A Wedding Tradition

So, with one wedding a year for the last two years (Derrald and I, June 2010; Brendan and Amy, Sept 2011) we've had the best time seeing friends from far flung locations gather together in spectacular locations (Danville, CA; Perham, MN) to celebrate with us.  We've had so much fun that we're seriously ready to make this event a yearly thing and this has created some disturbance among the clans as we all whisper (not always so quietly) "who's next?!" So for those of you thinking about getting married, do it, and for those of you who aren't, check out these pictures, and try telling me you aren't thinking about it now! Haha.

Perham, MN. (pronounced "perm")

How gorgeous is Autumn in a place where the trees change color? We had perfect weather for the whole week and we watched as the leaves went from green to red all in the one week we were there!

Beautiful.

We could have sat here all day just looking at the trees... but we had a wedding to get to...

All the ladies met at the Hammer's house to help Amy get dressed and then finish dolling ourselves up ready for the arrival of Brendan (and the menfolk), before the commencement of the professional "posed" photos. Our personal photographer was my cousin Natasha, who did an amazing job photographing the photograph sessions, as well as the rest of our candid shots.

I adore this photo. Amy rushed to the window when she heard Brendan was arriving and tried to sneak a peak without him knowing.

Brendan and Amy shared a beautiful moment when they had Brendan stand outside facing the lake and then turn around to reveal his blushing bride. Their "first look" was a special moment just for them and allowed us to begin the photo fun. Did I mention I've never seen Derrald in a tux before? It was all I could do not to join Amy at the window to get my very own sneak peak! 

Nothing like a few posed photographs... between a man and his best man.

I guess you never really grow up when it comes to being kissed by your sisters!! Eww. Gross! Haha.

Our family is growing... what a good looking bunch.

Um, colors! How beautiful are they? The Hammers family is also growing.

The ceremony was held lakeside, in the backyard of the Hammer's lake house. It was stunning. As was the bride.

One smiling bride and one father of the bride, in sunglasses.

Before taking our seats I turned to my Mother and my sister and said "do you need tissues? tell me right now if you do because I've only got two and there's no going back once we're out there" I was mostly joking. I certainly didn't think I'd be using them. I didn't even cry at my own wedding. However, for some reason, when the music played and I saw my little brother standing with the love of his life in one of the most picturesque settings ever, I turned into a sniveling, hiccuping, blubbering, mess of woman. Friends, it was embarrassing. I clutched at my two tissues, tried not to mess up my mascara and sternly told myself to "pull it together woman!" Thankfully, we'd been warned about the sun setting across the water and told to bring sunglasses, I pulled mine down and tried to pretend I was... um, sneezing?

Lighting the unity candle.

I don't believe the pastor ever said "you may kiss the bride" but kiss they did!!

Then the newly wed Mr. and Mrs. Jannesen gave us the exit we all wanted.

The bride and groom arrive for dinner...

Now it's time to CELEBRATE!!!

Let the DANCING begin!!

Notice those fantastic pink shoes! Girl after my own heart.

Sing it sweet B.

Strutting it. 

A full dance floor!

Sisters.

They bust a few moves... Ginger and Fred style... 

Even Lester got on the dance floor! Looking good Banhams!

And there was twirling...

The award for best dancer must go to Nellie for this night. She single handedly held down the dance floor, even if she was the only one on it! She had moves I didn't even know existed. Uh-mazing. Look at her go, she was infectious.

We ended the night, tired and happy. 

I think McDonald's got it right when they said "I'm lovin' it".

Another One Bites the Dust

So, as many of you are already aware, my brother got married on September 10th. I can see why you'd think this post heading might be referring to him, however, it's not. The title of this post refers to 

Big Mabel. 

Big Mabel was my brother's favorite pre-wedding requisite for all guests. I guess, if you're man enough to ride the BM, you're man enough for this ranger's wedding. These rides were not for the faint hearted.

 They started pleasantly enough. Ash and I, never to be outdone by our brother, happily took our places behind the boat. Ashley is in blue. I am in pink.

We take a swing to our left...

And then a swing to our right...

And then a JUMP in the air...

And now we're holding on tight!

 

Not...tight...enough...

Uh-oh...

This is when Big Mabel showed us who was boss and I bit the dust... 

And Ashley used me as a cushioned landing spot...

It was intense. But we survived... just. I am still getting headaches. Apparently, that's what happens when you land on your head and almost break your neck.

Other couples to brave Big Mabel were

Chantel and James:

Brendan and Amanda:

Derrald and Brendan:

Dave and Dad:

Dan and Jed:

And the Bride and Groom to be, Amy and Brendan, awwwww:

Our pain, sweat, tears and screams of terror would not have been possible without the wonderful patience and persistence of Amy's Dad, Greg. 

Now I know this man looks like a sweetie, but let me tell you, when you're on that boat watching a couple of riders on Big Mabel being lulled into thinking "this isn't so bad" the words "air time" escape the lips of our Captain and you realise that this is a sport, like hunting, in the eyes of Greg Hammers... and we are his prey! 

We had an absolutely wonderful time on the lake. The amazing thing is that our lakeside fun didn't outshine the actual wedding, which was by far the highlight of the week. A simply beautiful day, full of beautiful people, in an incredibly beautiful location. That post is to follow.