I woke up Wednesday morning, jumped on I-75 and headed to Knoxville. Saw my Mom for a minute and left late to meet Natalie (my sister-in-law).
We rushed to the alterations place with my gas light on and then *barely* made it to the nearest gas station. I bought a cold Diet Coke and Mentos.
Made it to Brittany’s (my newest sister-in-law) just in time to jump in the car with the other bridesmaids and headed to a delicious Japanese dinner.
Spent the night at a lovely lake house and talked all things wedding and marriage all the while laughing hysterically (at least Nat and I were) at the stories Brittany shared of Ben. Brothers make for similar husbands.
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Thursday was full with the luncheon, driving from one end of town to the next, manicures, pedicures, leaving and forgetting to pay (don’t worry, I fixed my mistake), rehearsing the ceremony and enjoying the dinner.
I thought of a million and one funny stories I wanted to share of Ben. Shared one and then did the ugly cry. Dang it.
Corey and I left and headed straight to Beth and John’s house where we watched videos of us in college. I did the ugly laugh. Much better.
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Friday was the wedding day. It was all too similar to ours. For those of you who don’t know the story it’s worth hearing, but for the sake of this post I’ll just say that our outdoor wedding happened in a living room over-stuffed with 250 people and not a dry eye. Everyone standing in a semi-circle around us. It was romantic and adventurous, funny to think back on and perfectly imperfect. Ben and Brits was very similar. Beautiful day followed by dark clouds arriving only a few hours before the ceremony. The ceremony finally took place an hour late at a church next door that was kind enough to let us in. I cried … everyone cried … well, minus Grandpa. He was too busy taking pictures with his cellphone. Front row.
Greg – the officiant – made both Ben and Brittany dance … literally … before he’d let them kiss. We laughed. Grandpa took pictures.
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I woke up Saturday feeling a bit tired, but knew that coffee would come at a table with a group of some of our favorite people. Billy looked like he hadn’t aged since college. Emily, his adorable wife, was as lovely as I’d expected. Nathan took pictures. John ate two meals. And, of course Seth & Kate were there, too. I drank lots of coffee and asked for some to-go. We laughed.
I headed straight to Morristown, TN to shoot a wedding that many of our friends (including John and Seth) were in.
Julie looked aaahhhhmazing. Chris seemed like it was the most natural of things to be getting married. They were made for each other. Everything was perfect.
I felt right at home taking pictures, a bit anxious at times and most definitely sweaty, but I was again reminded why I love weddings so.
After 6-hours of shooting and 2-hours of driving I got back to Knoxville just in time for Noah’s birthday dinner (Noah is Corey’s 3rd out of 4 brothers). I was reminded of just why I love Noah.
I retired to Mom & Dad’s and slept like a rock. I was reminded of just why I love soft beds.
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Woke up Sunday with terribly achy arms and legs from shooting the day before. I thought of how I needed to get to the gym. I also woke up with an achy heart. Not exactly sure why. Honestly, I couldn’t pinpoint it. It was me and Corey’s 6th anniversary and I was sad not to be spending it with him (he left Saturday to head back to Cinci and his 30-hour shifts), but I didn’t feel like that’s where the ache was coming from.
Still not sure just what it was, but after being in church for less than 5 minutes I was reminded of why I have hope and a future worth looking forward to. I listened to a sermon that was one of the top five sermons I’ve ever heard. Hand’s down. No lie. Listen here and then tell me how right I am. Spoken by the same man who made Ben and Brit dance during their wedding ceremony.
Ate lunch with my parents, my in-laws and some of their good friends. Devoured the best white chili I’ve ever had and way too many buttery biscuits.
Rested.
Spent the evening sitting on Emily’s couch talking about life in the last days before Liam arrives (she’s due in T-minus two-weeks).
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Monday I ate breakfast with Mom before heading out of town. Enjoyed my drive home with the sunroof open and music playing. Got bored. Talked to Val (MOHBFF = maid-of-honor-best-friend-forever) for over an hour. Hyped up our upcoming Coldplay concert and all-day visit to King’s Island. Opened the sunroof again and listened to more music. Got bored again. Talked to Jen (O&OFS = one and only favorite sister) the rest of the way home. We solved all the world’s problems.
Emailed. Went for a walk. Washed the dog. Edited photos. Made dinner. Watched the Biggest Loser. Cried. Tucked my Babe in. Watched more of the Biggest Loser. Cried. Went to bed. Thought of my new found hope I have for getting pregnant. Can’t put my finger on it, but it’s there. I feel as if it’s closer than ever. Not sure what it is, but it’s something. Will keep you updated, of course.
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Natalie, my rock-star-sister-in-law:
[only took a few pictures at B&B's wedding. I have had bad run-ins as the hired photographer at weddings trying to fight off other "professionals" and I did not want to be that girl]
Brittany waiting for better weather …
I have the blessed reality of having parents that are not only best friends with my in-laws, but also 2nd parents to my brother-in-laws. So much so, Ben gave my dad an honorable mention in their wedding program. Him and Petie, of course, the family dog.
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And, of course, the one and only, fabulous and fun Chris and Julie …
Chris and Corey were best friends and roommates through college. Since I was a pseudo-roommate Chris and I were good friends as well. He is full of talent, good humor and an overall selfless awareness of other people. He cares about people in a way that cannot be imitated and that is why I’ve always loved him. Things are always easy being in Chris’ presence.
I met Julie only weeks ago. We ate Mexican and poured over her insanely organized wedding book. I knew we’d get along just well. 
I learned even more so that we’re bound to be best buds from the way she carried herself on her wedding day. If anyone is given just a bit of permission to be stressed it’s on your wedding day and not an ounce of it was there with her. She was sweet and caring, encouraging and very fun to photograph.
Isn’t she gorgeous?!
If this picture was edible I’d eat it. I love it!
Kind of random, but I think this photo is so cute. He’s crunching on a jellybean from the candy bar. 
Chris+Julie, I feel blessed to know you. Thank you for not only allowing me to be a part of your lives, but also for allowing me to play such a sweet roll on your most momentous day. I look forward to watching your lives unfold together.
