Tommy kirby by bloom
 

(By Bloom Photography)

 

And I'm not saying that just because it was my son getting married.

Well, maybe I am a little partial, but it was also the setting, the weather, the bride, the groom (my son), the attendants (including two of my kids), the chaplain, the guests…

Trust me. It was absolutely perfect.



Tommy kirby by drew sartain

(by Drew Sartain)


A few raindrops kissed my face, but the rest waited until we were all in the reception hall, eating and laughing and dancing…after the sun broke through the clouds for a beautiful sunset right at the end of the ceremony.

I wish I had tons of photos for you, but I was forbidden from bringing my camera. The bride and groom wanted me to relax and be in the moment, instead of behind the lens, which is so sweet of them.

(I still brought it, of course, with the loophole idea of having someone else take photos with it at the reception, but in my rush to get out the door on time, I left my memory card in my computer at home because Tom had seen a bat swooping over the pond and I had gone out to take photos and wanted to get a close look at it so I loaded them on my computer and…oops.)

Anyway, you can imagine how my heart sank when I realized I couldn't take a single photo myself, but I'm glad the camera card is all I forgot to bring with me. And there were plenty of others snapping away. 

My mother and father were there, thanks to my sister and her husband, as well as Tom's mother and half of his brothers. We also celebrated with dear friends, kids I watched grow into amazing adults, and tons of people we are now officially related to by marriage.

I didn't cry. But my heart soared, filled with something that is so hard to describe, similar to our sparklers forming a tunnel for them at the end, all bright and shiny and warm. 


Sparklers 2 by george
 

(by George Karr)


I'm so grateful for Facebook, because I know the newest Mr. and Mrs. Tom Shallue arrived safe and sound in Venice. I look forward to traveling vicariously through them around Italy the next few days, while I simultaneously ease back into my normal routine.

Life is good because love is real.

Amen.



Tommy kirby by darla
 

(by Darla Thomas)

 

Posted in , , , , , ,

40 responses to “The. Most. Beautiful. Wedding. Ever. Amen.”

  1. Ms. A Avatar

    Sure glad the weather held out for you, it was horrible here.
    Congratulations and best wishes all around!
    PS: If you would just plug your camera straight into your computer, you’d never have a reason to remove your memory card and end up without it.

    Like

  2. Lady Fi Avatar

    Oh wow – these are fabulous shots! Must have been difficult for you not to take photos, but I guess you enjoyed the day even more for being totally present.
    And Venice – how lovely!

    Like

  3. Kathy Avatar

    Almost like a fairy tale but the love that surrounds this wedding makes it very real. And wonderful.

    Like

  4. ZielonaMila Avatar

    Fantastic day, wonderful photos:) Greetings

    Like

  5. SHE Avatar

    My thoughts were with you throughout the weekend…so glad it all went well!

    Like

  6. Jennfier Richardson Avatar

    I am SOOOOOOO glad and grateful for you all;
    you were a beautiful mama of the groom
    and I love all the boots and the gorgeous ventue
    and even more gorgeous bride and groom
    and all the unpretentious festivities
    that look just exactly like what I’d want
    and so glad the sun shone on your all
    and that the sweetness of God wrapped you all snug
    and tight and safe in His love:)
    hooray!
    (throwing rice inside)
    -Jennifer

    Like

  7. cyndee Avatar
    cyndee

    what a beautiful couple. congrats.

    Like

  8. Gail Avatar

    Looks like the wedding was beautiful. I know you must be over the moon with joy. Congrats 🙂

    Like

  9. Hilary Avatar

    Big congrats to your family, Barbara. I’m so glad that all went well. It might be just as well that you didn’t have your camera card. You can just enjoy the photos that everyone else took. And so far, they’re lovely.

    Like

  10. lisa Avatar

    A very big congratulations to you and your family, Barbara!
    They are a beautiful couple!!

    Like

  11. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Lisa!  I think so, too!
    Sent from my iPhone

    Like

  12. Raajii Avatar

    That sure looks like a beautiful wedding :-). Congratulations on the new addition to your family 🙂

    Like

  13. latonya Avatar
    latonya

    Barbara, I am new to your blog. While I have been only a short time, I know I will be reading you regularly. Happy for you and family.

    Like

  14. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I think it was, indeed, serendipitous that I forgot it. I truly just relaxed and enjoyed myself. 
    Sent from my iPhone

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  15. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Gail. It was and I am!
    Sent from my iPhone

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  16. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Cyndee!
    Sent from my iPhone

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  17. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you so much! I look forward to getting to know you!
    Sent from my iPhone

    Like

  18. Tabor Avatar

    What a nice and special time in your life. Such a lovely bride…need a better photo of the groom, though. Why could you not bring a camera? Venice, how romantic.

    Like

  19. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    It was absolutely perfect. Thank you!
    Sent from my iPhone

    Like

  20. lisleman Avatar

    Congratulations to both you and your husband. Everyone having a wonderful time is what a wedding should be. Do you think your forgotten memory card allowed you the freedom to create more memories in you mind?

    Like

  21. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I did have a fantastic time, but to be honest, one reason I have always taken so many photos is because they help me remember things I would forget about, especially overwhelming events! But thank goodness for all of the cameras that were clicking and recording, and for Facebook where I get to see them!
    Sent from my iPhone

    Like

  22. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I agree about needing more photos of the groom! They told me they wanted me to leave my camera at home and just relax and enjoy myself, which is sweet. 
    Sent from my iPhone

    Like

  23. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    It was the closest to a fairy tale wedding I've ever witnessed!
    Sent from my iPhone

    Like

  24. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I still have mixed emotions about not having my camera. I miss not having my own photos to look at now, but on the other hand, it was wonderful to just be in it, totally. 
    Sent from my iPhone

    Like

  25. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    You know, I used to just plug my camera in. I had to on my old computer. It's so much easier with the card but there are obviously some issues with it. Sigh. 
    Sent from my iPhone

    Like

  26. beth Avatar

    how wonderful…..i can feel how happy and proud you are
    thorough the words you shared here…..xo

    Like

  27. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Beth! It was truly an awesome feeling!
     

    Like

  28. Pauline Avatar

    The sweetest of all your sweets, ever 🙂

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  29. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I agree. That's why I didn't even list the rest from this past week!
     

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  30. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    You would have loved this place, Jennifer! I’m so glad you could join us, at least via the internet!! Thank you!!

    Like

  31. Jane Gassner Avatar

    As we say from this end of the world–mazel tov!

    Like

  32. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Jane!!
    Sent from my iPhone

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  33. Ginger Kay Avatar

    Beautiful! Congratulations to all of you!

    Like

  34. Barbara Shallue Avatar

     
    Thank you!
     

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  35. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    The bride looks very happy. Lucky girl.

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  36. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Yes, and lucky boy!

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  37. silverneurotic Avatar

    Congratulations to the happy couple!

    Like

  38. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you!! 
     

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