Photo time

At my wedding, I remember my mouth being so sore from smiling for photos that I thought I couldn't smile one more time. Thankfully, that doesn't happen as mother of the groom since you only have to smile for a small amount of photos instead of all of them.

Victor just wanted to tell them

how much he loves them.

Victor likes to take wedding photos, too. Any photos, really. Gives new meaning to the phrase "point and shoot". That's Jesse, if you can't tell. And Victor's new buddy, Nathan.

Of course these photos were taken around the photographer's arms. I wanted my pictures but didn't want to be in the way so did my best to just shoot behind and beside and then get out of the way. At our wedding we warned the photographer that there would be a lot of amateur photographers wanting pictures. He was fine with it, told everyone the plan from the get-go (I'll set up the photo, get my shot, then I'll move away for everyone else), and then laughed because we weren't joking when we said there'd be a lot of photographers! But my favorite wedding album has always been the album of candids. But enough about me...

We have the male contingency (and not just parts of them this time):

And then this guy, cause he's cute. Sometimes.

And Big Brother, Little Brother, and New Nephew...

Bride's family...

Groom's Grandparents...

And Bride's Grandmother...

Bauman representation (thanks, Uncle Chad)...

King representation (3 of 6 siblings isn't too bad considering the distance and time of year)...

Sometimes you just need to take a break to wrestle the shoes back on the kid. How many people does it take for this task? ...

The original three King Kids...

And their significant others...

And most of the King kids. It's difficult to know that when one chooses to be a prodigal, it impacts family photos forever. But like the loving Father, we wait with open arms, and pray that the next wedding will include all of us. Or as long as it takes.

This. This is my favorite photo progression ever. Keep your eye on Ana's arm.

So proud to be his parents, and her in-laws...

He couldn't resist. We just aren't the formal, pose-for-lots-of-pictures type.

Love you guys, and can't wait to see how God is going to work through you as individuals and as a couple, to further His Kingdom!

Wedding time!

The big moment finally arrived. It was hot. But about 8 degrees cooler than my wedding, so you won't hear me complaining. And no rain! Woo hoo!

Unfortunately, not too many photos from the ceremony itself since it was an unplugged wedding. As mother-of-the-wildcard-ringbearer, I probably wouldn't have taken many photos, anyway. I was preoccupied.

Okay, and just a little misty-eyed.

One of the ring bearers did exactly as told. The other ring bearer picked his nose. But only halfway down the aisle. He ate his treasures the other half of the way. And then when everyone laughed, he yelled, "Stop it, Mom!"

What are you going to do?

Whose child is that, anyway?

It's hard to see but this is the plane with glider that chose this day for multiple fly-overs during the ceremony. It wasn't too bad, just perfectly timed during the first prayer of the ceremony and over the parents' prayer near the end.

Someone did sneak this photo of 3 of the 4 musicians. They did a wonderful job. Yes, they are all mine. And these kids didn't pick their noses. I must have done something right.

A meaningful part of the ceremony was when the bride and groom braided three cords into one. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

There were many personalized aspects of the ceremony, with every decision having purpose for Andrew and Sarah. The grandparents read Scripture. Ana and Isaac shared How Deep the Father's Love with us, and the parents prayed for the couple. Sarah's dad prayed for Andrew, John for Sarah. Her mom prayed for their future family and I prayed for their ministry, both as individuals and as a couple. A healthy marriage can be one's greatest testimony.

Someone also snuck this photo at the end of the ceremony. I'm not sure who as there are 6 of us who shared photos in one album, but I have my suspicions. Don't worry, I won't rat you out. I thank you.

A beautiful, God-honoring ceremony from beginning to end.

We're here!

Well, this is taking longer than it should have. All those King birthdays and all. And don't get too excited. We have so many photos that we have to do this in shifts. You might not find this so meaningful, but these posts get bound in to a book at year-end, and I want the memories recorded. So, (spoiler alert) this installment still does not include the wedding. Go eat your bon-bons and come back tomorrow.

October 6 did come around, finally. I surprised even myself by being able to just enjoy the day. No worries. No fuss. Well, except for the wild card, Victor, whose actions, for better or for worse, would reflect on me as his mother. And with Dad busy officiating, any unorthodox behavior on his part would fall to me or the SWAT Team (aka Megan and Jake). The latter two were under strict orders to swoop in and haul him out if need be. Armed with keys to the van and one of Victor's favorite movies keyed up and ready to go...

But of course there was much to do before go-time...

Since I am fashion-challenged, my daughter volunteered to do hair and make-up. Thank goodness for daughters more worldly than I.

Every mother of the groom shows up with a Cars bag full of toys and snacks instead of a small black clutch full of Kleenex, right?

That's my boy!

And more boys...

And my girls!

My family

And the grandmothers who did a mighty fine job of color-coordinating. They must have discussed this ahead of time.

Mom and Dad ready? Check
Ring bearer ready? Check
Grandparents ready? Check
Bride and Groom ready? Check

Most importantly, SWAT Team ready? Check

Let's go!