I had to have a little cry. Wow–this is really happening, and it is so beautiful!