I can’t believe the day happened. My cousin Nicole married the love of her life Dan! He is officially part of our crazy group and were so excited! I feel like we’ve been talking about it forever… but, in all honesty, it was a short engagement. Nicole and Dan booked their venue and got all their details settled relatively fast. It was their full intentions to have all grandparents that could be present there and we all knew time was so precious and possibly limited. So, August 22nd was dubbed the Best Day Ever and that’s when they would say ‘I Do’! 2 months before the big day, our all time favorite person in the world, our Nanny, fell. God had other plans and took her from us 2 weeks before Nicole and Dan tied the knot. I feel like I should take the time to honor our grandmother and talk about how wonderful she was and how much I miss her. Instead, I’m going to save that for another post. When I can fully gather my thoughts and convey just how much I love her. Besides, my grandpa likes reading this thing anyway! 1 week before the wedding, we said our goodbyes. We all turned to each other at the end of the funeral and said “See you next weekend…. A happy weekend! No tears! Just good times!”  And that happened. It was a really, really good time. Nicole and Dan had a large wedding party full of amazing guys and girls that brought them SO much joy.  They were surround by their best friends and tons of family – nothing but love!

I know our Nanny was smiling down with Grandma and Grandpa DeSonia because they gave Nicole and Dan THE most beautiful day. The temperature was perfect, there was no humidity and full sunshine was unlike anything I had ever experienced in Virginia mid-August. I know without a doubt it was sent right to them.  My families big ya’ll… and if you haven’t gathered by now, we’re all extremely close. Enter Dan. This is exactly why I love Dan for Nicole. He comes from an equally close, if not closer, family and group of friends. They have welcomed ALL of us with open arms and I’m so excited Nicole gets to be part of it…. And us too right? I feel like we’re honorary Sexton’s! 
As you can imagine, being family, I felt some serious pressure to deliver some great photos. I really hope I didn’t disappoint. I apologize in advance for the extra long blog…. I just had to share it all. And before I release you from this novel I have to take a moment to thank Sara of Wolfcrest Photography. That girl, as ALWAYS, was so helpful and amazing the whole time. She photographed a whole bunch of the photos below. We put forth a serious group effort and I’m proud to call her my friend and colleague. Ok, if you all made it this far – you definitely deserve a round of applause…. And some caffeine to wake you up! Congratulations Nicole and Dan! I love you both very much and can’t wait to see what this crazy thing called life has in store for you!

Gorgeous bracelet from Nicole’s dad!

I’d say you did a great job, Dan!

This is a shot of Nicole’s great grandmothers ring resting on top of her grandmother’s monogramed handkerchief.

Dan looking mighty dapper waiting for the ‘First Look’ with Nicole.

First Look time!

Oh, Colie – you’re so pretty!

Looking good, Dan!

Loved Nicole’s bouquet – no greenery at her request!

LOVE!

3 white balloons were released to honor Grandma and Grandpa DeSonia and our Nanny. It was a beautiful start to the ceremony.

Oh, Cheryl, I feel ya!

MARRIED!

Now this is a wedding party! Count ’em, folks! 23! Whew!

Dan and his football team! Ha!

How pretty are these girls?!

Siblings!

All the girls sported these amazing statement necklaces!

Danielle MAKES this photo!

I feel like I need to explain the next couple of photos…. Nicole is half Italian, as is Dan. It’s been said that the Italian tradition is to have a ‘Cookie Bar’ at your wedding. Your family bakes dozens and dozens of cookies for your guests to enjoy.  The most amazing cookie and candy display was brought together with a  lot of love and effort! Yum!

All you VA Tech fans out there…. You can HEAR ‘Enter Sandman’ can’t ya?!

First Dance!

Uncle Carl giving a wonderful speech!

While guests ate, we snuck outside for a few sunset photos.

Some seriously great toasts were given. I don’t usually share this many photos from them but all the emotions…. too good not to share!

A little bit of the party!

More party!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Sexton!!!

And…. the most appropriate day after attire!