June 2021: Part 3: Christi's Wedding

My cousin, Christi, got married on June 19th, and I got to be her photographer! It was really fun getting to know her better and spend time with her on her special day. We arrived in Idaho the day before in time for me to be at the wedding rehearsal so I could be better prepared for the next day. It soon became apparent that most of the people weren't really sure what was going on.  A lot of the decorating was being done, but as far as how they were going to walk down the aisle as a bridal party the next day, nobody took charge to make a decision. Naturally, being the take-charge person with a lot of wedding experience, I took charge of the rehearsal and helped everyone figure it out. I recruited my aunt Julie to help with timing (she ended up being an impromptu wedding coordinator with the decorations as well, and I knew I could count on her. ) In between getting my gear ready, I also got to visit with my mom, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. 

The next day was the big day, and I got to work early, following the action with my camera. I did details, getting ready shots, and the first look, and then it was time for the ceremony. I recruited Brian to be my second shooter, and as usual, he did a great job. 

Here's a shot of the front row from the ceremony. On the far left, you see my great Aunt Margie, my neice Evie, Grandma & Grandpa Linville, my aunt Trina and Uncle Doug (parents of the bride), and in the row behind them, my great Aunt Patsy, Uncle Jon, a lady I don't know, and my cousins John and Daniel (Christi's brothers). The groom (Conner)'s father is in the right corner. 

Here I am with my cousin Christi

And with Christi and Conner. 

Here's my Aunt Julie (Jeff's wife) and cousin Kate (Jon's daughter). 

My grandma Linville with Evie and Abby. 

My mom's cousin Pattie and her mom, my great-aunt Patsy (Grandma's sister), Grandma, and Aunt Margie. 

Rachel and Amber and Brian. 

Brian, the best-looking second shooter I've ever had. 

Here's Uncle Jeff, Aunt Julie, and Uncle Jon (these guys are my mom's youngest twin brothers, my heroes when I was a kid). 

Here's Grandpa Linville. 

After dinner, I had Brian be my second shooter again for speeches, the first dance, and the bouquet toss. He captured some of me too. 

See Brian in the background here: 

He was such a champ helping out on the fly. 

He even got to dance with Rachel. 

I think he danced with me too, but naturally we don't have a picture of it. 

I got to dance with Grandpa, which is always a treat for me. 

I loved watching Grandpa dance with his girls and Uncle Jeff dancing with his mom and sisters. 

Here's Grandpa and Christi

And Jeff dancing with his sweetheart, Julie. 

Jeff with my mom (who wore a similar dress to the step-mom of the groom)

Jon danced with his daughter Kate. And the person on the right is my cousin Bryce, Rick's son and the closest in age cousin to me. Once upon a time, we used to play in the creek and hunt frogs together, along with my brother, Cal, and cousin Zandra.

Rachel was in heaven dancing with one of the Bridesmaids. 

I really just love and adore my grandparents. They have been there for me my entire life, and I'm so glad that they are still here with me. 

Aunt Ramona and Uncle Jeff and Rachel and Brian. 

Grandma wanted me to take a family picture since she had all six living children at this wedding. Don't worry, I got a good one where they aren't being silly for her, but I loved this one to share here. In the back, we have Uncle Jeff (the youngest), Aunt Ramona (the youngest daughter), Mom (the second child and oldest daughter), Uncle Rick (the oldest), Aunt Trina (third child), and Uncle Jon (second youngest, oldest twin). 

I'm so blessed to have these two amazing grandparents. Whatever my dad's parents lacked, these two more than made up for. They have been a constant in our life. Theirs was the home we ran away to when we felt the need to. They were there for all the big things and most of the little things. There aren't enough words to express what they mean to me. I'm so grateful for them, and I'm so grateful that me kids get to know them as well. 

 After the wedding, I had a long night of culling the images and backing them up, and then the next morning, we headed back home early to celebrate Father's Day and to welcome our houseguests.