The Little Wedding that Grew and Grew!

One of the soldiers that works with Ariel told him about his wedding earlier this year in my wedding garden. So, Ariel called me to find out if he and his sweetheart, Meka, could have their wedding here on July 4, 2009. I was available and delighted to have their wedding here. But, as time went on, the number of wedding guests grew and grew to between 60 and 70! Since I can only accommodate a maximum of about 20 guests in my garden, they decided to have their wedding in their lovely home in Willow Spring. They have quite a large backyard so they arranged for a large tent and a couple of industrial fans to keep their guests cool!

Here is the beautiful Meka being proudly escorted by her brother from the house to the altar under the tent where the rest of the wedding party and I were awaiting her grand entrance.

Ariel and his groomsmen were so handsome in their dark suits, boutonnieres and color-coordinated ties. I could tell they had rehearsed the day before because they knew exactly what to do! We had a family unity sand ceremony to include the couple's three children, two of whom were their attendants (see them in the turquoise dresses in the photo above). The baby was wheeled in by one of his sisters in a wagon covered with tulle. I know that he did not grasp the momentousness of this wonderful occasion but I am pretty sure his adoring sisters will tell him as soon as he is old enough to hear the story of this wedding!

We were all grateful that the predicted high for the day never really got up there, but we did not plan on being bombarded by those little gnats that seemed to adore us! I think they must have been attracted by the pretty flowers adorning the arbor. Some of the photos I had (and deleted) were of the groom and me occasionally swatting at them and we looked like we were having a fight! I was just trying not to inhale one of the little critters as I was speaking!

Meka and Ariel were glowing as they walked down the aisle as husband and wife, at last! Many congratulations to you both and your sweet family!

Wedding photographer for their big day was Kathryn Eitutis of Photography by Kathryn. Thanks, Kathryn! (The photos on this post are taken with my simple digital camera and do not reflect the professional quality that Kathryn's will have.)

I also want to thank the couple's friend, Liz, who coordinated all the music during the ceremony! Good job, Liz.