Hayley and Troy - December 22, 2009

I don't know how to sum up such a beautiful, emotional and exciting day in one post. It was my birthday and 8th anniversary, but I didn't really think too much about that. I was too excited to be re-living it.

My beautiful little sister, Hayley, got sealed in the same temple on the same day - just 8 years later. It was SO incredible to watch her kneel at the alter and marry the man of her dreams. I have become far more emotional with every baby I have and I was moved to tears to hear the blessings they were receiving. I remembered the same overwhelming feeling when I was a bride and as I sat there, I felt so lucky - so BLESSED to have the incredible husband I have. I can't help but be excited to know that Hayley is now joining the "marrieds" club of our family and know that she married such a wonderful man to take her journey with.

I felt SO honored to be called into the brides room (where I had been just 8 years previous) and help tighten her dress laces (it was just like Gone with the Wind while she held on tight while we pulled in the stays), tidy her make-up, put on her shoes and carry her bags. It was SO much fun to be in there with my mom, and my sisters (Alanna and Hayley). The married ladies got to have a little moment there in the Brides Room and there was a very strong special feeling. Alanna and I got to announce to everyone that the beautiful bride was coming.

It was quite cold outside (-12ish), but I was so excited running around and taking pictures (you remember that I had my sister-in-laws camera :) ) that I didn't even put a coat on for almost an hour. Besides, if it wasn't cold, we wouldn't have the incredible trees that were frost covered. It was INCREDIBLY beautiful!






There is something SO incredible about being at the temple with all your extended family and seeing it grow with all the new additions through marriage. It was a tender moment for me and I know I won't forget it.

Of course, I'll also never forget my beautiful little girls. They were princesses in every form of the word. They LOVED being flower girls. They didn't enjoy being outside quite as much as I would've liked, but they were tough about it and loved being by a BRIDE!!

The family dinner and reception both had great food (Vinnie Jensen - you just can't go wrong) and great entertainment. As you walked into the reception you couldn't help but be WOWED. It had the false ceiling, the backdrops, the lights, the ambiance.

We got to work the day before the wedding setting this all up, but my mom had every detail nailed down. She had worked for months pulling this together and - like my sister-in-law, Erin said, "No one throws a party like your mom." It was PERFECT! (except for the first dance because I forgot to bring the song - sorry Mom)

The emcee was the best looking guy I've ever seen. He did a WONDERFUL job. I got SO many compliments on his voice, his sense of humor and his presence. He sung, spake and entertained WONDERFULLY. Of course, when he sang "Always" by Irving Berlin, I was to the point of tears. He also sang this at our wedding and at my sister, Alanna's wedding too. It was sung at my parents and at my grandparents. My Grandparents wedding was where this tradition was started. After they were married, every one stood up and sang it impromptu as they left. It's like one of those scenes in a musical that you think is too perfect to be in real life. From then on, it became a tradition. It is an incredibly special song to our family and having Jarett sing it made it so much better!

Mom had changed the words to a few Oklahoma! songs and it was hilarious. We had some friends sing "You are Love" from Show Boat (if you don't know this song, you need to) and I even joined in for a couple songs (in between Saryn throwing up in the hallway - thank you to Erin and Trevor for cleaning THAT up).

The dancing was SO much fun. Jarett and I had put together the dance mix and there was an awesome time had by all! Hayley and Troy cut the cake and left for the airport after the reception and then to Mexico for a week. It was fun to have them around for a little while around New Years. I hope they have an incredible married life, they adjust well and they know how much they are loved. Congratulations you guys! It was an honor to share my day with you!!







































































































































































































































PS - I apologize for the picture overload, but since I narrowed it down from 900 or so, consider yourself blessed...