Braxton and Kelsi's Reception

I like the way the reception worked out.  I liked having it the day before the actually wedding and sealing. It wasn't stressful...if you don't count the parking lot being refinished that morning and afternoon.  And even that didn't really stress us out...concerned us a little but we just went with it.

We met at 12:30 to set up and things came together quickly.  I left about 3:30 since I didn't feel like there was much more that I could do....plus I needed to go get chicken nuggets and french fries so that Kelsi and Braxton would have them at their reception like they wanted.  During the Reception cute little Parker came up on stage and handed Braxton a Silver Platter with the chicken nuggets and french fries.  Kelsi and Braxton laughed and had a few and then continued greeting their guest.

I loved how simple but cute the decorations were.  I was proud of Braxton for making such an awesome backdrop and picture frame holder.  He also made the hanging frame for the funny photo's. Braxton really is a talented kid.  The tables were cute with the burlap and lace and cute pictures of this cute couple.

The Refreshment Table was darling.  Mary Lou had a dream and it turned out very cute.  Simple and Cute and Yummy!  They served all kinds of cookies, taffy, ice cream and watermelon water.  I heard Mary Lou ask Debbie & Paul Widdison (who were so kind to help in the kitchen) which cookies went first.  The ones I made did.  The Banana and Chocolate Chip Cookies.  I made 4 batches of each and so I know there were well over a 100 of each!  ☺  I liked the cookie idea.

Braxton and Kelsi seemed relaxed and happy.  I was impressed how Braxton greeted each guest.  Even those he really didn't know he acknowledged and talked to.  I was so proud of him for making each guest feel welcomed and important....which of course they were or they wouldn't have been invited. The time went pretty quickly but my back was screaming it was too long! (I'll explain at the end)  I loved seeing friends that we don't see that often and those that we do.  I had tears all day because of the love and gratitude I felt.  I am so thankful that Braxton and Kelsi found each other.  Kelsi is a wonderful addition to our family and compliments Braxton to a tee.  It was Kelsi's idea to have "Dale" the goat be at the reception.  When I heard that I knew without a doubt Kelsi was the girl for Braxton.  Kelsi also was fine with driving away in a tractor...YEP....they are perfect for each other.

I thought the little (tall) Photo frame was cute and added some fun to the night.  I got a few pictures of my kids before the Reception started.  My kids make me laugh and I absolutely love being their mom.  I have some of the cutest, silliest grands too...which have this gramma wrapped around their little fingers.  Oh how my ♥ smiles!

I loved getting to know Kelsi's family better.  I really like them and had fun working with them side by side.  Our families are joined now and just got bigger!  No one lost a child...we each gained another family to love and support.

This Love Story just began.....there will be many adventures.....some sad times.....more happy times.....lots of memories.....and a Happily Ever After for Eternity & Beyond.

*I can't stand or do anything for too long before my back starts complaining.  It was really huting by the end of night.  I had just greeted the last guest when I suddenly felt very sick....like I had the flu all of a sudden.  I hurried off the stage and dodged into a room.  Kelsi just happened to be in there (I was hoping for an empty room)  She was ready to leave on the tractor with her cute finance.  I really wanted to see that but instead I laid on the floor praying I would be okay.  I felt crummy for just a few minutes.....I was sweating and trying not to puke.  Whatever hit me left about as quick as it hit.  I bet it wasn't even 10 minutes and I was feeling okay.  I missed them leaving on the tractor but was feeling better.  I didn't help much with the clean up but everything got cleaned up pretty quick with everyone's help.

It was a Fun Night and Wonderful Reception of Family and Friends!