A Witness to I Do

This past weekend, Bob and I got to watch as our dear friend Bryce married the woman he has been waiting a long time for, sweet and beautiful Rachel.

I met Bryce almost 11 years ago when I was dating Bobby.  Bob grew up with this family!  They are most known for their volleyball playing and trouble causing antics.  I didn't know Bob without knowing the Hickerson's in short order.  The first thing I remember learning about Bryce, his brother Ryan and his sister Kimmy is that they are tall.  And yes, taller than Bob.  I was dwarfed almost instantly!  The most precious thing though, is that the day I met them I instantly got hugs and became a best friend too.  I just love the Hickersons!

Well, within the year of meeting them Ryan got married, and then Bob and I.  Bob stood with Ryan at his wedding along side Bryce and both brothers stood at our wedding, side by side.  That was nearly 9 years ago.

Bryce took his time, and let me tell you, he lived.  Travelling, playing volleyball internationally, moving to Nebraska, and just enjoying that precious time of the single life.  He is a GOOD guy, and all of us have been praying for the right girl.  We all knew she would have to be special and boy is she!

I met Rachel over Christmas and simply fell in love with her.  Such a sweet heart, such a tender spirit, and an exquisite God-fearing woman, Bryce's perfect counterpart.

Time doesn't change true friendship and Bob was asked to stand up with Bryce on his special of days.  Even 7 months pregnant we wouldn't have missed it for the world!  To have the guys together again after more than 6 years of separation was simply special.

Plus a chance to have a brief, yet enjoyable, toddler free babymoon was delightful!

I was sure that Lincoln Nebraska was going to be at least Springy, but sadly it was windy and chilly.

 

I think the only time that the sun actually came out was during the wedding ceremony.  Thank you Lord!   We had a great time at the rehearsal and dinner, however, and I simply loved catching each and every moment especially this one of a sweet stolen kiss.  These two are simply adorable!

Bob was all smiles when he realized that he was paired up with Kimmy Hickerson.  I know that Bob has always looked at her like a little sister and it was sweet to watch him walk with her.

Once we all rehearsed and found ourselves numb from the cold we headed over to dinner which was simply scrumptious.  Let me just say, I LOVE all things wedding food!  Especially now!

The next day was the big wedding day and we could not have asked for a better setting.

Sure, it was windy, but the island, sunshine and bubbling joy made the day extra special.  I ended up having the very high pressure job of holding onto the "unity" sand that they would pour together.

Wind and sand are not a good mix and we could just see the little open jars tipping over and sanding the entire audience.  That's one way to become unified.  No sand was spilled though and it worked perfectly!

Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Hickerson were pronounced and we all headed inside the amazing Wilderness Lodge for some party!

There is something about that first husband/wife dance that just makes everyone smile and swoon.  I love these two.  They just look so happy!

We may not be newlyweds anymore, but now these similar moments are even more precious.  Living life with the one you love has a way of drawing you even closer.  With baby Evie rocking away inside of me I found my dance with my hubby to be even more special.

We were able to catch up with so many people that we haven't seen for a while and it was great to eat, sit, dance and eat again well into the evening.  On top of cupcakes, they even had a s'mores bar.  YUMMY.  Baby Evie was doing jumping jacks by the time the night wore down.

I unfortunately, crashed before the newlyweds headed off to their bliss, so my wonderful hubby took me home and put me to bed.  The wedding was absolutely wonderful, but do you know what was the best part of the weekend?

I slept till 9 the next morning.  AHHHHHH wonderful!