In Oklahoma, Pawnee, about 45 miles west of Tulsa, would typically be referred to as “the plains ”. Of course, when you plan an outdoor wedding, the number one question is, “Will the weather cooperate?” With many prayers, the day was cloudy, but no rain and just a tad chilly. Thankfully, it wasn’t 40°, which happened a few days later!
Friday, the evening before the wedding and rehearsal, was another story - rain all day, the road to the wedding site was all mud, so we had a sweet rehearsal inside. After a dinner of grilled burgers, our son, David, managed to get a few good, colorful, celebratory fireworks into the moist air.
Saturday was a very busy day, since none of the set-up outside could be done the previous day. The nice, white chairs were covered with mud and had to be cleaned, but by wedding time, you would hardly know it had rained the previous day. Grandmothers and moms were seated, the bridesmaids took their place, and Hal shed a few tears waiting to give our second daughter away. What a joy to escort Kristi Elisabeth down the aisle to begin a new chapter in her life.
The ceremony went off beautifully, and she became Mrs. Joseph Taylor. Everyone followed into the reception hall, the living room of the home Joey built for them on their land. Canning jars, wrapped in burlap and ribbon, were ready for everyone to fill with old-fashioned candy. Pictures were taken, cake was cut, bouquet and garter tossed. Hal’s most memorable part was the “Daddy-Daughter Dance” to the country song, “I Loved Her First”. Holding the tears back, the moment was all Kristi and Hal dreamed it would be.
Please be praying for Joey and Kristi as they begin their marriage.
