to love and be loved.

...it's all we ever hope for. and when we're blessed (or lucky?), it happens. the invitations were focused on these words and I think that helped all of us - at least me! - to keep our focus last week. as I type this, I can't help but feel that Katie and Rob are blessed (and lucky!) because truly...they loved and are loved.

I just spent three+ hours going through the several dozen photos I have on my phone (plus a few more that Katie forwarded from Rob's mom and the bridesmaids) because I promised "photos....soon!" and it will be at least a few more weeks until we have the Professional Photos. I'm excited about the story those photos will tell, but honestly, I'm pretty pleased with the ones I have to share now. love does that, doesn't it? shines through no matter what.

The celebration got off to a great start on Friday night with the rehearsal dinner at our favorite Bistro VG.

Erica did a beautiful job with the rosemary, kraft tags and white calligraphy

I was seated across from my favorite girls.

just a hint of the tops of the beautiful flowers...

...Saturday started dark early, in the rain ("good luck" I told Katie and she said "they have to give every bride something". true. no one tells a bride that a sunny wedding day is bad luck) but by 10 am the rain had stopped and we were in full-on hair and makeup mode in the bridal suite at the hotel. We had hair going on in the bathroom and makeup at the table in the dining room. It was a big window...great light. I even had time to knit.

love the girls on their phones!

fast forward and we've moved to the wedding venue.  Sara and I helped Katie into her dress. and it's time for the "first look".

next it's Katie with her bridesmaids (see what I mean about wanting the "real" photos?!)

This is one of my favorite moments. Marc together with the bridal party while the guests arrive.

We were tucked into a little room - Katie, six bridesmaids, me and Marc. The girls loved it - he had fun stories (one of the bridesmaids married one of Marc's fraternity brothers last summer...and Marc told a story about a brother who ended up with a phony cast on his leg after a crazy bachelor party...the brothers telegrammed the "good news" that his leg wasn't really broken after the honeymoon started. seriously. I think I'm glad Hollywood wasn't there!) and he gave Katie a great piece of advice. Really, you don't need to worry about the wedding. There's no test. Anyone can do it. (especially you!)

Then the ceremony (I have no photos but it was lovely). and after that we're taking the last few formal photos with immediate families and grandparents.

Marc, his mom, Rob, Katie, me, my mom, my dad

...and finally, the party!

Katie & Rob having fun

Marc & Mary having fun

I have to say...I had a ball. more kudos to Katie for all the planning - it was perfect. smiles ALL around!

a lot of good food and dancing and drinking happened...and all too soon it was over. time for a sparkler send off.

LOVE this photo...best wishes to my favorite couple!

 and a ride in the Ramblin' Wreck

I have nothing more to share after this...but Katie said they had a great ride through campus and a photo stop by the Tech Tower.

...to love and be loved. very special. for two very special people.