Wedding bells! April 2021

Oh my goodness, our oldest daughter is getting married! How did this happen? I have been visiting reception sites, meeting with people at the sites, tasting cakes, interviewing photographers, and trying to plan a wedding in Atlanta that Zelle and Adam will feel happy about even though it's not in Utah near so many of their friends and family. It was a lot of work and a fair amount of stress leading up to it, but now that it's in the rearview mirror, I can honestly say it was amazing! Zelle and Adam were really happy, which was what we cared about the most, and things went smoothly and all worked out. It was pretty miraculous. Zelle and Adam finished their finals at BYU then came out to Atlanta on Tuesday night for their Friday wedding. They went and got their marriage license the next day, and helped get sushi for Mark's birthday, which was fun to have them in town for! On Thursday, I took Zelle to do a run through of her hair and makeup, and she looked so beautiful. Of course I cried when I saw her. I couldn't totally wrap my head around it all! People started coming into town for the wedding Thursday, and several family members and friends were able to come to Lydia and Susie's regional track meet, which was so fun. Sadly, Suse's 4x100 team false started so they were disqualified and she didn't get to run in that event, but it was still fun to watch her in the 200, and to watch Lyds in the 400, the 300 hurdles and the 4x100.  There was something nice about having people see just a little bit of what our life is like here, the girls' school, and to have friends with us - it was just a happy feeling!  That night we celebrated Zelle and Adam with a dinner at the Stone Mountain golf course restaurant, which was great. It has a nice deck overlooking Stone Mountain Lake. It was a special evening with friends and family. We were so grateful and amazed at the efforts people made to come all the way here to support Zelle and Adam.

The following day was wedding day, oh my goodness! Just for fun, we decided to have a hair lady come and do all our hair, and she did Zelle's hair and makeup. She looked gorgeous, and was the most calm and peaceful bride. She never had any bridezilla or stress out moments, but just was her settled, pleasant self. We were all ready to go to the temple a few minutes early, even, and sat together on the couches in the family room, just chatting and taking in the moment. At the temple, we took a few pictures, and then we were ready to go in. It was incredibly special that my aunt Jen and uncle Patrick and their family could come, and he could seal Zelle and Adam. I loved being in the bride room with Zelle, and having a few moments to experience and enjoy the peace of the temple. In the midst of a busy day, the quiet of the temple was perfect. 

Once the happy couple was officially married, we took some pictures in front of the temple, then headed to the reception place, which was called Primrose Cottage in Roswell, Georgia, only about 15 minutes from the temple. We had a small ring ceremony that Mark officiated. Grandpa Harris got to walk Zelle down the aisle, which was special, and each of the parents had written some advice for the couple. It was really nice to do. Then we had dinner and dancing, and it was just such a happy evening. This crew was the best dance crew ever - everyone was dancing and having a great time. The people working were saying what a fun group it was and how happy it was to see people together and enjoying themselves again after so long in masks and distanced with the pandemic. Zelle and Adam had the best time and felt so loved and supported. It was pure joy, being together with people we love, celebrating such an important and joyful event of two people we love. We sent the happy couple off with ribbon wands on their honeymoon to Hilton Head, SC, and I think it was better than I could have ever hoped for. I feel really grateful to everyone who came, and who made it so memorable. Our buckets were filled!

The rest of the weekend was also such a treat. Mark took Saturday and Sunday and just enjoyed them with everyone in town. We talked at the hotel pool where everyone was staying in Stone Mountain, played tennis and kickball at the park, and just enjoyed being together - heaven! 


Lots of pictures, but how could I not???

                                                                the happy couple just arriving in Atlanta

Celebrating Mark's birthday in here, too! We can't forget this guy.


getting glammed up

friends and family at the track meet - SO fun!

Lyds in the hurdles

these two :)

                                                             and these two :)

                                                        Amazing group here to celebrate and support Zelle and Adam

Beautiful bride and her sisters - we so missed Abby today!!!

Gorgeous, peaceful, sweet bride. How we love this girl!


                                                        So many happy hugs and reunions!








Lovely Atlanta temple

Thank you, Eric and Emilee for playing the music!


Darling greeters




























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