Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Ahtila!

So it has taken me a while to find the time to write this but I definitely feel the need to write a few words about their day of celebration.  Over Labor Day weekend we made a whirlwind trip up to Kzoo to be a part of Siera and Jeremy's wedding celebration.  I was able to get up their on Friday to be a small part of the set up, join in the rehearsal, have fun out for Chinese for the rehearsal dinner, and then spend a small amount of quality time with Si on her last night as a single lady.  Though the time went by fast and, as always, I wish I could have spent more time hanging out with her, it was still great to be a part of all the events leading up to the wedding.

Then on Saturday morning I got up at the crack of dawn to get myself ready so that I could get to the church by 8 in order to be a part of all of Siera's preparations for the day.  I think this is when it finally became real what was going on.  Siera is one of my dearest friends and to be quite honest I have always thought of her as not only a friend, but as the little sister I never had.  After all the many late nights and long conversations we had had about relationships and our futures, her life with her "honey" (which was definitely weird for me to hear her call someone for the first time), the man of her dreams (who crazily enough she reconnected with after not having seen since sophomore year of high school) was actually beginning.  She looked so beautiful and it was super cute to see all her excitement leading up to her wedding ceremony.

Getting ready, isn't she purdy?

Pre-wedding photo shoot

Their ceremony was definitely characteristic of Siera and it was neat to see her love for God and Jeremy woven throughout the day.  I am definitely not someone who cries often, and definitely not at weddings, but there were definitely points where I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to hold it in.  When Jay was singing "God Gave Me You" I was definitely staring at the ceiling a lot because I couldn't look at Siera or at Jay without getting caught up in the emotions of the moment.  My "little sister" was finally getting married and it was really happening!

The bridesmaids...I feel like I look like a giant!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Ahtila!

One other neat thing about the celebrations of the day that needs to be mentioned is that it was great to see people that I hadn't seen in a while like the Kandels, Ashley Carter, and Jessica Weakley Hurst.  That is one of my favorite things about weddings because they always serve as a reunion of sorts and it was great to get a chance, even if only brief, to catch up with old friends.

First dance, so precious!

We got to get out pic with the lovely new couple. :-)

I love you Si and I look forward to getting to know your new husband and stepson.  I will be praying for you as you begin this amazing journey and never forget I am always a phone call away.  Congrats Siera Ann Ahtila! (and Jeremy too!)

Just had to include this one for old time's sake....love you Si!