"I Do"

There seems to have been more weddings this summer than usual, or at least more weddings that our family was involved in.The first one was Aubrey's friend MacKenzie, who wed her longtime friend Paul. 

MacKenzie's family

MacKenzie and Paul's niece and nephews 

Not only was Aubrey invited but MacKenzie went to great lengths to make sure Aubrey had a bridesmaid's dress, and one she felt comfortable in.

MacKenzie also made sure that there was post-gallbladder-surgery-friendly food at the reception, just for Aubrey.

Aubrey and Lizzy (who goes by something else now, maybe her given name? I don't know, but she'll always be "Lizzy" to me).

Aubrey loved reuniting with all of her high school friends (what a great group of friends!).

I wish MacKenzie and Paul all the best, because they sure deserve it!

The next wedding was Bradley Masseys', who is the oldest son of our good friend's Rick and Alisa. We enjoyed spending the weekend in Saint Louis again, where we lived before moving to Kentucky.

The night before the wedding we enjoyed a nice dinner at Favazzas on the Hill (which is known for it's wonderful Italian restaurants), with Rick & Alisa and their daughter Brianna and family, and two of Alisa's brothers and their families.

For dessert we had frozen custard at Ted Drews which is famous for its awesome custard. Breck doesn't remember but we took him to Ted Drews with us from the time he was two days old until he was about four-years-old.

Strawberry Shortcake .... the custard was just as good as I remember!

 Rick and Alisa's daughter Brianna (who goes by "Anna" now, but I'll always know her as Brianna), her husband Jason, and their two kids (still can't believe that Brianna has two kids!). 

Breck and I taking pictures in front of the Saint Louis Temple. Too bad Breck doesn't remember when he watched in person (along with Brittney and Aubrey), the angel Moroni being placed on top. 

The happy couple

Bradley married Stephanie (who incidentally is a doctor) who also grew up in St. Louis, but it took Brianna to get them together.

Bradley with his brother's Jeremy, Spencer, and Michael, and his nephew Jack.

Rick with Alisa (in the beautiful dress she made for the wedding)

Breck with his good-old-buddy Michael (who used to call him "Breckie")

Breck, Bradley's friend and best man (I don't know his name), and Spencer, who is the baby of the family, and Breck's roommate for the Fall semester at BYU-I.

Brad and Rick having a serious conversation about something. Brad and Rick have been good friends for over thirty years!

Picture time ...

Visiting during pictures 

Brianna's two kids having a good time with everyone

Entire wedding party

Bradley's family

Bradley's immediate family

Bradley's siblings and brother-in-law

While the families were finishing up with pictures, Brad, Breck and I took a little trip down memory lane (literally). We drove through our old neighborhood in Maryland Heights, Missouri, and showed Breck our first little home. Other than the yard being a little overgrown, it looked just the same. We wanted Breck to see where he lived the first couple years of his life.

We then walked around historic Saint Charles, which actually used to be the capital of Missouri.

The statue is of Lewis & Clark who deemed St. Charles the last "civilized" stop, while exploring the western territory in 1804.

Walking the cobble-stone streets and grabbing a bite to eat at one of the old historic red-brick buildings turned restaurant. 

That evening we went to the reception which was held at the Butler Hill Stake Center.

The decorations, wedding cake, and table centerpieces were gorgeous!

The highlight of night was seeing our old friend's Clyde & Marjean  Livingston, and Todd & Lorilee Neuberger!

 It was so good to laugh and reminisce with them again.

The final dance of the evening 

Rick & Alisa and Brad & I joining in 

So, now another trip down memory lane (not literal this time). I found these gems from an old blog post (one of the reasons I am so religious about my blog) of Brianna's wedding NINE years ago! I can't get over how different all the Masseys look.

And look at those little Manwaring kids ... Merinda still not listening, and Breck looking as thrilled as ever (good thing his attitude has drastically improved)! 

Now, let's compare myself and Marjean and Lorilee ...

I think we have all aged pretty darn well! And shout out to Brad who is about 85 lbs. lighter! 

The final wedding on our list is Breck's good friend, Wade Gardner. As best-man, Breck spent a weekend in a cabin in Gatlinburg Tennessee, with Wade and his family.

Breck and Wade have been good friends for as long as I can remember. Maybe they get along so well because they're both so crazy, 

or maybe it's because they both grew up with two older sisters, and one younger sister.

Whatever the reason, their friendship has stood the test of time (and I'm glad because I love Wade!).

Breck with Wade's little sister and her boyfriend 

The Men ...sister's boyfriend, Wade's father, Wade, Breck, and Wade's stepfather

Wade and his mother, Kelly Moody

The wedding was held in a small chapel in Gatlinburg, gateway to the Smoky Mountains.

Wade and his lovely bride, Brittany

Brittany and her parents

The whole wedding party

 Weddings are perfect for bringing families together and rekindling old friendships!