The Lee Family: Megan and Ryan's Wedding!

Finally it is the day of Megan and Ryan's wedding! Last night we drove to Honey Hollow Ranch in Jacksboro, TX for Megan and Ryan's wedding rehearsal. Megan asked CK to perform the wedding ceremony months before this day in a very sweet way. When Megan was around 4 years old, she was at a wedding that CK attended and apparently became enamored with him (even though he was in his early 20s at the time). She sat on his lap and asked if he would marry her. He laughed and said "Sure, if you wait for me." So, we had Megan and Ryan over for dinner and she asked again if he would marry her now....but to Ryan. It was so incredibly sweet and unexpected. CK was more than happy to perform their wedding ceremony and I already know that he is such an amazing and comfortable speaker that they don't know how lucky they are to have him as the officiant! He went on-line and got certified to legally perform weddings! It was surprisingly easy and fast. Over the next few months, he worked on their order of service, what he planned to say during the ceremony, and we had them to the lake for a weekend in mid-August so they could talk over the wedding plan and to discuss their personal devotions, which they planned to deliver for the first time to each other on their wedding day! So sweet and such a personal and loving way to celebrate their love and their wedding day.

Honey Hollow Ranch is really a beautiful and peaceful place and such a wonderful place for Megan and Ryan's wedding. The main house has 10 bedrooms that held the wedding party comfortably and the living space is huge and perfect for their wedding rehearsal guests to relax and hang out. CK, Megan and Ryan headed out to the gazebo with Megan's parents to go through the wedding day plan. Meanwhile, the girls and I hung out by the pool and they busied themselves catching frogs and toads. Sofia was in heaven and felt the need to show everyone the latest frog or toad the girls had caught. After they were done "practicing," the wedding party returned to the main house and we had burgers and socialized. After dinner, the girls continued finding toads and fronts until they discovered a shuffleboard game in the main house. It was a very relaxed rehearsal dinner and evening.

For their wedding day, we arrived about 11/2 hours early so CK was sure to be where he was needed and could help out with anything unexpected. CK helped out with the wedding party, so the girls and I walked around and then Olivia decided she wanted to help pass out the fans that were also the wedding order of service and information on who the attendants are for Megan and Ryan. As people started arriving, Olivia passed out her fans and then we found our place to sit in the shade next to Doris and Diane. Although it's early October, it is still hot in Texas and with a 3pm wedding start time it made for a pretty warm day. So we found a place in the shade and it was pretty comfortable. CK and Al walked down the aisle and the wedding was on! Once CK took his place at the gazebo, Megan was escorted by her dad down the walkway! It was so touching and beautiful and we are so excited for Megan and Ryan!

Of course, as soon as the wedding started, Olivia couldn't see so she sat on my lap during the rest of the ceremony! It was so hot already and having her on my lap did not help things! The wedding ceremony was wonderful and so beautiful. Al offered the prayer and it was very thoughtful and heartfelt. CK started the ceremony and Jill and her sister sang before CK continued on with the service. Then Ryan gave his statement of love followed by Megan. Every time we saw Ryan and Megan before the wedding, Ryan kept saying he would be crying his eyes out, since he really is very tenderhearted. Megan has always laughed it off and I figured that she would stay pretty stoic. Instead, Ryan read his statement and it was very thoughtful but he stayed dried-eyed. Megan, on the other hand, was very emotional and cried throughout her entire statement. It was so sweet!

Finally, Ryan and Megan read their vows to each other and CK pronounced them husband and wife. Ryan kissed his bride and everyone cheered. They walked down the walkway hand-in-hand with their whole lives in front of them! After the wedding, we headed to the reception hall and air conditioning. There were pork belly and bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper appetizers which were amazing. Meanwhile, Sofia stayed busy reading (of course) and Olivia read but also talked with Judy and took in the whole wedding scene. We waited for Megan and Ryan and their wedding party to take photos and then they were introduced as they entered the reception hall. For dinner, they had a restaurant cater it and it was amazing! Honestly, the best food I've had at a wedding in memory! It was buffet style with servers who served salad, green beans, mac-and-cheese, baked beans, bbq brisket and/or ribs. It was absolutely delicious and Olivia actually returned for seconds!

Megan danced with her dad, which was really sweet and Ryan danced with his mom and then they cut the cake. One of their bridesmaids had made all the cupcakes, which were beautifully decorated and came in four different flavors! It was pretty amazing. We ended up staying until we held long sparklers to watch them leave the reception! It was such a great wedding and such a fun night! Most importantly, we are so super excited for Megan and Ryan's future!

Searching for frogs and toads.