My dear friend Beth, a west coast girl, got herself hitched to a genuine New Yorker last weekend. Much to my delight, Mo was asked to be a flower girl! She did a great job. Papa Paul added the flowers to her hair.

The wedding went off without a hitch. Everyone was beautiful and everything was meaningful. As I helped with various parts over the last several months, she kept explaining that instead of colors she wanted a theme, family.

I have to say (contrary to how it may look from our grumpy family photo above), she absolutely succeeded. Every person there felt welcomed and loved. Like they were home.

What a beautiful way to start a married life together, inviting your closest friends and family into a circle of home-ness.

During toasts there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. During the dancing, there was a smile on every face.

That’s testimony enough.

Jeff, I can’t wait to get to know you better. You sure found a fantastic woman.

Beth, I love you. That is all.

…

Some extras, because, as you know, I hate narrowing down photos. Photo credit goes to Mom and Dad on many of these fantastic shots!

And, can I just say, one my most favorite things about weddings is the reunion atmosphere. Some friends I hadn’t seen since college, others had babies I met for the first time. Definitely a wonderful, blessed time.