goin' to the bbq and we're gonna get married...

As some of you may know my mom got married on the 4th of July. It was a total surprise. Kinda like a surprise birthday party only in reverse. The stars of the show knew and the guests had no idea. I've told several people over text the gist of the story but for those of you who want the whole story... here it goes!

My mom and Blair have been dating for two years and had gotten engaged about a month ago while on a hiking trip. He proposed to her in Moab under Wedding Ring Arch. Cute huh? Since neither of them wanted to make a big deal out of the wedding they just wanted to get married by a justice of the peace.

I on the other hand, had several stipulations for this marriage.

1. my mother had to wear a white dress
2. my mother needed a bouquet
3. there had to be cake {so I could eat it}

My mom never had these with her previous marriage. So I wanted my mom to feel bride-esque. She and I grappled back and forth about this for awhile. I'd keep asking her when she thought her and Blair were going to tie the knot and she kept being elusive about the date but hinting more toward August.

Then my mom told me that she and Blair wanted to have a barbecue on the 4th of July. I thought nothing of it. I mean there are like a bazillion barbecues that day. She told me that Blair's son Curtis and his other son Connor and his wife Katie and their kids would be in town. Then we would all decide on a date that worked for us so we could all partake in this joyous occasion.

On July 4th, We get to Blair's house and see lots of cars. I was certainly confused. I thought it was only going to be us kids. We walk to the backyard and see my mom's entire family and Blair's entire family. Then my mom walks out in the white sundress she had been telling me about for the wedding. I am instantly irritated because I think to myself, "She's getting married today! My mom invited all of these people to her wedding and some how forgot to mention to her ONE and ONLY child that she was getting married!"

I don't say anything to her because I don't want to get mad at her and make her feel bad on her wedding day. I also don't mention anything to any of my family because I'm embarrassed that my mom forgot to tell me. Except no one is saying anything about a wedding. And everyone is very barbecue casual. So then I think, "Ok maybe I'm overreacting. They just invited their families so everyone can meet because they're going to be getting married soon. And my mom probably just wanted to wear the dress because it's a nice day. It is a sun dress after all."

We have a blessing on the food and then Blair stands up. He says something about how nice it is that everyone came and yada yada... I don't really remember what he said because suddenly my mom comes walking out with our Bishop and my jaw dropped. She sees my face and starts laughing. Suddenly Blair announces, "Oh and by the way everyone since you're all here, we decided today would be a nice day to get married!" To my relief, everyone was surprised! NO one knew!

And then they got married under an awning several feet away from the potato salad. Blair wore a plaid shirt and shorts. It was all very casual. And then the Bishop left and we finished with our barbecue. So my mom got what she wanted a stress free, no big deal wedding and I got what I wanted. My mom wore a white dress, there was a bouquet of flowers on the table and there was cake. And it was delicious!

It was a really nice day. My mom is incredibly happy. I don't think she has stopped smiling since. Here are a couple pictures from their special day!

This is a picture of my moms ring. They didn't even have their official wedding rings for the wedding yet because they were being custom made. The sides are turquoise and elk ivory. Blair has a band sort of similar to it. If you know my mom her ring is very her!