My beautiful eldest niece, Melanie, got married last week. It was the main reason we headed out to Utah (and then were able to squeeze in Tanner’s mission call, and of course, spend a great weekend with Gabe up at BYUI).

She married a really great guy named Garret. We got to know him a bit before the wedding. We got to know him enough to know that they are a great match and he’s a very solid guy.

They were married and sealed in the Draper temple. It was a beautiful, sunny morning. Here’s a bunch of pictures after the ceremony:

My youngest niece, Ellen, who tried to run from me taking pictures of her! (Unfortunately something went askew with the flowers… they were supposed to be pink – as Mel’s colours were pink and green. Somehow they all ended up this coral/peach/orange colour. They were stunning flowers, but not quite the colour that was ordered!)

My nephew Drew who is just the nicest guy! (And Ellen hiding behind flowers!):

The bride and groom coming out of the temple:

Melanie, surrounded by her siblings. We sure missed my other niece Abby, who is serving a mission in Vancouver, Washington:

With the grandparents on both sides:

And grandmas on Mel’s side:

With Gran (my Mom):

Mu brother’s whole family (with Abby there in spirit – she is the sunshine):

Melanie & Ellen:

Melanie & Andrew:

Melanie & Tanner (who was just called to serve in the Peru Trujillo South Mission and leaves Aug 29th):

My beautiful sister in law, Judy,  and Melanie:

My brother and Melanie; hard to believe he now has a child married!

Both sets of parents with the bride & groom:

The wedding party:

After the ceremony, we went for a beautiful lunch, but I guess I was too hungry so didn’t get any pictures! It was mainly family and close friends (90 people!!) and was really nice.

Both fathers gave a little toast. Garret’s Dad gave some awesome advice: he talked about love being the feeling, and when the feeling is there, it is great, and awesome and easy. But love, the action, is more important; it’s when you have to choose love – those are the most important times in your marriage. When maybe the feeling is not so readily available, but you choose it anyways. That’s the kind of love to always have in your marriage – the kind you choose. Loved that advice.

We then headed on to the reception. Judy did a beautiful job preparing it all:

It was at a golf course so we got the most amazing views and sunset:

The younger kids off playing:

The cake: (so good!!)

First dance, and then father/bride and mother/groom dance:

Tanner and his girlfriend Brooke. She was such a sweetie as she got my sister (Auntie Di) out dancing with her:

Lots of dance moves:

The bouquet throw:

Ellen was thrilled to catch it!

The send off! It was so pretty with all the city lights below the golf course and then the sparklers! Such a cute send off!

Amazing day for an amazing bride & groom. So happy we were there with them!