Brown Wedding - Corydon, IN

On a Friday in late September, we packed into the minivan and headed toward southern Indiana for a wedding that was sure to be an experience our kids would never forget. About eighteen months or so ago, one of my cousins met his forever love. It was easy to see that Jonathan and his beautiful girlfriend, Thanh, were a match made in heaven. We were excited to help them celebrate their lifetime commitment.  

Thanh is from Vietnam, and her parents still live there. This photo was taken at a special ceremony they had with their Vietnamese family and friends the morning of the wedding.  Thanh is beautiful inside and out.

 

Their wedding took place at Potato Run United Methodist Church in O'Bannon Woods State Park.  This site held significance because Jonathan's great-great-great-great grandfather had donated the land and building materials for the church.  Several of his ancestors are buried in the little cemetery next to the church. It was quaint, peaceful, and downright beautiful.

 

   

Waiting outside before the ceremony

A couple of cousins provided music

Thanh and her father before coming to meet her groom

Cowboy boots and suspenders were a common theme for the
wedding party and guests.  :-)

The bride and groom rang the church bell

and greeted the lavendar-tossing guests. 

 The reception was held on Jonathon's grandparent's farm there in Corydon.  The tent was set up on the hill, and provided a 360 degree view of surrounding hills and farms.  It was surreal.  Fortunately, the weather cooperated and gave them a picture perfect day.

Behind my sister are two tractors with wagons for gifts

 

Mmmmm...menu...the mason jars were for guests to take as favors.

Just down from the reception tent was a mobile restroom.  :-)

The kids found the "Sweet Barn" right away.  :-)

My grandmother (far right) with her two sisters, Judy and Patty

My brother and a cousin played some music down in the barn

 

The bride's uncle sang a song for the couple

 

Cake table...notice the rustic detail

Cupcakes

The photographer was printing instant wedding photos and hanging
them so that guests could feel free to take what they wanted.

My aunt and uncle relaxing in the barn

Hayride time!!!

 

 

Nearing the end of a long day, hanging out with cousins.

I think the only thing that kept them awake was ice cream and root beer. 

Allison hanging out by the cooler...
lots of Haagen Das ice cream and bottled root beer!

Happy couple 

As dusk neared, they pulled out a stack of lanterns.



As the lanterns sailed west, we pulled one crying child
and three other very sad ones into the van and began
the long trip home.  They could've stayed on the farm for a week.

This was the most unique wedding I've ever been to.  I'm planning to do a "farm wedding" post with a few details on my personal blog later.  I know some of my readers will be interested to see it.  One interesting aspect was that it was so guest-centered.  Obviously, the bride and groom were the stars of the show, but they were so concerned about those who had come so far to celebrate with them, and they wanted it to be a relaxing and fun time for everyone.   

 

So...Congratulations, Jon and Thanh!  May the strength of your love and devotion always be as deep or deeper than it was on your wedding day.

 

Happy 59th Birthday, Momma!

My mom always works so hard to make our birthdays special, and we wanted to do the same for her.  This year she was in a revival near Indy with my dad, so we weren't sure how it would all work, but they ended up meeting us in Dayton for a birthday lunch at Cracker Barrel. We had such a good time being together, as that doesn't happen much for us these days! My Uncle Joe and Aunt Carol Brown came from Circleville and met us, as well.

Grandkids (I hear they're pretty special)  :-)

Only a cool mamaw would wear these glasses in Cracker Barrel!  Haha!
Oh, and check out the pink mustaches!

Some serious talent floating around in this family...lol

September 21, 2013

Labor Day Visit in MI

This Labor Day, the Burley side of the family was able to all be together in Cedar Springs. The kids had so much fun spending a couple of days hanging out with their cousins, and Greg and I were able to relax and savor another beautiful summer weekend. We pulled the RV, which always makes it a little more nerve-wracking. As I predicted, we blew a tire on the way home. We have never had a "perfect" pull to MI with the RV. I think we're jinxed. :-)

A huge fire is pretty much a constant when we're all together.

Lots of cornhole

Hanging out with family (and looking forward to a great-nephew here soon!)

Wagon rides on grandpa's trailer

More fun with cousins

And cornhole...

Did I say cornhole?  ;-)

Spending time with our great-niece, Emma, who's totally adorable. 

That weekend was probably my first time to walk extensively on uneven ground, so I didn't move around much. Seems like every time there was a good photo opportunity, my camera was not in reach. Oh well...we have the memories. :-) Ryan was thrilled that a new fireworks store had come into town, and I was amazed (and a little dismayed) by how much $17 could buy! He will definitely be responsible for any grey hair that I acquire...hehe. 

We are thankful for good weather, a safe trip, and a wonderful time with family.