Our Farm Wedding
4 generations of our family have lived inside these walls. My great-grandpa bought the homestead, and my grandpa was born here. My mom was raised here, and years later, raised us here. 
This home has also seen 3 generations of weddings. Ironically, the weddings here haven't been the farmers or future farmers; it has always been the farmer's daughters that get married here. My great-aunt was married here in 1945. My aunt was married here in 1984. And we were married here on July 12, 2015. 
And oh, it meant so much to me. Not only because of our farm home's rich history or because 2 previous generations were married here, but because this place made me who I am. It made me the person my groom loves. The days spent learning what life was about, the days spent dreaming about my future and what it would hold, the days spent sweating our behinds off for the sake of "building farm work ethic", they all happened right here. So it was only fitting that this, our wedding day, happened right here as well.
Our afternoon of wedding prep took place in this house, too, amongst sisters, friends and Jesus music. Relaxation for the soul. (Which was much-needed after 3 days of intense labor - setting up tables/chairs, installing decor, folding napkins, oh the things you don't think about! But more on that later!) Back to the good stuff...
The two people who taught me what life is all about. Who taught me what love looks like. Who cheered me on the whole way. And who thought (thanks to the sky-high expectations I had for my future husband) that this day might never come... 
...their daughter, a bride. 
"You look funny!" dad says as he just stands there laughing at me. "Umm...thanks?" I guess he's used to seeing his farm girl in a pony tail without a lick of makeup! 
Oh! My handsome! My everything! 
Garret & his mom. 
Oh, these candid moments just kill me. Love! 
Mom, enjoying every moment of her mother-son hug, after he ushered her to her seat. None of us are really okay with him growing up, but at 18 years old, he's done just that. And quite nicely, I might add. 
Dad's all business here. ;) 
My favorite photo of my mom, ever. She's so beautiful, inside and out. In this photo, I can see right to her soul. All the love she has for her family, for her farm. This woman is amazing. She loves unconditionally. She encourages relentlessly. She moves heaven and earth to do what's right for her kids and other people's kids. If I am half the person she is, my life will be well-lived. 
Man-to-man. What a blessing it is when two of the people who matter most are two peas in a pod. I often look at Garret and say, "Are you my father?!" after some politically incorrect (but hilarious) comment. I always wanted to marry a man like my dad. After college, I was certain they didn't exist, outside of my own family. Boy, was I wrong! 
The joy he brings to my life!"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
We decided to braid "a cord of 3 strands" rather than light a unity candle, based on the verse above. Love how it turned out!
And just like that, we were married!
[insert break for photos, hated by guests, loved by photographers]
...but we tried to make it a good time! Lots of snacks, beverages and yard games!
My mother-in-law had this giant Jenga set made! She also coordinated bocce, croquet, and so many others. 
My sister painted a corn hole set for us. Goodness, she's talented!
And then it was reception time! It was approximately 90 degrees that day with 90% humidity, so we were thanking our lucky stars that we put air conditioning in the tent! (Oh, the things you learn at outdoor farm shows!)
Mr. and Mrs. Garret Brown! 
Starting our celebratory dinner off right. 
Dad's speech, referring to my long list of expectations of the type of man I wanted to marry. "Christian (Erin's brother) would always tell her, 'IFFF you get married," when she would talk about the future ... She found him; his name is Garret Brown." 
In character, Ethan's keeping it short and meaningful. 
In character, Paige has lots of wind and sass mixed in with her sweetness.
And one of my favorite parts of the day....the cutting the cake! (You'll see why, here in a minute.)
In my head: This is not messy enough. 
A little smush should do it. 
Well that was more than I bargained for! 
Yup, icing in the eyelashes. 
Look what you did! (As my new husband doubles over with laughter.) 
Yes, I have definitely met my match. 
George Strait says it so well, "I cross my heart, and promise to, give all I got to give to make all your dreams come true. In all the world, you'll never find another love as true as mine."
All photos by Deidre Lynn Photography (who is amazing).
