SarahLovesDerekJo: 09.01.12.

The Details

My bouquet, embellished with the locket and watch that belonged to my mother's Grandma Jones. (My something old.) There was a picture of my Grandpa Bob and Great Grandma Minnie inside of the locket.

My garter -- 'something blue'.

Our wedding favors: Blackberry and Clover Honey and Home-made peach jam.

Thanks mom and Grandma Betty for making the delicious jam!

Getting Ready

The Guys

The Girls

The Ceremony

Maddux was in charge of getting the group down the aisle.

William took his assignment of carrying the sign very seriously!

Lucy and Madeleine giggled all the way down the aisle.

I couldn't see them from where I was at, but I could definitely hear them!

My groom, grinning from ear to ear as I walked in the room.

The picture above was taken during "The Hands Ceremony":

Sarah, please face Derek and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day as he promises to love you all the days of his life. These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you. These are the hands that look so large and clumsy, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time. These are the hands that will love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love for you.

Derek, please hold Sarah's hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life. These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurts, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it's time to let go. These are the hands that will massage tension from your neck and back in the evenings, after a long hard day. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

Dear Father, bless the hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace and rich in caring. May Sarah and Derek see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. Amen.