Tyler & Andrea's Wedding Day!

Saturday June 23, 2012

I woke up feeling great today! I have been blessed to be able to participate in all these events and I’m so grateful for that tender mercy in my life. I recognize that all the hard work and effort from so many of my friends and the blessings of the Lord are what's making this possible.

Taking the Bridal Bouquet to the Temple

Andrea came to our home this morning and she & Tyler drove over to the temple. Lincoln and I met them there again. The temple was exceptionally busy today and one of the temple workers told me that the temple was completely booked with wedding sealings. I waited in the marriage waiting room and loved seeing family and friends show up to be a part of this special day. We were seated in the sealing room and waited for Tyler and Andrea to arrive. Once all the guests were seated, the happy couple came in. They just glowed! They were given some wonderful advice by the officiator to love each other and make their marriage and family a priority in their lives. He referred to the “Family Proclamation” as a source of guidance and direction for them. Then they were asked to kneel at the altar. As the wedding ordinance was said, Tyler and Andrea just gazed into each other’s eyes and I could see their love for one another. It was very sweet. Afterwards, we each gave them a hug and came outside to wait for them to emerged from the temple as husband and wife. We had many more family members waiting outside and it was wonderful to be together! Lincoln’s sister Jenny was thoughtful enough to bring 2 cases of ice cold water to share with everyone in the wedding party. It was about 90 degrees and quite warm!

Presenting . . . the new "Mr & Mrs Tyler Jacobs!"

Lincoln, Lisa, Tyler & Andrea

(back) Ashley, Chad & Lexy

When Tyler and Andrea came out of the temple, we all broke out in a huge cheer for the happy couple! They looked stunning! We had many, many pictures taken. Then we left them to go home and get ready for the reception. By the time I got home, had a bite to eat, and was able to lay down, I only had about 20 minutes for a quick nap. Then I was up and getting dressed for the reception.

At 4:30pm, we showed up at the reception and my amazing friends and neighbors were already there unpacking the decorations and setting everything up. It was a busy, busy place. Little by little everything came together. Lincoln set up the flat screen so that people could see a 1-2 minute video clip of the highlights from the temple that morning. We brought my tall black stool to put in line so that I could sit during the reception and not get too shaky as we greeted our guests. It was perfect.

The reception was wonderful! I can’t believe how beautiful it turned out. My friends and family did such an amazing job taking care of everything so that I could truly enjoy being in the moment and greeting all of our friends and family who had traveled to share this special day with us. My heart was touched by some of the people who I never thought would be able to make it, but they did! Tyler and Andrea looked so happy. They both just glowed. In all the business of the evening, I was so impressed that Andrea took time at the end of the evening to go to the kitchen area and personally thank all my friends for their efforts to pull off the reception and help make this evening so special for her. Annette, Andrea’s mom, also commented on what wonderful support we have in our neighborhood and ward and how beautiful everything turned out. My brother, Chris, was an awesome help making sure I had water to drink and that I wasn’t getting too tired. I tried not to hug people as I sat on my high black stool, but when I did, Lincoln has his germex bottle in his pocket that I would rub it on my hands. I really felt strong most of the night and was so grateful for everything. I love the Father/Bride and Mother/Groom dance where I had the chance to dance with Tyler. I told him how much I love him and how proud I am of the choices that he's made in his life. He told me how happy he was and grateful that I could share in today's celebrations. I'm so grateful that all of my family could be here to enjoy this moment in our lives.

The Couples First Dance

At the end of the night, Tyler and Andrea left through an archway of family and friends blowing bubbles as they ran through it. It was a fairy tale night! Today is one of those parental moments that you look forward to your whole life, embrace it while it lasts, and will forever remember in my heart. Life is good!

The Happy Couple leaving through an archway of bubbles!