Alaska - Saturday (The Wedding)

Saturday June 18, 2011.  My oldest brother's wedding day. 

We have been waiting for this day for a long time and it finally arrived.   A little more than a year ago my brother Shane met a girl named Dawn.  They fell in love instantly and let me just tell you she is amazing.  We all love her and we are so happy for the both of them.

Saturday was their big day.  It rained all day Friday and the weather called for more rain on Saturday, but with a little luck (and many prayers) the wind blew all night and it blew the clouds right out of there.  Saturday was an amazingly wonderful day.  We prepared most of the morning for the wedding, setting up for the reception in the Saxman Community Center and then we all got dressed in our costumes.

Tabi did Dawn's hair and make-up and she looked beautiful. 

The ceremony was in Ketchikan city park.  It was sunny and warm and green and beautiful. It was a Renaissance themed wedding so we all got to dress up. 

Tori & Kollin

Shane with his vows in hand walking down the isle.

The river in the middle of the park

Dawn and her dad walking down the isle.

The wedding was non-denominational.  They had their friend Gene marry them and they each wrote their own vows.  It was so sweet.  I don't think there was a dry eye in the audience.

Tabi & her boys

Shane (the groom), Teran (the ring bearer), Henry & Jared (the groomsmen)

The wedding party

Katie, Becca, April, Kaelie, Dawn, Shane, Teran, Henry, Jared

My side of the family (those that were able to come)

Mary, Dad, Kleyton, Mom, Dawn, Shane, Tabi, Tori, Kollin, Henry, Me, Jared

After the ceremony Jared and I went to Dawn's sister April's house to put the finishing touches on the cake and take it to the reception.  The reception was at the Saxman Community Center.  There was tons of good food including tons of shrimp that there had cooked up.  Jared was loving that.  I loved being around my family.

My Mom & Me

The cake.  Dawn's sister April handmade all the flowers out of gum paste and fondant.  The bottom tier was dark chocolate with peanut butter filling, the middle tier was milk chocolate with espresso filling, and the top tier was red velvet with almond filling.  It was by far the most delicious cake I have ever had in my entire life.

They were so sweet when they were feeding each other the first bite of cake.  I was so glad that they were nice about it.  I hate going to weddings where they smash the cake into each others faces.  I think it's a bad sign and very disrespectful (that's just my personal opinion).  But they really were so nice.  What a great ending to a perfect day.

Both sides of the family

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be at Shane and Dawn's wedding.  It was such a special day and I'm glad we got to be a part of it.  Congratulations you guys, we love you!!