By Thursday night most, if not all of the wedding party had pulled into Columbia, SC. The boys had a cook out/pool party, while the girls went to a paint and wine party.
Cat and her sister Libby
Two St. Louis girls (Ally and Abby) and an Erskine girl (Bekah)
(my most honoring moment of the weekend -- someone asking if Cat and I were twins haha)
Bekah, Cat, Katie (wife of groomsman) and Kate (sister of the groom)
I would highly recommend these types of places to anyone! We brought our own wine, pizza, and beer while they walked us through step by step on how to leave with something that looks kind of like a professional painting. The other part of our package was etching mason jars.
It was pretty amazing how different they all turned out even though we all followed the same instructions. Libby, thanks for organizing this -- it was so perfectly Cat.
Friday morning the boys had another cook out/pool party and the girls went to fancy bridal luncheon. The food was delicious and cat gifted her bridal party with unique hand made baskets with local favorites.
At the rehearsal I snagged these two for a few quick pictures. Their excitement only built as the weekend went on and these smiles were ones I want them to remember for years to come.
Bek and Cameron should start a business with how many weddings they've sang in now.
Cat's nephews were a riot the whole weekend.
I know how proud this papa was just practicing the walk down the aisle.
The rehearsal dinner was at a place named Hudson's. Excellent choice Gordon's -- I have been craving good 'ol South Carolina BBQ every since we moved west. This place did not disappoint.
What a memorable and sweet time rehearsal dinners are. Friends and family from all stages of life stood on behalf of this wonderful couple to share the impact they've made on many separately and now together.
The very next day, June 22nd, 2013, Cat and Taylor declared their vows to each other and to the Lord before their friends and family. The wedding was such a beautiful picture of the love these two have for each other and for their God. The reception followed with great celebration and a sending off of these two crazy birds. (No pictures of the wedding day, but you will NOT be disappointed by Davey Morgan's photography!!!)
Part of why I waited a couple weeks to post this is because I'm lazy, but the other part that I'm more unwilling to admit is that it took time for me to process what the wedding meant. College was such a definitive time in my life with Cat and Tay playing vital roles.
That girl in these pictures is my sister -- she lived with me for basically 4 years and ended up out in St. Louis the same time as us. She's watched me become a believer, a member of the local church, an engaged woman, a married woman, and a mom now to two different babies. She has taught me how to listen, how to feel, how to care, how to cry out the Lord, how to ask for help, and what means to feel dignity as a child of God. She's walked through life with me and I was honored to stand as Matron of Honor on her wedding day.
And Taylor was honestly my other best friend in college. He modeled so much of what to look for in a husband and prepared both Cam and me well for marriage. I couldn't believe it the day he showed up in St. Louis to ask Cat to marry him. I was unexpectedly surprised by the fact that all I could do was hug him and sob -- I could not have stood in front of a better man for my best friend and I knew it.
And now this dynamic duo has become one -- I know they will be a part of the Smith family for years to come. Cam and I are humbled to be called best friends of Team Gordon and we can't wait to share life with you!
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