My Sister-Bride and a new Brother

 

we traveled to california last weekend

to witness the marriage covenant

between my sister emma and her beloved.

it is a privilege to look on as the first blush of love

steps into for-always.

oh my sister and brother...

it only gets sweeter.

i had the delight of being her shadow for two days

as she decorated

shopped for flowers

held my baby

painted my girlie's fingers and toes

and

took me to lunch on her wedding day.

over coffee and tea we talked and talked and talked without looking at a watch 

until we couldn't avoid being irresponsible any longer.

i got to wrap her bouquet in ribbon.

my eager children insist that she open their gifts... 

now.  before the ceremony.

i was present.  taking in all the moments.

i looked on as she peeked out the window 

watching guests arrive

and heard her squeal 

as she spied her man milling impatiently.

it was a sweet wedding.

the bride was innocent and lovely

the groom could hardly stand still!

outdoors on the lawn of our family home

some sat on chairs

some stood

a few perched on hay bales or reclined on quilts.

 

the flowers she held were from farmers market

her hair piece fashioned by a cousin.

they stood with no shoes

and in a symbolic act of servant hood

later washed each others feet.

it was not a show.

it was real

 and tiny nieces running away from their daddies 

didn't detract from solemn joy of the moment.

my other lovely sisters stood as honored witnesses

darling sister-in-love hannah and i chose to witness 

while sitting with our husbands amongst our combined indian tribe.

they were still though

and didn't need quieting.

my manly brothers.

.

and so the party commenced

and for-always was well on it's way!

my flower girls:

grampa and his signature baby hold.

aloria and her signature cuteness.

the only picture i got of we two - 

my beloved sister-bride and me.

and then

in a flash

they were off.

just like that.

i wish you well my precious brother and sis!

...and love you so.

************************************************

So now you know why I have been absent.

There was 42 hours of driving for being there 2 days.

Then there has been the let-down physically and emotionally as I've been

debriefing this week.

There were so many precious moments.

Emma was the most relaxed bride I've ever seen and had truly

accomplished the goal of planning beyond her wedding

as she looked towards a life together with Shane.

I was truly honored to be by her side as she gracefully flitted from one task

to the next in the hours prior.

Amazingly, she did make time to sit with my girls.

And having lunch with her is a memory I'll always cherish.

I look forward to knowing this couple in the years to come.

 It was a lovely weekend.

***