Gracie and Clayton's Wedding

The day was beautiful! Perfect for an outdoor ceremony. The venue was great.There was just enough wind to blow the odor of the farm down the road smells to drift in on occasion.

That wasn't pleasant, however it didn't last long. Just a simple reminder that we were in the country, and close to our neighbors to the south.

The ceremony was beautiful and started exactly on time. Gracie's eleven-year-old niece was not able to read her poem to the couple. That was okay, as a family friend, the officiant saved the day.

The cocktails were happening while family photos were being taken. I wasn't expecting to be in so many photos. However, there I was sitting next to my ex-husband, and standing next to my ex-husband throughout.

Where was my husband, Gracie's favorite grandfather. He just couldn't get away for one more weekend in a month's time. He didn't think he would be misssed. First thing I was asked at the groom's dinner was, where is Grandpa.

We did rsvp for him being there too. The photos felt a bit awkward, and it's a good thing I have no problem with being with my ex-husband and his wife. I really do like his wife and I was pleased that she really does like her husband.

The couple were busy with all of the requirements of the wedding. There were toasts, and my son gave a daddy daughter talk, and dance with the bride that made my younger son tear up, thinking about how some day he will 'have' to do this with his daughter.

His daughter is only six, so his partner reminded him that he really doesn't have to worry about that for 20 years. My daughter was quick to remind them that her first son, got married soon after going into the service. It appeared that it was, so that he didn't have to live in the barracks. As they were married soon after he joined the service at eighteen.

Then she said, he asked her why she let him get married then. They had a beautiful wedding back then, and you never know if one couple or another will make it or not.

It seems all married couples are asking for money for a new home. Gracie and Clayton are no different. However, I like something personal too, so I bought a book to put photos of her 2nd and third birthday in, along with my favorite recipes.

And finally, I added some memories of her over the years on journal paper that I included, along with a short love poem that I like.

Gracie and Clayton have known each other since high school. He talked about telling her he loved her after just six weeks. He said, he didn't know what love was back then, at age sixteen but he does now.

They have both graduated from high school, college, and have careers in finance. They appear to have a very full life with many friends and family.

Gracie's maid of honor was her sister, who is active in theatre, and gave a great talk, even though she said that we would have wait at times while she cried. We did wait but it wasn't too long!

Clayton's younger brother was the best man, along with the best dancer at the reception. He gave his big brother quite the talk, about being his hero, while growing up. He did find ways to roast him as well. Fun times at the wedding.

Gracie ended her talk with thanking everyone for being there and said, "I hope to not have to ever plan another wedding!"

Author's Note: No wedding photos quite yet. Just these few that the kids sent.