Are you sweltering in the summer heat? Well, let me just make you jealous. I’m sitting by a KOA cabin in Boone under a shade tree with a nice cool breeze. No air conditioning, slept with the windows open last night. I talked to my husband and the temperature at our retreat center was 105 about an hour ago.
Although it is hotter than usual here, I’m lovin’ this mountain weather!
Although it is hotter than usual here, I’m lovin’ this mountain weather!
It was not a bad walk at all. Luckily, I had walking shoes (actually sandals) and changed into my dress shoes after reaching the top. Definitely worth the walk. Beautiful views! I'm sure the photographer got some great shots and hope to have some to post soon.
Here's a photo from the top of the summit to the parking lot
Rachel and Al were well prepared and I'm sure their guests appreciated their thoughtfulness.
There were hiking sticks, parasols and hand held fans. And best of all…. plenty of ice cold water.
Al and I discussed some last minute details and I took possession of the marriage license. (a must before the wedding). After meeting with Rachel I headed up the hill to check out the actual location.
A permit was required and the park limited the number of guests. However, additional guests were waiting at the reception site to welcome the newlyweds.
Here’s Rachel’s niece getting ready. Cutest flower girl! She and Eli (Rachel and Al’s son) were pulled in a wagon decorated with flowers.
It’s not everyday you see the groom and best man with hiking sticks!
Thanks to today's technology, we had lovely music playing while we waited for the bride to arrive.
The work and planning was over. It was their day, it was their time. Rachel and Al made promises to each other, promises to last a lifetime.
We passed their wedding rings among the guests so each person could offer their personal blessings and prayers.
And here's the happy family!
After some photos Rachel and Al headed to the La Quinta Inn for their reception. At the Inn they met a lovely couple celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary. This happy couple offered some advice on marriage and challenged Rachel and Al to beat their record.
Since they did not have a first dance at their wedding forty-one years ago, Rachel and Al invited their new friends to join them on the dance floor. After which they shared wedding cake and toasted to many, many years of happiness. A chance meeting, now a wonderful wedding memory!
And from their wedding ceremony:
Marriage is a foundation…a seed of love that grows deeper each day. Because of your love, you will change most remarkably. Allow the changes to flower in you and know that they are leading you to a place where, separately and together, you are becoming more than you were before. For it is love, true love, that is the true gift of marriage.
