What a weekend!

Amber and Justin's wedding was this past Friday. There are already ten million pictures on facebook, so I won't rehash them here:-) Just a few to recap the details...

They got married at Princeton Church. I would describe it as quaint. A large crystal chandelier hangs above the center aisle, with stained glass windows surrounding the sanctuary. Wooden beams give it the appearance of a much older church. Absolutely stunning.

Rehearsal was Thursday, and I started feeling like I was coming down with the flu. I took a bunch of medicine and went to bed around 10pm to try and ward off illness. Friday morning, the full-fledged flu hit. It was so unfortunate to wake up the morning of my brother's wedding and feel so sick.

Thankfully, around 2pm, I started feeling better. Praise God! Who would have wanted to miss this special day?

These are two of my favorite pictures of Amber and Justin.

Amber and I had talked about it before, "Whatever happens with the kids, happens." You never know how kids are going to do, and there is no pushing a two year-old down the aisle if he does not want to go.

There is one thing Brycer loves more than life itself, and that is his pacifier. Lately, he only gets it at bedtime.

I admit, I bribed him. He stood at the end of the aisle looking at me, and I dangled that pacifier. I have never seen that kid come so quick. A huge smile on his face, he was grabbing for the pacifier before he even got to the end of the pews.

My in-laws were such a huge help. Not only did they do all the flowers (for free), they also did the music AND watched my kids. The flowers were gorgeous, and they went so far beyond what I could have imagined. So perfect.

I realized, all over again, how much I love Josh. From supporting me through my illness and caring for me all day, to taking the kids countless times (without complaining) over the past year while helping Amber plan this, I know Josh is the best there is.

I think back on my own wedding day, and realize it was the day I loved him the least. I am so glad our love has grown over the past ten years, and can say I love him so much more now than on our own wedding day.

One of the best surprises of the day is Justin's wedding ring. When my Grandpa Vander Ploeg died, he left this ring to my dad. My dad then left it to Nathan.

Anyone that knows our family knows how special my Grandpa is to all of us. It was a touching and tender moment when Amber put the ring on Justin and he realized it was my Grandpa's ring--I am so glad I had a front row seat to see his reaction. What a sacrifice, Nate, to give up such a special memento to make your brother happy.

Supportive and selfless. That is how I would describe these two. We are blessed to have parents that love us more than themselves. What a great example of love we have to look at. Not only do they love us kids, they love each other still after 34 years.

They paid for all of our attire, the bachelor party, food, shoes for the kids, my hair and make-up, donuts, suspenders, plane tickets, the list seriously goes on and on....my mom and dad saved us a ton of money because they cared so much about it not being a burden for us financially. They went above and beyond to make this wedding day special for Amber and Justin and also our family.

To have the example of selfless love, set by my parents, is a gift in itself.

My other brother, Nate, rented this sweet limo. We did not know how long we would have in it, depending on time. We rode through downtown GR, and it was a blast having a few minutes alone with the bride and groom (and bridal party) before the reception. Kayden and Bryce loved the ride.

During the reception, I was asked to give a speech, so I will share those sentiments here as well. I am thrilled that my brother has found someone that I can call my sister. I love Amber and am so glad she is a part of the VanderPloeg family!