A large sigh of relief came out of me the Sunday after last, upon returning from our overnight in a hotel following our daughter’s wedding.

The whole event went very well. Though it was hot outside at about 80 degrees, no rain poured down from the skies. Our daughter looked beautiful and everyone was happy to be there to celebrate the love between our daughter and son-in-law.

Highlights:

Seeing the groomsmen volunteer to help get Mr. NOA’s parents out of their vehicle and into their seats in the front row, then helping them up and into the vehicle when the ceremony was over. Our son-in-law danced a bit with my MIL to “Everlasting Love” as it blasted from the speakers before she was helped into the vehicle to head to the reception. I would love for someone to have caught that on video, but regardless it will remain a cherished memory for all of us who witnessed it.

My daughter pulling out her vows (turns out wedding dresses have pockets these days!) that she had, the day prior, typed up and printed at our house, and reading them aloud to her beloved for all to hear got me teared up. My son-in-law tossing the box the wedding rings came in into the woods behind the officiant felt really special to me. It was a gesture that symbolized him being done for good with his bachelor era and committing to forever with our daughter.

Our 12-year-old grandson spontaneously saying “I love you, Grandma” as the two of us were taking apart the photo backdrop at the end of the reception warmed my heart so much. Watching him run around, dancing and playing with the other kids (including his best friend) at the reception made my heart happy. Knowing how much this kid has gone through in his young life on account of his bio dad and seeing him being authentically happy and carefree is just everything to me. I’m so looking forward to the fun we’re going to have with him this summer here in Minnesconsin.

And that baby. He hardly fussed the entire time. He had his two other grandmas, along with me, a groomsman, two of my girlfriends and more cuddling him throughout the entire event. When we got to the hotel when the night was over, it was a simple “here’s your bottle kiddo” and before I knew it he was out like a light. Waking up next to an almost one-year-old in the morning is quite the delight, I discovered. Sing-songy, studying and playing with my hand and trying to put his hand in my mouth was how we started that morning.

Witnessing the beaming couple take to the dance floor as if they were truly the only two people in the room. Or on the planet really. So sweet and romantic.

Not that the whole day didn’t have a few snafus here and there. Like when I lost my footing while carrying the baby and not so gingerly plopped him in his wagon, leading him to cry as the first of the wedding party began their descent towards the alter.

Or when some of the guests overserved themselves at the bar and created a bit of a ruckus, spouting off their unsolicited opinions and being generally obnoxious. Not that any of that isn’t to be expected at a family wedding though, right?

It was perfectly imperfect.

At the risk of sounding unoriginal or like a cliche, I’d say that our daughter’s wedding was a beautiful example of “framily”. The blending of biological and non-biological family members and friends. All to witness the beginning of a marriage between soulmates. A day that we will all remember with fondness and love.

I have great hopes that this event is just the first of many spent with our new extended “framily”.

A few pics from this monumental day:

Now to share a gorgeous collaboration between Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees and Brandi Carlile. I recommend you turn up the volume and just marinate in this beauty.