The Finale of the Wedding Day

Labyrinth at the venue

I came back to the house so stressed out. As I sat at the kitchen counter to do my make up a much needed song came on that made me weep; thankfully before the makeup went on.

I love how God can use a song to speak through at just the right moment. He is amazing!

It was Johnny Diaz's song "Breathe". The chorus spoke loudly into my ears just the way God wanted it to.

Breathe, just breathe

Come and rest at My feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need
Is to just breathe.

I took the biggest deep breath, wiped my tears away and rested in Jesus the rest of the day.

Once we were dressed and ready to go we dashed out the door to the farm. 

When we got there I couldn't believe my eyes. The things I had to leave undone because of the rain, were done. The owners of the property dried the lounge furniture and added the finishing touches. It looked beautiful!

Brooke was busy about the property giving her final approval of the set up. She was very pleased and seriously was the most relaxed bride I had EVER seen! This was her before putting on the dress.

The farm has a house on the property with a bridal suite, so I headed there to find Brooke. I went upstairs to check on Brooke and I was speechless.

My happy, baby girl stood there dressed and ready to go. Ready to commit her life to her best friend. I will never forget this smile. 

These pics were from just before she walked down the aisle. No longer Brooke Ashley Judge. She will now and forever be Mrs Brooke Ashley Shuff.

Once outside, it was time to get the girls in order and down the grassy hill, across the lantern decorated, wooden bridge, and down the flower petal lined aisle.

And the ring bearer and flower girl did a wonderful job.

Here comes the bride, looking for her groom.

 

Once the ceremony began the wind started to pick up again. The sky grew a little dark. Oh no, rain?, I thought. I'm happy to tell you that the rain held off during the ceremony. It did sprinkle a bit while taking pictures afterward but then the sky broke, the sun came out and it turned out to be a beautiful 72 degree day. It was perfect!

The pastor from their church in West Virginia was wonderful. He did a great job and just loves Brooke and Seth. He drove up that day just to marry them and shortly after drove back for his church's revival meeting. Praise God for him!

The pronouncement of Mr and Mrs Seth Shuff!

The photographer did a great job catching candid shots that day.

The day went so quickly as I knew it would. Brooke said she really tried to stop and take it in now and again but it was a challenge. Then this happened.

Michael and Brooke had done a great job of keeping it together until the father/daughter dance. It began in tears but ended in laughter.

And then more dancing.

The day ended as quickly as it began. I wanted to write about this day mostly because I wish I did it for my wedding day but also as a kind of legacy for Brooke. A special day of remembrance. It really was the BEST DAY EVER.

The wedding was over by 7pm. We cleaned up and headed back to the house. The bride, groom and wedding party went back to their hotel but not for long. Eventually Brooke, Seth and Ruth made their way back to the house to relax. Yes! Since they were leaving for their honeymoon the next day, they decided to come back to the house to stay the night and I'm so glad they did.

It was so much fun talking about everything that happened that day. Oh the laughs we had that night!! It was a joy to watch them open and read their cards and tell a story about each person there. But also wishing others were there to share in this special day. 

The next day Brooke asked me to please make sure I put the signed marriage license in the mail for them. I couldn't resist capturing this sweet moment. Brooke writing her new name, Brooke Shuff.

"Oh, that's so weird mom", she said. 

I know. You'll get used to it though.