Katie & Corey's Wedding

Well, it happened. My sister, Katelyn Rae Baltz got married and is now Katelyn Garoutte!!!

Friday we headed to Pocahontas. I had lunch with Jacob, Asher & Adleigh and then Jacob dropped me off at the spa and took the girls to Mom & Dad's for a nap. Mom, Katie and Jess were at the spa already. I got a manicure, massage and then a pedicure. It was great to be pampered all day, but I didn't get done until 4:40 and had to be at the church at 5:00pm for the rehearsal. I ran home washed my hair (had to get all those massage oils out of my hair) and got cleaned up quicker than I ever have and luckily made it to church around 5:10pm. I felt horrible for being late, but the twins (the ring bears) were not their yet so I wasn't the last one to arrive. :)

Rehearsal went real well. Everyone paid attention and we were able to get through it all quickly. The storms really started brewing during the rehearsal. Asher was so scared. She hates thunderstorms. She kept putting her fingers in her ears, which made communication really hard. She kept talking very loud and then when we tried to tel her things, she couldn't hear us. People kept laughing at us. :) Towards the end, the lights in the church started blinking on and off. They had all the church doors open. The wind was blowing through the church so strongly it felt like it could blow me away. The skies were green. Tornado warnings started popping up on every one's phones. We decided to wrap things up and go eat. So we get everyone ready to go, walk to the doors and it is raining so hard you can barely see in front of your face. So we all waited around hoping it would ease up a bit. At this point we were all starving! So we just one by one started making a run for it. Jacob ran with Adleigh. She was blocked by her car seat shield, but Jacob got soaked. When they got safely in the Tahoe, I grabbed Asher and made a run for it. I held Asher so she could put her head down on me. I felt bad because everyone later made fun of me saying I was using Asher as my shield. She was soaked by time we got to the car, but I trying hard to just make her feel comforted (she was scared to death) and holding a big girl in the pouring down rain was not easy for me.

Dinner was delicious. We had roast beef, pork chops, mashed potatoes, corn, salad, huge rolls, banana pudding and chocolate delight. I know we were all starving, but it was good! Katie and Corey gave everyone gifts. The groomsmen got really awesome cantors. The bridesmaids got beautiful earrings and necklaces. Asher got pearl earrings, bracelet and necklace. The ring bearers got silver piggy banks with their names on it and a box of candy.

When we got back to Mom and Dad's house, Asher went to Papa Baltz and told him in the morning she wanted him to go to Old Macdonalds and get her pancakes and sausage. It was hilarious. Dad goes and gets us breakfast occasionally when we visit, so I guess she thought she should place her order. :)

The next morning we all got ups and started getting ready. Jacob ran to "Old Macdonalds" and got everyone pancakes. Mom and Katie left for the spa to get their hair done. Asher and I started getting ready. I had just got my hair completely straightened when Mom called. One of the girls had a cancellation at the spa and could do my hair is I wanted. I was starting to get stressed about my hair (especially because of the nasty weather outside), so I ran up there real quick. They fixed my hair up and made it a lot less stressful for me. But it happened again. I was suppose to be at the church around 11am, but I didn't get there until 11:15 or so AND I didn't have my makeup done. Luckily, I had plenty of time and was able to get completely ready before they were ready for me in the pictures. Thankful, I was able to get the front of Asher's hair done before I left and Aunt Lori straightened the back of Asher's hair for me.

We spent the next several hours taking pictures, practicing our "flower girl duties" and visiting. It was great to see Katie so calm and excited! Then it was time. We all made it down the aisle without tripping. I remembered Corey's ring, but I did get it stuck on my thumb. When the priest asked for it it seemed like it took me forever to give it to him. My hands were full with Katie's very heavy bouquet and the family Bible we all carry and the ring. I hope, realistically it was only a few seconds. :)

After the wedding, we heading to the Development Center at Black River Technical College (where I had my reception). It was beautiful! There had been a lot of updates to the building since Jacob and I had our reception almost 9 years ago. Katie and Corey showed up and had their 1st dance. Then Dad and Katie had a Father/Daughter dance. Mom balled the whole time. We spent the next couple hours making our rounds, getting tons of compliments on how beautiful my family was and what a perfect job Asher did as Aunt Katie's flower girl!

Katie and Corey then left for Memphis. Dad tried to get in the backseat of the car. It was hilarious! Katie and Corey had to be at the airport at like 4am, to make their 6am flight to Atlanta and then on to the Bahamas. They made it their safely, but without Katie's luggage. I really hope it was found and she got it back quickly.

They have only been gone for about 2 days, but I already really miss my sister. We talk almost daily...usually a couple times a day! She is my best friend and something big and wonderful just happened and we can't talk about it for a whole week!!!

I'm so happy for Katie & Corey. I look forward to many "married couple dates", lots of family celebrations, vacations and just plain ole quality time to be spent together for many many years to come!!!!

Enjoy some pictures that Aunt Lori took:
Katie & Corey's Wedding - 114501832494202215782 - Picasa Web Albums