Wedding Preparation Day & Family Dinner

Emily wanted to do her own flowers for the wedding. It was a huge undertaking, but it was such a blessing. The day before the wedding was kind of an emotional one as the weather didn't look good for the next day and trying to make that decision to cancel the outdoor reception or go forward with the plans to have it in the Stevenson's yard was not an easy one. Once Emily started arranging the flowers her day brightened. She loved doing the flowers. That would have been stressful for me, but she delighted in it so it was great. Thanks to Martha Allen (who grew up working in their family florist shop) and Janelle, they were able to turn those bunches of flowers in to such beautiful arrangements. Emily had fun doing her own bouquet and they all worked together on bouquets for the bridesmaids, the little girls, corsages for the mothers and Grandmother, and boutonnieres for the men. Julia would run to the fabric store for more ribbon or needed items, and she babysat the little girls so Janelle could work. It was about 3 p.m. before they were finally wrapping it all up.

Dad recruited help from Bro. Lyman Southard and Mike Jeffries in our ward using their trucks to pick up the rented tables and chairs. Dallin and Austin helped with that big project, too. We couldn't have made it without everyone doing their assigned jobs to bring it all together.

That evening the Gardner's were in charge of the family "Meet & Greet Dinner." We held it at the Pavilion by our stake center. Michelle prepared a delicious Cafe Rio type dinner and our family loved it. She had lots of left overs and she was so generous to give that to use. We so appreciated her kindness as it helped us through several meals with our large family. The grandchildren had so much fun running around the large grassy area by the picnic tables.

My brother, Roger, Andrea and Andie arrived in time, driving up from Logan to join us, along with Michelle's brother Blaine, Amaelie, Clayton and Cecily. We enjoyed getting acquainted with their family. Afterwards we met in the cultural hall to watch the cute video that Michelle had put together about Emily and Bronson's life growing up, their dating, and engagement. It was very well done and she put many hours of work into it. Emily and Bronson then shared their love story and expressions of what they loved about each other. A nice evening together before the wedding.

I appreciate everyone for all they did to help put on this wedding. Vivi was so good to bake lots of cookies, brownies, muffins, and prepared spaghetti sauce and other items that she put in my freezer to have on hand when family arrived, as well as host Crismon & Danielle. Ondalynn housed Seth's family and Alice-Anne's family. They put two tents in the back yard, one for the boys and one for the girls. I appreciated her housing so many and providing food for them that week. I came home after the family dinner with Janelle. Dallin stayed to help Dad finish cleaning up. Before Janelle got her girls in bed she assisted me as she knew I was in a lot of pain and she wanted to make sure I got what I needed to rest as soon as possible. I couldn't have made it without everyone pulling together and helping. There is so much planning and preparation for a wedding, with so many details. Everyone helped make it happen.