I told myself I would buckle down and do some serious blogging, “After the Wedding.” My sister Audra and her best friend Justin’s engagement and fast-approaching marriage had somewhat taken over our lives for most of the month of June, leaving less free time for writing. Not that I’m complaining. I loved it! I can’t wait to do it all over again when the next of us five girls has “her turn”.

To jump-start my good intentions, here is a great big post full of my favorite photographs from Audra and Justin’s wedding day. The ceremony and reception took place right here, at our home, last Saturday. An internet weather website was forecasting scattered thunderstorms, which threatened to mar Audra’s dreams of an outdoor ceremony and reception; however, the weather was a cheerful mix of sun and clouds; not too hot, not too windy… Perfect! Praise the Lord! Everything went so smoothly, thanks to the help of our wonderful family and friends, who used their talents to make the day a memorable one for everybody.

“How long till the weddin’?”
The groom’s littlest sister secured a good seat early on. She’d been waiting for this day for a long time, and wasn’t about to miss a thing.

 

We did our hair the old-fashioned way–braids and rag curlers! Removing the rags and unbraiding the hair is a very delicate process–but it forced us to calm down and take our time, enjoying the last hour together before Audra Berge changed her name, for now and always, to Audra Kastner.

 

Sister-in-law Amanda K. helps Audra style her hair.

 

Peeking out the window, watching all the guests arriving

Here come our bouquets!

 

Walking up the aisle to the hymn This is My Father’s World, played on the harp by Miss Breanna Kastner.

 

Here comes the bride!
Audra chose Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring for her processional, also performed by Breanna. It was beautiful!

 

Looking on as Dad escorts Audra down the aisle

 

 

 

Justin slips the wedding ring onto Audra’s finger

 

The best part was when Justin carried Audra down the aisle–they’d been secretly planning to do it, too, the rascals!

 

The Bridal Party
Left to right: (back row) Katelyn B., Amanda B. (bridesmaids), Audra B., Justin K.
(front row) Jonathan M. (groomsman), Janna B. (maid of honor), Erica B. (bridesmaid), Lilia K. (flower girl), Reuben K. (best man)

 

The bride and groom with their parents

 

I messed around in Paint Shop Pro with this one; turned it black and white and added a soft focus effect. I love the faint glow around all the light-colored objects!

You don’t think they might be in love, do you?

 

 

After Audra threw her bouquet (my sister Amanda B. caught it, much to us, uh, more eligible ladies’ chagrin), she and Justin made a dash for it. They had hidden the getaway car at my Uncle Ken and Aunt Becky’s house, next door to ours. Ha! but all their wiles were not enough to blind the crafty bridesmaids and groomsmen. Uncle Ken and Aunt Becky’s was the first place I thought of when the car was proclaimed missing.

‘Bye, Audra! ‘Bye, Justin! Happy Honeymoon!

The perfect courtship; the perfect wedding.
May they be blessed with a future of perfect trust in Him who has given them eternal Life and Love.

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Philippians 2:1-2