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.
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| Waiting outside before the ceremony |
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| A couple of cousins provided music |
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| Thanh and her father before coming to meet her groom |
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Cowboy boots and suspenders were a common theme for the
wedding party and guests. :-) |
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| The bride and groom rang the church bell |
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| 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.
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| Behind my sister are two tractors with wagons for gifts |
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| Mmmmm...menu...the mason jars were for guests to take as favors. |
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| Just down from the reception tent was a mobile restroom. :-) |
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| The kids found the "Sweet Barn" right away. :-) |
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| My grandmother (far right) with her two sisters, Judy and Patty |
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| My brother and a cousin played some music down in the barn |
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| The bride's uncle sang a song for the couple |
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| Cake table...notice the rustic detail |
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| Cupcakes |
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The photographer was printing instant wedding photos and hanging
them so that guests could feel free to take what they wanted. |
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| My aunt and uncle relaxing in the barn |
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| Hayride time!!! |
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| Nearing the end of a long day, hanging out with cousins. |
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| I think the only thing that kept them awake was ice cream and root beer. |
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Allison hanging out by the cooler...
lots of Haagen Das ice cream and bottled root beer! |
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| Happy couple |
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| As dusk neared, they pulled out a stack of lanterns. |
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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.
