Winston's Wedding, part 1

The wedding weekend has come and gone and it was so much fun!  I had a ton of extra hours at work that I had to use before the end of June so I left town early with Kathy to serve as an extra set of hands.  We were loaded down with tons of stuff so I'm glad I was able to tag along and help.

On Thursday night we attended a gourmet backyard bbq that was complete with an authentic country band and Omish country cooking.  The home and backyard were beautiful and really helped to set the tone for the rest of the wedding weekend.  I had the chance to meet some of Maddie's bridesmaid's and visit with some of her family.  The evening turned out to be perfect, not too hot and a good breeze.  No pictures of people, but that's okay!

The next morning as everyone began to trickle into town, the girls headed off to a Bridal Luncheon honoring Maddie and her bridal party.  The hostesses again totally outdid themselves.  It was a poolside brunch that was set in a beautiful home with a picturesque backyard.  Sadly, no pictures were taken at that event either.  Sorry!!! 

Friday evening came quickly and we were all ready for the rehearsal and the dinner.  We took a bunch of pics before the rehearsal with the newest Allen/Menge crew.  It's fun to see how much this family is growing!!!

 Grayson, me, Thurston, Madalyn, Winston, Maddie, Natalee and Dax (Charlotte was at the hotel sleeping)

Here is a pic of the Reidy and the Allen girls. 

Me, Madalyn, Meghan (Maddie's youngest sister who is planning to attend TCU this fall! Go Frogs!), Maddie, Natalee and Colleen (Maddie's middle sister who attends Notre Dame)

Natalee and Dax got a night out together.  Charlotte met them at dinner and looked as cute as ever.

I'm not sure I've ever been to a funnier rehearsal.  I'm thankful that Maddie and Winston provided some comic relief with practicing their vows etc ... 

The head table flower arrangements and namecards.  I had such a fun time helping Kathy figure out where everyone would sit, how the tables would be arranged and talking through the ideas she had for the arrangements.  It made me realize how much I love planning weddings ... who knows maybe that will be my calling one day?

Winston and Maddie 

Mark and Madalyn were both able to make it.  They have both been in San Antonio for the past few months, Madalyn for work and Mark for basic training.  He graduated on Friday of the rehearsal and drove into town in just enough time for dinner.  We have missed them both since they have been so far away, but we are glad to have them back in town finally!  We're looking forward to spending a lot more time with them now that they are closer.

Winston's speech that was heartfelt and funny.  As with any rehearsal dinner, it was so fun to hear all of the great stories that friends and family shared about the couple.  It helped us get to know them both a little better and to catch a glimpse into what their lives together may look like.  The night ended with us making "rock star" hats for the wedding the following evening and me and Grayson getting a chance to hang out with some of the groomsmen and their wives.  We had way too much and definitely set the tone for how the wedding would go the next evening.