The Most Beautiful Day of the Summer pt 2 - The Reception

The most beautiful day ended in the most wonderful night. If you missed my post of Ben and Katelyn's wedding, you can read it here. Such a fun reception followed.

Speeches from "best" older siblings laced with phrases like "role model", "look up to", and "admire". Speaks to the caliber of character and commitment to the Lord and His Word that Ben and Katelyn have exhibited for years. 

the look on my boys' faces - aaaahhhh!

and then there was dancing..

The bride and groom's first dance was to 

Michael Jackson's "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" because 

obviously Ben Burtis

I miss the days when I could read
without glasses.

Of course, I had to say a few words before Ben and I danced. You see, I chose a sappy song that would make anyone cry - a song new to me called "Seems like yesterday". What made it more meaningful, was that a very important couple recorded it to surprise Ben and Katelyn and her parents. Rob and Annie Phillips, now our pastor and wife (formerly Word of Life Island Directors - ministering to our kids every summer), were in a special relationship with Kate's great-grandpa too, and wanted to help us honor him this night as well. Did I mention Annie is Ben's 2nd favorite singer?

Then I had a little surprise of my own. You may know of Ben's love (first love) for Whitney Houston. I asked Scott to add the big finish and final chorus from I Will Always Love You to the end of our dance. We told no one. Last instruction before I went out there was to Drew, Britt and Ally: "Something's going to happen at the end of the song. When it happens (you'll know when), come running out on the floor for a family hug."

the  moment he recognized the song

What I wasn't expecting was a group singalong as each one started belting out the words with volume and gusto! It was something I'll never forget. And I think it pleased my Ben-Ben and officially welcomed Katelyn into the crazy.

 What I especially need you to notice is how Ben and his Dad have exactly the 

same expression when they're singing. So good!

This one may be my favorite. The way Drew and Ally welcomed 

Katelyn in and how we are all obviously so taken with her. Love!

Now if this wasn't enough excitement, when we arrived in Utah we were immediately put into dance lessons for a family gift to the wedding guests. The East girls choreographed "I'll Say a Little Prayer for You". One, who will remain unnamed, couldn't seem to coordinate. Not sure if you'll see that in these pics, but I'll tell you who it is if you twist my arm.

The moment I wake up

before I put on my makeup

I say a little prayer

for you

I'm combing my hair now

 and wondering what dress to wear now.

Forever and ever you'll stay in my heart!

It got a little chilly for little girls....

And while lining up to light our sparklers, we looked back and saw the most breathtaking sight

 - the final dance -  just for two. 

What a spectacular celebration!

Many thanks to Russ and Tammy East for giving our family the gift of a beautiful wedding. You two are the most generous, thoughtful, fun, and loving couple. And the most supportive and encouraging, praying second set of parents we could have dreamed up for our Ben. We are so grateful for you.

The Most Beautiful Day of the Summer pt.1

I've been wanting to write this post for months. Today is finally the day. It will be shamefully filled with pics from one of the highlights of our family this year.

We hightailed it out to Utah for Ben's wedding back in June. The week was filled to the top with blessings God granted two families. We are thrilled to be joined with the East's now forever.

The top two major parenting goals were met first when Ben and Katelyn received the Gospel of Jesus Christ as their salvation and purpose and hope for present and future. The second is choosing whom they will partner with in service to Him for their lifetime. (You can read their story here.) I think I speak for the four of us that we see how God brought these two together and we say, "Amen!"; more than we were hoping for.

Lesson to parents: pray for who your child will choose as a life partner and feel free to expect they
will seek Biblical standards (hold them to it) in doing so.

Few friends and family were able to make the trip out west, so this is for you. I hope you can feel like you were there. Looking these over again makes me so happy. For those of you who have invested into Ben's and Katelyn's lives - I hope you feel it too.

The venue Kate chose, Thanksgiving Point, was breathtaking as you'll soon see. Here a few pre-wedding shots.

They chose not to see one another but still met for prayer to commit their day to the Lord.

My response to this first glimpse was instant tears for the sheer beauty of her.

Addy Grace loves her Uncle Ben

Is there anything more beautiful than a bride coming in with her Dad?

This. I love so many things about this picture. 1. Ben's emotion. 2. Big brother Drew keeping his eye on Ben.
3. Lifelong friend Terry officiating.

And he rallied!

A certain (granddaughter) flower girl got a little distracted by all the pretty things

success!

Scott and I were so thrilled with the God-honoring ceremony Ben and Katelyn designed. They planned meticulously how best to display the work of God in their lives and their desire to commit to serve Him in marriage to each other.

Complete with a time for parents to pray for the couple, Dads getting to share, and communion led by Ben. Stunning.

I don't want to forget to mention the beautiful music they chose. The parents and bridesmaids walked in to "Come Thou Fount" sung by MercyMe. (Do I need to say how much that meant to me as MM's biggest fan? Also, it was so perfect)

Katelyn walked in to a gorgeous instrumental piece from one of our favorite family movies, The Parent Trap. Which, to me was a nod to one of my Hollywood boyfriends Dennis Quaid. He happened to be in I Can Only Imagine, the movie about MercyMe's lead singer, Bart, too. So it was special to have both of them as part of the wedding. 

This may or may not be what B & K had in mind. But, whatever.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Burtis

June 7, 2019

Now some extras from this mama of the groom....

the boys!

and we are forever grateful for family (and a few friends not pictured) who traveled all the way to Utah to share our joy. We thank God for you.

Thanks for indulging me! 

Blog post #2 will capture the reception.