Almost a DeZorzi...

So, it's been awhile since I've posted.  

Major computer issues and I haven't been able to download photos from my 'Big Girl' camera...  

I have 6 months of photos to download now that I'm up and running again.  

Although, there probably aren't many photos...

when you know you can't download them, it decreases the incentive to take them. ;)

Let's play 'catch-up'!  Pretend it's a beautiful spring day...

and you've driven to Iowa to CeLeBrAtE your niece's wedding

It may start a little something like this:

You drive up to the house the morning of the rehearsal and see this...

Her Grandfather and Brother-in-Law trimming Apple Blossom branches for the reception tables.

 

I see the hands of a grandfather who have held his grandchildren, taught them how to garden, 

made them beautiful things out of wood, cheered them on at their activities and 

prayed for each of their lives and probably about the day ahead for his granddaughter.

 

 I also see the brother-in-law who has spent the last year fighting for his life...

and I'm so overjoyed to see his energy for the weekend...

that he was healthy enough to be here for the festivities!!  

Praising God for ALL that He has done!

These two worked until her Dad's truck was full to overflowing with Apple Blossoms!

And they were Beautiful!!

 I was summoned into the house to help her Grandma with the wedding dress...

I love this picture...Grandma's hands that held and rocked her grandchildren, 

made them things when they were little, taught them how to cook and 

bake those things that were special to her,

 were helping to make sure the dress was just right for her Big Day and 

had spent years praying for all her grandchildren and especially for this weekend.

 God's timing was perfect this spring!

The Apple Blossom's were just right for adding the perfect touches at the reception!

 Many family and friends gathered to make this wedding weekend special...

Grandma using her wonderful floral arranging skills to 

make each vase of blossoms just right for the tables.  

Another Grandma who made things for her Grandchilden, 

ocked them and read them books, passed on her special recipes to them all and 

has spent hours traveling and sitting at many performances and activities for each of them...

what a blessing to be surrounded by family on special occasions like these!!

 With all the hands and planning...

things were starting to take shape in no time!

 Boxes...lovingly made by her Dad and flowers arranged by friends...

it takes a village to put on a wedding!

 And when we each use our gifts and talents...

it all comes together!

And it's fun...

 especially when it's for such a good cause!

The Celebrating of Two lives becoming One!

 You can't go wrong with Iowa Popcorn Company popcorn!!

Two bags might be enough.  :)

Simple, elegant, beautiful...

 The beauty of a blossom!

 Mom...smiling...not stressed because she isn't able to use her hands to put on those final touches...because she knows that God has surrounded her with family and friends who are willing to step up and help her out.  They were organized and as ready as they could be before the unfortunate accident.  Once again, God was Good and took care of the details.  

What a beautiful lesson on trusting and having faith...He cares about it all for us...

the big and the little things in our lives...

we only have to give it ALL to Him.

 Beautiful Bride-to-be...fine tuning the details of her reception.

A girl who has grown into a beautiful young woman inside and out.

She is loving, kind, gentle and her heart is even bigger than her smile.

It's no wonder she captured Chris' heart!

 Someone may have forgotten their reading glasses?

Uncle Randy did a great job setting the places at the head tables...

 ...he also had the safer job!  

Some of the other guys were outside setting up the lights.

Place cards done by Morgan.

Each one individual and unique!

 

 Another Grandpa...using his hands...

hands that have taken more photos and videos 

than we can count at family events, sporting events, dance recitals, 

cheered them all on at said events, given tractor rides, shown them what wheat looks like, 

and used them to tell stories to pass on the family history.

Capturing the details of setting up for the party...

 and even sneaking in a few photos!

These three were cracking me up!!

I'm not sure they are 'level'...

It's almost ready...

all we need are the people, the bride & groom and another 24 hours!

We moved on to the church...

a church that she has grown up in.

Where she worshiped with her family, met her friends for youth group, 

learned how much God loved her, was prayed for by more than she will probably ever know

and where she will meet the man of her dreams at the altar in less than 24 hours...

