Wonderful wedding weekend!

What an amazing weekend! My cousin Stephanie married her sweetheart of the past 7 years, Bo! It seems like Bo has already been a part of the family for so many years. But now Steph and Bo are officially husband and wife, and I really cannot think of a better-suited, more wonderful and perfect couple. They are such sweet people and truly complement the best in each other. So of course we were thrilled to celebrate with them, and also so honored that Reese was a part of the festivities as the flower girl! And oh my, the preparation of being the fairy princess flower girl...and also Mommy learning how to "just roll with it" and let whatever happen, happen.
The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner were wonderful. The Friday night events were held at the same venue as the wedding, Angel Mountain, located in the piney woods outside Bastrop. Angel Mountain is an especially meaningful site because Bo's mother recently bought the property and renovated it. This was the first wedding to be held there under her management--how cool is that? The venue is really gorgeous and so well done. And Bo's stepdad's family from Sardinia cooked the rehearsal dinner. We had the most authentic Italian cuisine--homemade pasta, lamb stew, a roasted pig. Yum yum yummy! But I didn't take any pics, so just take my word for it.
On Saturday, Steph was so considerate to include R in the "big day" beauty primping at the salon. Reese got her hair professionally styled alongside the bride, mother of the bride and all the bridesmaids. As you can imagine, that was pretty big-time for her. She absolutely loved being included with the big girls and of course adored her "princess hair".
We started off the salon experience on the right foot, with a bagel and pink cream cheese.

Steph, the super relaxed bride!

Hair styling, part 1: R had two stylists work on her! Here she is, getting her hair curled.

Apparently, a death grip on the sides of the chair helps your hair turn out perfectly.

She thought she was done, but only half way there!

Move over, Shirley Temple.

Part 2, the up-do! I was most curious to see what they were going to do with R's wispy, fine pixie cut, but they did get it up in a respectable curly pony tail up-do. Which fell about 10 minutes after we walked out of the salon into the unseasonably warm weather. But it still looked cute!

All done!

With the maid of honor and my cousin/Steph's sis, Rheannon, the bride and one of the bridesmaid's, Miranda...

"Princess hair" from behind!

In a flurry of getting ready at home--our good friends are in town and staying with us, and Leya made the point that I am never on the blog myself. Um...can't imagine why! ;)

Which brings us to: wedding time! Reese, decked out in her flower girl attire with Grandma Margaret.

Rheannon helping R with her wings. Which lasted about 10 minutes, none of which happened to be during the wedding....sigh. Roll with it, Mama, right?!

Um, ever so slightly pleased with her new jewels, which Aunt Janise made to match her dress. Admiring the bracelet.

And generally feeling pretty and having a grand time!

RJ was the ring bearer--aren't they adorable?!

This pic makes me crack up, mainly because of the general look of disdain on RJ's face. Why on earth is she hugging me???

The handsome dad and lad duo.

Papa and Reese, cutting up, per usual!

Ash and RJ, looking beautiful. She had a baby two weeks ago. I know, not fair, but you just can't hate her for already looking amazing because she's so darn sweet!

Reese in awe of the stunning bride!

OMG DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR!!!! The groom and groomsmen were right across the hall. All close calls were avoided, luckily!

No pics at the moment of Reese and RJ during the walk, as I was hustling between shoving them off and then luring them down. David got pics on his camera but we all know how that goes. I have no clue when I will get those! Might try to download/post the video soon (connecting cord has been located, at least it was at one point! Lots of kids playing Wii today so who knows!) Anyway, they both made it out and to the top of the aisle. RJ opted out of the walking of the aisle, but Reese made it down.
Here is a pic I pilfered from Facebook! I was so proud of her--she made it all the way down, albeit at her own (somewhat) relaxed pace.

Then, she even went up to the altar and sat by Rheannon for a few minutes! Notice her, bottom left, cold chilling on the step.

Taking it all in from the best seat in the house! She quietly made her way back to our seats on the second row, then announced LOUDLY, and many times, that she wanted a cupcake. Obv, she'll fulfill her flower girl duties, but there's a price to pay. And it comes in the form of sweet treats.

Again, my camera is not that great, but the ceremony was so sweet and so personalized. They wrote their own vows and there wasn't a dry eye in the house--note mother of the bride, Sandee, wiping her tear away.

After the ceremony and a couple of stolen cupcakes, RJ and Reese took a little time to blow off steam and play! They had a blast, and we all enjoyed ourselves so very much!

Congratulations, Steph and Bo! We love you so very much and wish you all the very best in your life together! xoxoxo