When I boarded the plane I had on a t-shirt that I made that said "Katie & Cole: The Wedding." I also had a scarf on to cover up the writing until I saw Katie. As I was heading out of the airport in Indiana and walking towards Katie and her sister Lindie, I noticed they had on the same shirt. I then realized they had made "Katie & Cole: The Wedding" shirts also and had them on. Quickly I broke into a massive grin, pulled off my scarf to reveal my shirt, and then the giggling, screaming, laughing, and jumping up and down commenced. The party was on!!! My dad called me about twenty minutes later to make sure I made all might flights and I told him I forgot to call because the party started as soon as I hit the ground. In fact the whole weekend was a party and there happened to be a ceremony thrown in the mix.
Thursday was a great relaxing day of getting to catch up with Katie and her family. I absolutely love her family! I hadn't seen her dad and step-mom in over seven years, so that was great. We all relaxed and hung out and caught up on life. Katie seemed to be relaxed and on top of every detail.
Friday we kicked off the day with coffee and donuts. Katie and I then headed out to get her nails done and pick up another bride's maid at the airport. There wasn't as much laughing and yelling this time, but still great. From there we headed down to the campus where the wedding was to be. And from there it was a flood of people, hugs, laughs, food, and fun. All day Friday people were filling into the hotel on campus where all the festivities were held. There are so many amazing people in Katie and Cole's lives. It was amazing to meet so many fabulous people from all over the country who came to make this weekend as special as possible for the two. (I did manage an hour to sneak away and walk around campus with one of the other bride's maids. Indiana University is the prettiest university I've ever seen. It was gorgeous. And the conversation as we walked was awesome!)
Of course Friday brought the rehearsal, the rehearsal dinner, and then a bowling meet and greet. All we just fun. Katie had every detail down completely and so she was able to relax and enjoy herself. I think the entire bridal party also made this wedding so great. Everyone was nice and friendly and inclusive. I feel like I have known them all for forever when in fact I meet many of them this weekend. They were great.
And for the big day...... All the girls started the morning off with a great breakfast at a cute cafe uptown. We walked from the hotel and enjoyed the time together. From there the hair and make up and getting readiness began. Then came the hour tour around campus for pictures (after we were all dressed) and of course there was a ceremony. A beautiful ceremony that made me cry the entire time. You could see their love for each other, their love for Christ, and the commitment to Him and to each other. I think I teared up the most when they took communion together. It was beautiful. The weather was perfect, the string trio was harmonious, she looked gorgeous, and there were tears all around!
The wrap up the evening was the amazing reception. It was a sit down dinner filled with great food, fun music, a slide show, toasts, dancing, and just all together a celebration. It was phenomenal! The most encompassing and joyful wedding I've been too. Just who Katie and Cole are and their love for each other and all the amazing people who came to love on and celebrate with them made it a magical weekend.
Sadly Sunday morning (as in 3:00 in the morning) meant I had to leave all the amazing folks and head back to Louisiana. Oh the lack of sleep and planes and so on, but it was well worth it. And when I unpacked last night I even found a stow away box of fruit leathers in my luggage that the bride had stowed especially for me! Katie and Cole I'm so happy for you guys and so delighted that I could share in this time with you!!!! Until then ......
Sorry this is the longest post ever.... here are just a few pics for now to make up for all the words above!
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