A Door County Wedding

Weddings are beautiful. I love to watch people surrounded by their family and friends promising to love each other forever. I have been to a lot of weddings in the past ten years, and I appreciate how each of them has been unique and reflected the people that were betrothing their love. Last weekend was no exception. We were in Door County, Wisconsin for the marriage celebration of our dear friends, Mark and Carri, and it was spectacular.

The day started out warmer than I had hoped for, but it was overcast.

However, by the time the wedding was to begin, the clouds had fled and the sun was beaming on us all.

The laid back bride and groom had assured all of us that we could wear whatever we pleased, but most guests dressed semi formally. Douglas chose to wear pants and a button up shirt. There were guests at the wedding that had never seen him in anything but shorts. He did wear his toe shoes, though.

Even little Mason dressed to the nines in his little bow tie to coordinate with his uncle, the groom. He took the ceremony very seriously.

The wedding was held in Peninsula State Park. Green Bay was a stunning backdrop for the ceremony.

The woods were teeming with trillium.

Everyone gathered at the overlook. Even a few people that just happened to be passing by were invited to attend. They did!

The families were right up front.

Michael, the officiant/brother of the groom reviewed his speech.

Many admired the baby in his finery.

The groom “collected his thoughts” while appreciating the scenery. At least, that is what we will say he was doing.

As the time of the ceremony approached, the groom grew more nervous. He asked, “Is that her?” at every car that passed.

Finally, the lady of the hour arrived, and the wedding was set to begin. The daughter of the bride and the daughter of the groom were the maid of honor and best woman.

The bride was glowing as brides are wont to do.

Michael did a splendid job as officiant. To be honest, we were not sure what to expect from him, but his words were meaningful and sincere.

At one point, he asked the bride and groom to turn and survey the crowd of friends that had gathered to witness their special day. He told them to soak up the moment and engrave it in their memories. When they turned back around they found that he had donned a robe and mitre, complete with a picture of “saint” Vince Lombardi. If you had any doubt, the groom and his family are Packer’s fans. Luckily, Carri has a great sense of humor.

Despite a brief pause while the rings were gathered from the car, the wedding flew by. Mark and Carri were a beautiful couple.

Have you ever seen such a happy bride and groom? (Besides Douglas and me, I mean.)

The reception was held at the Waterfront in Sister Bay. We could not have asked for a better view.

The bride and groom said a few words and then the daughters toasted their parents.

Besides the killer view, the reception included laughter, good food and fine company. As the sun went down, the party drew to a close.

Douglas judged that you could tell the success of the party by the glut of bottles in the recycling bin.

From there we went back to the hotel for the after party, but no pictures were taken there, at least not by us.

Thank you, Mark and Carri, for including us on your special day. It was amazing!

Happy Homemaking!