Ryan and Valerie Reep!

This past weekend we had the opportunity to go up to PA and join in celebrating Ryan and Valerie's wedding.  It was about an 11hr drive so not exactly your ideal weekend trip but it was definitely worth it.  We drove up Friday as soon as Ben could get off from work and finally arrived at Amish Lanterns Motel at 12:45am.  Let's just say we were a little pooped and I don't think I have been up that late since I have been pregnant so it was a bit of an experience.  Our hotel was pretty cute, nothing fancy, but we were definitely out in the middle of nowhere in Amish country.  The dogs thoroughly enjoyed barking at EVERY horse and buggy that went by (and there were quite a few).

On Saturday we were thankfully able to sleep in some and then we went out to lunch with our good friend from college, Valerie (not the one getting married), who also happens to live in the Lancaster area where the wedding was.  It was really super nice to get a chance to see her and catch up a bit.  We hadn't seen her in over a year I think.  But hopefully we will have another good excuse to see her again soon. :-)

Saturday afternoon was wedding time.  It was a gorgeous wedding.  They put so much thought into every detail of the service and the reception.  It was awesome to see how they wove their faith throughout the day and demonstrated that they truly plan to make God the center of their marriage.  They had both dad's speak at the wedding, giving excellent godly advice.  Then at the reception, it was really neat because toward the end they had everyone get in a circle out on the dance floor and they passed the microphone around so that everyone could say what they wanted about the couple and offer congrats/well-wishes/advice.  It was super neat to see how many people they have already impacted as individuals and as a couple and to hear how God has worked through them to bless so many people.  And we are super excited because we are going to be incredibly blessed to have them down in SC with us for the first few years of their marriage.  We look forward to seeing how God continues to use such an amazing couple for his glory.  And I am looking forward to getting to know Valerie even better since she will finally be joining us in SC! So far most of what I know about her has simply been through Ryan and the very few times we have interacted.  Congrats to the new Reep family!  Here are a few pics from the celebration:

Beautiful Val and her daddy

Exchanging of vows

Attempted to get picture of the kiss, but then the bridal party started blowing party horns and this is the result.

Toward the end of the night, started to get pretty tired, but wanted a pic of us dressed up

Picture with the newlyweds, but unfortunately my eyes ended up closed, oh well!