I had to start this blog post with a picture of one of Kaitlin's bridesmaids collecting rain during the reception. While everyone was eating, I walked outside to see how hard it was raining. Anyone in the Southeast (and maybe elsewhere?!) knows this summer has been the rainiest ever. Comments about living in Seattle or London are made everyday and we've almost become accustomed to at least an hour or so of daily rain. But what I had never heard of was collecting rain from your wedding day to save for your children's baptisms. I just LOVE this. I have heard rain is a sign of blessing on wedding days (tell that to a drenched bride!) but had never heard of saving some rain water. I kept thinking about how significant that would be to have water saved from your wedding day, mostly because I am a hugely sentimental. Many Christian traditions baptize their babies (as we did) while others wait for the child to choose, but either way using this water for baptism is a beautiful picture of the rain that fell on your parents as they committed to each other now becoming the rain that symbolizes your forgiveness and being a child of God. This water is a picture of blessings and redemptive relationships, and I can't get enough of that. And how fitting for such a couple like Andrew and Kaitlin who I know others would easily describe as a couple that blesses, or waters, people around them.
After Kaitlin was all ready, her dad walked in to see her for the first time. I can't tell you how many pictures I have of this that are really the sweetest thing ever. Those interactions get me every time! Kaitlin and Andrew chose to do a "first look" and see each other before the ceremony, and decided they would meet at the garden and pond on UGA's campus where so much of their dating relationship was spent. I love how they chose a significant place to see each other!
Andrew + Kaitlin's wedding ceremony was set up outside the Thompson House, a beautiful venue right outside of Athens, but the rain changed the plans. So the ceremony took place indoors and was still beautiful. The reception followed and was such a blast for so many reasons (including the best "best man" speech I have ever heard:). They also did the shoe game where the DJ asks questions like, "Who drives better- Kaitlin or Andrew?" and they answer by lifting up either the bride or groom's shoe. Kaitlin and Andrew answered the same on every question except, "Who wears the pants in the family?" and they each said the other person!
I LOVE wedding receptions. Nothing energizes me more than music and seeing people move all crazy like. Since my camera does have video capabilities (that I am so not professional at), I decided recently to start recording some of the best dances during the reception. This is my first time including it on the blog so hopefully you can appreciate what a fun group this was:) Please excuse my amateur videography efforts, too...
Andrew and Kaitlin- you guys are just awesome. So glad that I got to know Kaitlin years back and got to see what a great pair God put together. I think your marriage will be one of the best and I'm excited to see where you two go together. And, to quote your best man, "for little Kaitlin and Andrews!!" :)