Where her life will be forever transformed...she will be a wife...joined to a man that her parents, grandparents, family and friends have prayed for... for many years.

 They are all in their places with bright, shiny faces...

sorry, I couldn't resist.  :)

 Practicing the hand-off...

the hardest part of any wedding day for the Father-of-the-Bride,

am I right?

 Our little ring bearer grandson...listening to his directions.

Best ring bearer around!

(I may be a tad bit biased...just a tad!)

 Mom & Dad...taking it all in.

The day is almost here...all of the hard work, sleepless nights, going to volleyball games, tennis matches, dance recitals, teaching lessons about life, driving her to friends' homes, practices, driving lessons, teaching her to how to live like Jesus, love others, give back to her community and praying for every aspect of her life...it's all been worth it.

She has grown into a woman filled to over-flowing with JOY!

So much Joy...that she can't contain it!

Her smile is infectious...and her joy overflowed all weekend!

 Okay folks, let's run through it one more time!

 Escorting the grandparents...

 Chris escorting his Mom and Dad...

He's a handsome man and his heart is as big as Morgan's.

I know that he will love and care for her forever.

He will be there to make her laugh, wipe her tears, work hard to provide for their family and 

care for all those he comes in contact with in his profession.  

The world is gaining a wonderful doctor and 

Morgan is gaining the Husband that God has hand-picked for her since the beginning of time.

It's no wonder that their joy was over-flowing all weekend!

Hugs from parents are extra special and hugs from our kids...

well, we can never get enough!

 And of course, what Grandma can resist taking a pic of her hubby holding their granddaughter?

 I got this!

Let the procession of friends and family begin...

Friends and siblings that have been there for a lifetime of growth.

Laughter, tears, secrets, wins, losses...they've seen it all.

Those who have also helped to shape them into the man and woman that they are today and 

are willing to stand up with them as they say their 'I Do's' and 

support them in their marriage to each other.  

Friends who will be with them as they 'do life' together.

 How cute are they?

 Practice makes perfect...

 Dad...giving last minute directions?

Words of advice?

I promise not to step on your dress...

 Watching the Wedding Video...

seeing snippets of their lives go by in less than 5 minutes...

I can never hold back the tears.  So much represented in all those photos.

 Last minute directions for the ring bearer...

'H-A-Y-D-E-N, got it?'

He took his job very seriously...

he wanted to know every detail.

 Nene got in her baby time!

 I loved this cross in place of the unity candles!

Lovingly made by the bride's Father...

here is what it says:

The oak cross represents Chris - deep veins of color grown

 strong to withstand the storms of life and support Morgan.

The walnut cross represents Morgan - beautiful, dark, rich

and strong with desired external and internal qualities.

Two individual crosses representing Chris and Morgan

joined together with Christ in their marriage.

 This kid cracked me up...he was drawn to her all weekend!

I wonder if he knew her secret?  Hmmm...

On to Biaggi's for the rehearsal dinner!!

Mother of the Bride with her parents...

how Blessed is Morgan to have both sets of her grandparents 

able to join in the festivities of the weekend?!

So excited to capture these special moments in time!

Lifelong friends!  Well most of their lives I think...

these girls shine inside and out!

Their parents have done well...

 These girls!  What joy they bring to my heart!

Cousins and friends...it doesn't get any better!

 Last minute advice?

A Pastor who has guided and counseled...

ready to join them in marriage tomorrow!

Aunt Rita getting her baby time too!

Who can resist this little girl?

Not this Gramma!!

 Not only were they celebrating the upcoming wedding...

but it was the groom's brother's birthday!

Let them Eat Cake!

 Dad and daughter!

We were only missing two of the boy cousins on our side of the family...

sad that they had to miss out on the festivities!!

These two make the cutest couple!

The love that they have for each other is evident...

Bring on the Wedding Day!!