Ben and Katelyn's Wedding

 

On August eighth, my brother Ben got married in the Salt Lake City Temple. I was pretty stressed the day before the wedding since the dress I had ordered for the occasion had not arrived to be picked up at the store like I thought it would, and Emma was sick with a bit of a fever. I found myself running around trying to get another dress I could wear late that night and praying the Emma would feel better by the morning.

Fortunately, Emma was better in the morning, and I did get another dress that worked alright. We headed to the temple sealing and all was well...I even got a message that my dress was now ready to pick up...just in time for me to not have it at the wedding. The wedding colors were black, white, and pink. I pretty much hate the color pink, so that left me with the option of finding a black and white dress. Considering the hours I had spent trying to find one I liked and would look nice for a wedding, I was very frustrated I didn't even have it in time for everything.

After the sealing we spent a great deal of time waiting. The temple was extremely crowded that day since it followed a period of closure, so there were lots of couples and wedding parties all over. We grabbed a little corner of shade and tried to stay cool while waiting.

And then the moment came when Ben and Katelyn emerged from the temple.

Austin and Emma were among the first to greet the happy couple.

Next we spent a good deal of time taking pictures/getting our pictures taken.

Then, everyone else did some more waiting while Ben and Katelyn got lots more pictures taken of themselves.

The happy couple getting their picture taken

The rest of us waiting for the pictures to finish and lunch to start

Finally, we were able to eat a very nice lunch in a private room of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

 

After lunch, my parents took Austin and Emma to their house while Nate and I drove north to the store to pick up my dress. With traffic, we barely made it back to Utah County in time for the reception, but at least I got to wear the dress I originally got for the occasion. Then it was time for another round of pictures.

And then we were onto the reception.

It was fun to see a few people from my parents' ward who I haven't seen for a very long time.

 
Of course there was the traditional cutting of the cake, throwing of the bouquet, and finally a sparkler lined send-off.

I am so happy for my brother and my new sister-in-law. I really think I have the best brothers ever. I am so grateful for the excellent relationship I have with them and the rest of my family. I don't feel like I know Katelyn super well yet, but I am looking forward to getting to know her better. One great thing about her that definitely makes me happy: she likes to hike! Hopefully we get to go on some hikes all together soon.