Jess and Royce's Backyard Wedding on August 11, 2018!!

Jess and Royce wanted to get married in their backyard surrounded by their family and friends--a down-home wedding with no fanfare. When Dave and I arrived at 7:00 PM, the picnic was in full swing.

They had a main tent and a side canopy for the wedding gifts.

That tent was well-staked. No chance of any wind blowing it away! 

This bright red barn and side shed is where the food and drinks were laid out for everyone to fill their plates! 

A quick photo with the bride and groom before the wedding before they changed clothes for the ceremony. 

Everyone gathered under the main tent for the ceremony. 

Their kids and best man and maid of honor, Royce and I got into place in one corner facing the guests sitting at their tables.

Royce's son, Nathan, on guitar and niece Dominique on cello played Leonard Cohen's moving version of Hallelujah as the bride and her dad processed in from the house.

And here they are! 

I asked the question and Tim answered and took his seat. 

Royce and Jess turned to face each other and the ceremony began. Jess's dress was perfect for the wedding! We welcomed everyone and had a prayer and a tribute to their parents. Then special words for each of their children: Kyrstin and Nathan, Julia and Christopher. 

I pronounced them married after a few words on marriage, revealed what they each love about each other, they exchanged vows and rings and a closing blessing.

Their first kiss as husband and wife! 

Reality sinking in!

I presented them to their guests who were cheering them on. 

Everyone was so happy to see Jess and Royce married! 

We got a quick photo out in the field. You can see the threatening rain clouds as a few drops fell. 

Royce and Jess, congratulations! What a fun wedding. I hope it exceeded all your dreams of your wedding day. Thank you for choosing me to join you in marriage. I wish you all the best forever!