Flower Girl

My dear, dear friend Jennifer got married this weekend to a wonderful guy named Greg (they are amazing together).

at the rehearsal

on the wedding day

Vivian was their flower girl, or rather, their wagon queen. Jennifer created an amazing wagon for Viv to sit in - complete with blue and silver covered pillows lining the bottom, back and sides. At the rehearsal on Friday night, we did a practice run and the instant Vivian was seated in that thing she crossed her ankles (she is a fancy girl, after all) and smiled at her large collection of oooohing and aaaahing onlookers like she was made to sit in a fancy wagon. And she gave me this look that said something like Ummmm, mom, why is this the first time in my year on this earth that I have been seated in this amazing wagon - I was born to ride in this thing! She did great at the wedding on Saturday, too. The ceremony in Capitol Park was lovely and meaningful; the reception was perfect: everything, from the food to the home-brewed beer to the cupcake platters to the music (J played our wedding song for Vince and me to dance to!) had meaning and connection - and you know how I love meaning and connection!

with Jennifer, the GORGEOUS bride

A friend who's on a similar path asked me if Vince and I had been to a wedding since Vivian was born. We hadn't until this weekend. Listening to Jennifer and Greg's beautifully written personal vows reached into new part of my heart - a part of my heart that I didn't know existed before Vivian's birth. When someone asks me where I get my strength as we've walked this curvy road, my mind goes straight to Vince. He is my rock. His unconditional love, confidence in our ability to have a beautiful life and focus on what's really important even in the midst of winding curves inspires me. My friend said it so beautifully: We sit at weddings now, listening and breathing in those vows in ways that most brides and grooms can't fathom until life hits them...

Life has hit us - our vows have been put to the test - after Vivian was born I inherently understood that this experience can pull us apart or bring us closer than ever. Listening to Jennifer and Greg's vows reaffirmed that I have chosen well for this journey. Jennifer has chosen well, too - Happy, Adventurous and Joyous Wishes for Jennifer and Greg! We were so happy to be part of your special day - there is nothing like the wedding of two people who were made for each other. And you two were.