Saturday afternoon Marvin and I were able to celebrate our 25 years with a lovely gathering of family and friends. There were some real similarities to the original gathering 25 years ago in that some of our family weren't able to be with us due to things out of their control AND a big winter storm was heading our way. Just as we were saddened 25 years ago when Marvin's entire family found themselves ice-bound in a hotel somewhere near Paducah, KY (missing the wedding), we were so sorry that Daddy was under the weather and unable to attend the anniversary celebration on Saturday. Mama came for a bit and we took lots of photos and video for Daddy.
The last 25 years seem to have flown by in many ways. When Marvin and I look at photos or think about events over the course of those 25 years, we remember it all so vividly. It truly doesn't seem like that long ago that our boys were young and life was definitely different. Watching those two young men (and dear Brianna) grow and live their lives so well not only brings us great joy, but reminds us that seasons change and that is a good thing. We are firmly in the 'old folks side of the pool' but we have no regrets. Life has been so good and we are so very thankful.
The reception on Saturday was absolutely lovely. The weather was crazy nice (which made it hard for many of the fellas to bear being in a church basement instead of outside enjoying perhaps the last nice day of winter). :) The big winter storm held off until the following day so we didn't have to worry about people out on the roads for the party. We enjoyed special time visiting with family and friends and I especially appreciated their gracious response to being held captive to viewing my 22 minute video dedicated to Marvin. :) Good friends, all!
Jackson, Brianna, and Matthew performed a few songs that are near and dear to our hearts. I flat out ugly cried during the duet of Brianna and Matthew singing 'Battle Hymn of Love'. :) Two of the songs they performed were songs we had wanted in our wedding, but that didn't work out. I think now that it was meant to be so that they could perform them for this celebration 25 years later. It was just perfect.
Below are several photos from the day, but I will post the complete set of photos in this album for those who want to see them. https://www.flickr.com/photos/williscreekranch/albums/72157673961214537
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| Laura and Marvin |
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| We were so surprised and honored by Rep. Nate Walker's House Resolution. |
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| It has always been Daddy who gets these! :D |
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| Brianna and Shonda did a wonderful job of decorating! |
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| Love these two so much! Brianna and Shonda. |
Most of the group photos are in the online album at this link...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/williscreekranch/albums/72157673961214537
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| 'the kids' - Melina, Jonathan, Matthew, Anna, Brianna, Jackson |
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| Matthew, Brianna, and Jackson performing a few songs for us. |
Here they are singing those three songs...
Brianna sings 'All I Have' by Beth Neilsen Chapman
Brianna and Matthew sing 'Battle Hymn of Love' by Kathy Mattea and Tim O'Brien
Brianna sings a bonus song for me - 'I'd Choose You Again' by The Forester Sisters
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| Craig, Mary, Laura and Marvin. Craig was our wonderful photographer 25 years ago! :) |
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| Jonathan and dear Betty J. |
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| Jeremy, Shonda, Karen, Gail, Laura, Marvin |
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| We took the House Resolution out to show Daddy before we went out to dinner. |
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| Mama was reading it out loud. |
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| Wonderful group at dinner at the lake. f.r. Brianna, Jackson, Laura, Marvin, Jonathan b.r. Jeremy, Shonda, Scott, Anne, Matt, Brenda, Matthew, Anna, Melina, Julie |
Here is a brief video of snippets from our wedding. I made this a few years ago but it seems fitting to add it to this post. There is a cute moment starting at 1:43 when Rachel and Hannah realized they couldn't get past the train of my wedding dress to go back to their seats. That was different than it had been in rehearsal with no dress! So they waited quietly for Grandpa to pick them up. I had no idea what was going on - I just knew it was taking awhile and people were chuckling. :D Also, at 3:40 you can hear Candace and Julie perform 'Amazing Grace'. Beautiful.
And finally, below is the video I made for Marvin this year. Believe it or not, I used the delete key quite liberally and got it pared down to 'just' 22 minutes. But I suppose covering 25 years of a wonderful life in 22 minutes is pretty good, overall. :)
The music you hear in the background is music we played as guests were being seated before the wedding. The first song is entitled 'The Family' and is by Randy Newman. It was part of the soundtrack of the movie Avalon by Barry Levinson. You probably don't know that movie (unless I have made you watch it!) but it is a long time favorite. Even though the music sounds a bit melancholy, it was our choice of music to play as family members were being seated before the wedding. Looking back now, 25 years later, I still agree with this decision; perhaps moreso. There IS melancholy in 25 years of life, even the best life. We feel joy so strongly because we also know sadness. Bitter and the sweet. Life is good.
Songs you hear in the video...
The Family - Randy Newman from soundtrack of movie Avalon
Come Rain or Come Shine - Bette Midler from soundtrack of movie For the Boys
Some of That True Love - Shelby Lynne
When You Wish Upon A Star - Linda Ronstadt
Fly Me to the Moon - Danny Aiello from soundtrack of movie Once Around
Glory of Love - Danny Aiello from soundtrack of movie Once Around
Battle Hymn of Love - Kathy Mattea and Tim O'Brien
