Today, Gracen and I got dolled up and headed over to the beautiful Mackie House for the wedding of my good friend Karli. The weather was the perfect blend of warm and breezy, the venue was gorgeously set overlooking the lake, the ceremony space was filled with beautiful little details, and the bride absolutely stunning. It really couldn’t have been a better afternoon.
Knowing that she’d appreciate the time to walk around and explore before having to settle in on a seat, Grae and I arrived plenty early. We picked a couple of aisle seats in the shade of a giant old tree, placed our belongings on them, and explored the grounds for a while. When it was time to begin, Grae climbed up onto her seat, enjoyed some of the special snacks I’d tucked into my purse for the occasion, and quietly smiled and waved to the guests sitting around us. Before we knew it, the bride and groom were announced husband and wife, the crowd let out a huge applause (Grae’s favourite part), and it was time to mingle on the grass. Gracen was reunited with her good buddy Sloan, whom we haven’t seen in a while, and the two were inseparable. They celebrated with countless hugs, kisses, and healthy dose of hand holding. It was cuteness OVERLOAD.
Here’s our afternoon in photos…
‘Found my seat.’
Off to explore.
Patiently waiting.
Loving the paper fans.
‘Mama, Grae Grae climb dis tree?’
Greeting the bride.
‘Oh Sloan, how I’ve missed you!’
Kisses.
Pretty girls.
High school besties 17 years later…
♥
Just as we were asked to take our {hay bail} seats, something miraculous happened… The rain stopped. It couldn’t have been more perfect. We enjoyed a beautiful short and sweet ceremony, while Grae gobbled down a container full of raspberries, a mandarin orange, and part of an apple (hungry girl!)
After the ceremony was complete, we enjoyed a few minutes without rain. Gracen explored the yard and checked out the playhouse, and we were able to snap photos of her with her Great Grandpa Leo and Manmaw.
But sadly, the dryness was short-lived. The rain started coming down in full force once again, and the crowds rushed under the dinner tent to take cover. Gracen did really well with being trapped in her seat and happily coloured, read, and enjoyed more snacks, but with a 3 hour break until dinner and very little space to move, we headed back to Manmaw’s house an hour in to work off some energy before dinner.
We arrived back just as they were starting to call tables for dinner, and Grae kept busy with jam towers while we waited for our turn.
It rained on and off during dinner and dessert (apple fritters – delish!), but whenever it let up, we’d take Gracen out for some exploring time.
She was having a great time picking at the hay bails and smelling the flowers, until she saw another little guest wearing a polar bear hat, that is. After that, it was straight to the photo booth to check out the props. And they were awesome. With each new hat, she’d ask me to take her photo so that she could see it on the camera display. 
Unfortunately, we had to leave before the speeches and slideshow began (two of my favourite parts), but bedtime was calling. Congrats, Vanessa and Cody!