Letters from A broad: Welcome to the Family, Johnny!

This past weekend was full of excitement, tears, sadness, happiness, hugs (lots of them!) and absolute craziness! My sister, Stephanie, married her best friend, John, in an outdoor wedding at our annual Ciderfest.

The Ciderfest is something that has always happened every September. Looking back to my childhood, I think I looked forward to it more than Christmas. We pick apples, press our own cider, make/eat homemade donuts, ride a zip line and just genuinely enjoy God's creation and each other's company.

Steph has always said that she wanted to get married at the Ciderfest so when she told me last month that she was getting married at the Ciderfest, I thought it was next year. Nope, she meant this year! So we planned a wedding in a little over a month :) My family is thinking that it might be better that way...like ripping off a bandaid; quick and painless! They completed pre-marital counseling (which I think is one of the most important parts of the wedding preparations!), the dresses came in, people showed up and we had a party!!!

I have to admit I cried the night before because it is different when a sister gets married. Last year, when Caleb married my best friend from fourth grade, I was happy to gain a new sister! Don't get me wrong, I'm so happy that Johnny is now part of our crazy family. However, Steph was moving to Illinois and I just cried because I love her and I'm going to miss her. I hate good byes and transitions. This required both. Now it is just "my" room instead of "ours". Weird.

The Wedding was absolutely beautiful with prayers, vows and the gentle reminder to have God, Love and Respect at the center. Plenty of friends and family came to celebrate our new family member! The pictures will show the happiness of the family, the beautiful scenery and the blessings from above!

Welcome, Johnny! I'm so glad you're my new brother! I pray for many blessings to you and Stephanie!! Love you both!