Mariah got married this week!!!

So, we spent the week getting ready. We had done a lot already. All that was left was really for Mariah to pack up her things and move them to her new apartment. Savannah, Beth, Ben, Kevin, and I went with Mariah on Tuesday evening to see her new place and help her carry in the last of her things. 

Thursday was a busier day as Megan and Sarah gave Mariah a bridal shower in the afternoon, and her friend, Karlee, gave her a bachelorette party in the evening! The bridal shower was super cute with bee-themed decorations, yummy food, and a "how well do you know Mariah?" game. (I won.) That evening, Ben, Kevin, and I helped get tables and chairs set up for the next day but we hear the bachelorette party was great fun--talking, painting tote bags, and taking Mariah to the store for some lingerie shopping.

Friday was the BIG DAY! First thing in the morning, I took Mariah to get her hair and makeup done. Bethany did her nails the night before and they looked super cute! Then we were off to the temple in Manti!

My mom and I got ready, too!

So many friends and family came to the temple! It wass such a beautiful experience and it was lovely to have the support of so many! I really felt heaven so close and the promise of eternity. I think everyone did. Kolby and Mariah were glowing with happiness! We cheered as they came out together!

We left Mariah and Kolby at the temple with their photographer and the rest of us went back to decorate for the parties! First we had a dinner for the family and wedding party which was brisket and potatoes and salad and little strawberry shortcakes. So yummy! While eating, we had toasts to the bride and groom and then Mariah got the microphone to tell us all their courtship story which we all loved! 

While we switched from dinner to reception, we took wedding party pictures and before we knew it, guests were arriving for the reception. We had such a great turnout! So many people came to congratulate the happy couple! McKay had music and did some live performances which was great! For food we had snow cones, doughnuts, sushi, and cotton candy. We ended the line and had cake cutting, bouquet toss, and dancing. Mariah and Kevin cried all through the daddy-daughter dance! Everything was just special and wonderful.

We felt the support of Cali and Chey all the way from Taiwan!

McKay organized the men for a line dance!

Finally it was time for the send-off! We all got in place and Mariah changed. Then we blew bubbles and waved ribbons and cheered as they got in their decorated car! It was great fun.

They flew to Hawaii the next day for their honeymoon. The rest of us collapsed in an exhausted heap. Ha ha! We did have a good time the next day talking and visiting with family that had come from out of town while we rested up. So grateful for everyone who came and for all the amazing working-together that makes a wedding happen. It was a banner day!