Shi and Kody's big day.

I am anxious to get this posted, even though I only have access to the pictures Bill and I snapped on our phones at the moment. I think I'll roll with it. I can always add more (from Austin, Jason & Lex, AND the photographer) as they trickle in. (I linked to Lex's blog at the bottom of this post, but wanted to link here, too... see the professional pics here!)

Bright and early on the 21st, Lo and I hopped into our packed vehicle to head to the Draper Temple (of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). The few days prior had been fairly mild, as far as temperatures go, but we knew THIS day was forecasted to be quite cold, with a high temp of 27 degrees. I was surprised at the accuracy of the forecast, since I remember from years long past those UT forecasts were pretty unreliable. Hah, I guess improved technology helps in many areas ;-)

Bill sent us off with a happy dance in Britt and Austin's driveway.

There were a couple of hiccups that morning, although minor. We had to park quite far away from the temple (it was busy!), and Lo had forgotten to bring her temple clothes in from the car. I dutifully (and carefully) made the long trek back to the car to retrieve them for her. Once she was ready to change into her temple dress, she discovered that it had {so unfortunately} been saturated in the flood that had occurred in her and Kody's basement apartment that Monday due to a water heater breaking. Her dress, which she had purchased new just a month earlier for this special day, was super wrinkly, musty, and damp. Those sweet temple ladies were so helpful as we quickly picked out a dress from their collection (which consisted of all the SAME dress in varying sizes). It was a bit short on Shi's arms, and was a bit short in length, but she didn't let it phase her.

*Note: another not-so-pleasant event that happened that week was that Shilo's car was towed from her college apartment, as she was parked in the visitor's section due to another vehicle being her her paid spot. Let it be known that the towing company in Provo cares nothing for your situation, and you will only get you car back once you have paid the $175 fine. When she had returned to her apartment later that same day, the same car was still in her spot, even though she had requested the towing company come take it away, so she had to deal with calling them yet again and wasting more of her time. So frustrating. But Shilo handled it like a champ (after only a few tears).

There was no stopping this wedding, though.

Shi and Kody both made it, and it was a lovely sealing ceremony.

 It was as cold and blustery as it looks.

We had brought hand and feet warmers for everyone, but those attending the temple sealing couldn't wait to get into their cars and head over to the luncheon. I hung out with Lo and Ko, their photographer and videographer (thank you, Hailey Hawton!), and froze my hiney off with them.

It. Was. So. Cold.

After pictures, I headed over to the luncheon, which was at the same venue the reception would be that evening. I love this place!

This was an England London Mission table :-)

Some of Shi and Kody's companions, and Kody's first mission President and his wife, the Jordans. (Shilo was the first batch of missionaries to get to the mission after the change to President and Sister Stevens.)

I think these next two pics of Lo and Ko going through the buffet line are funny.

Im not sure what was said... there's a story there somewhere haha.

It was a lovely luncheon.

Afterwards, my little band and I started in on the reception prep.

I have to thank those who gave so much time {and emotional support} to help me pull it all off:

Billy-my-hero

Britt and Mar

my mum and dad

my sister Jill

my nieces Hannah and Rachael

my nephew Sam

my FIL Big Billy

Mic and Todd
Hailey

I hope I'm not forgetting anyone, but these peeps did NOT let me down.

I couldn't have done it without them!

Sorry I don't have many pics of the actual reception... I couldn't find my phone for most of the evening haha.

The reception was lovely. LOVELY.

It was so fun to catch up with some old old UT friends, some not-so-old Parker friends, and I am always amazed at everyone who comes to celebrate and support. Thank you!

Mar and Tay sang/played for the first dance.

Mar had been sick and wasn't sure if she could pull it off, but she did.

Thank you, my beautiful people.

It was a fantastic day.
More pictures to come, I'm sure.
The phone pics are a bit limited in scope, scale, and professionalism.
But when I need a moment to remember, they will do.

Post post: Lex posted over on her blog the professional pics from this lovely day. Check them out!