Or should I say, "Goin' to the big tree. . ."
This past weekend, my brother Kyle took the plunge and entered the holy communion of marriage to sweet Laura Jean Gammon. Instead of heading to the 'chapel', they recited their vows at an outdoor wedding under a large, historic tree in the gardens of Carnton Plantation in Franklin, TN. It was BEAUTIFUL!
The rehearsal was held on Friday night, and despite having to practice under the tents because of a sudden downpour, we had a blast celebrating this joyous occasion. Dinner was held at Mere Bulls in Brentwood where we enjoyed sweet conversation, delicious food, and memorable toasts from family and friends.
Cole and Uncle Kyle
My mom and her friend, Patty House, did a wonderful job on all the decor.
A poem from myself to Kyle that I read at the end of my toast:
Our ages are quite different, But we’re siblings nonetheless
And on this special day I feel a strong, bright tenderness
Together we shared a child’s world, we laughed and disagreed
We shared multiple triumphs and joys, disappointments and many skinned knees.
The older we grew, the stronger the bond between us did become
I was always so proud to call you my brother and share with you our home.
This beautiful moment of wedded bliss with me you already did take
as nine years ago you donned a tux and helped eat OUR wedding cake
From that moment we lived in different homes, had different routines each day
But you were present in my prayers, my love for you never did sway
Now you journey this separate path, marriage to a woman so sweet
A wife to take residence in your heart, her love to cherish and keep
But I know that in our hearts, though love may begin anew
That you’ll still have a place for me and I’ll have one for you.
I’m so thankful for precious memories and for the gift God gave me in you. For having the privilege of not only calling you my brother, but moreover, calling you my friend.
I love you both very much!
Michael, Cole, and I were in the wedding party, so it was a BuSy two days for our family. I must say, I was a bit worried how a three year old would handle all of the festivities and late nights, but Cole was a CHAMP! We've always known that we were blessed with a sweet-spirited, easy-going, fun-loving little boy, but he really impressed us all!
He couldn't wait to wear his wedding attire and absolutely LOVED his ringbearer pillow. I had to sneak it away from him Friday evening at the rehearsal :) The five flower girls gave him tons of attention (which he soaked up being the only boy) and he performed during the ceremony like a pro. Although instead of walking slowly down the aisle with his pillow held neatly in hand, he decided to jog with pillow held out blowing in the breeze. It was quite cute and I believe Uncle Kyle shed a tear as he stood at the altar (which then became a steady stream as his beautiful bride walked towards him - a precious moment indeed).
Isn't she lovely?!?
This is definitely a favorite. Although he looked so big, he's still my little boy.
My mom and dad
Love it!!
After the lovely ceremony, the guests could tour the historic home and dined on appetizers while the bridal party took photos and the reception site was completed. We then enjoyed a dinner buffet and danced the night away.
Kyle's grooms cake was a Nikon camera lens - very cool!
First dance
Mom/Son dance
(I wish for picture sake that Cole still had on his wedding attire, BUT my little man was pouring sweat. 93 degrees and 100% humidity made for a toasty evening :))
Cole LOVED dancing. He stayed on the dance floor the entire evening.
I'm so proud of the man my brother has become and thank the Lord for sending a wonderful woman his way. We love you Kyle and Laura and pray God's blessings on your life together!
Thanks to Ashely Scott, Deanna Gammon, and Kelly Sims for letting me copy a few of their FB photos to use. I took quite a few, but am thankful for others that captured such special moments. Can't wait to see the ones from Paul Johnson Photography!
