And then they got married.....

Can you really sum up such a great day in a blog post? Probably not, but at least I can forever look back and remember the feelings we had this day.

You see, Caroline, Holly (Jack's mom) and I didn't actually live anywhere near each other for the year before this day. But Holly (who is amazing and organized and thrifty and smart) and Caroline (who is easy going and easy to please) did the lion's share of the work. I ordered supplies on Amazon, listened to to-do lists, prayed a lot, helped with what I could, and then rolled into town a week before the wedding. Somehow, Holly had it all together...there was a purpose, a plan, lots of hugs, not too many tears, and so many smiles my cheeks hurt. But all the collaboration, planning, and praying led up to this...... after 7 years in the waiting, Caroline and Jack got married.

The girls got ready at Jack's house, while Jack and the boys were at his aunt's house. There wasn't much stress, but there was music, singing, laughing, dancing.

Caroline and Jack gifted perfume and cologne to each other, to have a special scent for the day. Caroline's had white and yellow flowers, Caroline's favorite color. And Jack's sister did Caroline's makeup by the light of the front door.... these girls were sisters long before today.

I LOVE THESE GIRLS. Each one is a different line in Caroline's story, but they collectively are beautiful, kind, and loving. AND SO MUCH FUN.

Let's be honest...with long nails, I wasn't actually buttoning those little buttons. Rae to the rescue...but I did love seeing Caroline first, quietly, where I could really soak in the moment. It sure didn't seem too long ago that I was helping her get dressed for kindergarten, or prom, or graduation....

Then her friends got to see her...Who cried more, Caroline or the friends? Probably a toss up.

With time to spare, there was a kitchen dance party. Because we should ALWAYS make time to dance with our friends. In a kitchen. In pretty dresses.

Then it was time to share Caroline with her brother and dad. Caroline and Caleb have always been very close, and this moment dissolved me to tears. He loves Jack like a brother, so I am pretty sure he's okay with this... plus he gets a pretty amazing golf partner out of the deal. I love this moment and I am so glad we did this.

Dad came next. After a tough couple of months, this was what everyone's heart needed. Again, me...crying out of view, thankfully. Because that was an ugly cry.

Drying tears, fixing makeup, and taking my favorite photo of the #partyoffive one more time.

What wasn't captured was our family prayer. Holding hands, Mike prayed over the day, Caroline and Jack's marriage, for the many blessings we have received and how our hearts are filled with gratitude to our Great God.

What was captured is me crying while Mike reminded everyone that whenever he prays, it's what I do.

On the other side of town, Jack's family was getting ready. C'mon...have you ever seen a cuter bunch?

We decided in the busyness of the day, the grandparents would have a lot to take in, so a first look before the ceremony would give them a special moment with Caroline. These photos need no captions...the faces speak volumes.

Finally, it was time for the ceremony.

When Mike began the long walk, Jack's face was perfection. These two had been waiting for this...for this moment of finally seeing each other. There's something amazing about having a front row seat as your daughter walks toward her forever love. Thinking of his expression still brings me to tears. I am so grateful that she is loved so deeply.

Pastor Brian is reminding them to "just breathe." He was their pastor through high school, where they spent many Sunday evenings at his house sharing meals, Bible studies, and time together as youth kids. He relocated to the west side, where the kids were already in college, so they continued attending his church. Pretty awesome that God put PB in their lives so many years ago, as he also got to see these two grow up. We are so thankful for him!

PB had them turn around to face their family and friends. He reminded them these people in front of them would support them, love them, hold them accountable to their vows. As parents, he had us stand, a very pointed reminded that we also will love, support and hold them accountable. This was an incredible reminder that these two are loved by many, but even more so by a God who designed this before the start of time.

During the lighting of the unity candle, the hymn "Children of the Heavenly Father" was sung. This is the same hymn that was sung by my students at Caroline's baptism, so many years ago.

A kiss, an announcement, and a beautiful new family emerged.

But I love that nothing changes.... She still looks at him like he hung the moon, and he still treats her like she is the greatest treasure he's ever known.

We took photos after the ceremony.

First up, PB. He's seen these two through a lot, from teens, to young adults, to premarital counseling, to pronouncing them Mr. and Mrs.

We couldn't be more excited to join these two families.

#partyofsix #sixpack

The sibling count just doubled.

Pastor Glick....He's not just our former pastor. He's the "grandpa" Caroline had for all those years in Boca.

He not only married Mike and me in '94, he baptized Caroline as well. Her whole life, she wanted him to be part of her wedding. He was gracious enough to travel with his beautiful wife so that he could do her readings on the best day of her life. Full circle for her... a beautiful moment.

A pretty amazing best man and maid of honor....Caroline and Jack chose well. They are loved.

The bridal party pictures will show you just how close all these friends are...and how fun they are. And we can thank God for the picture perfect weather. 80 and sunny...in August in Michigan. God is good.

Caroline and Jack booked the venue a week after their engagement. Ironically, I have been to many an 8th grade trip fundraiser in this very room. But it was perfect. Holly had a crew of friends who came and did centerpieces and made sure everything was in its place. And it was a beautiful venue to celebrate these two.

Holly made cookies...lots and lots of cookies....as favors at each place. She's quite known for making the best cookie in town. Any extras were snatched up fast!

I didn't want to know what Rae and Mike were planning on saying, but I can tell you they spoke from their hearts. We have watched these two fall in love (and maybe crash into the garage..story for another day) and hearing Mike, Jason (Jack's dad), and Rae reiterate how these two have been family to all of us for years just goes to show that we all know this was God's plan, and we are so glad these two listened.

Pastor led prayer...his voice like a comfy blanket that just has always been your favorite. I know my kids heard his voice, and were immediately transported to the back three pews on the right side at St. Paul. Many many many hours were spent in those pews, listening to our pastor.

I have to share the final few things that Caroline and Jack did to make this day last longer than just one day. Their guest book is a new family Bible, where friends and family highlighted verses, left messages, and shared love that Caroline and Jack will find as they do devotions together and stay in the Word together. I love this idea, and wish I had that foresight so many years ago. This is something they will always treasure.

Caroline and Jack wrote a note to each person at each table, reminiscing over what they love about their guests and why they are so thankful they are there. You can see from Mike's mom's face that this letter is something small that made a big difference.

Finally, the One Song Challenge...Caroline and Jack ran...literally ran table to table to get a picture with each table before the song, Remember This, ended. Funny enough, Caroline wasn't positive she wanted to do this. She is so glad she did. As the tables figured out what the plan was, they started to plan ahead. And the pictures are so cute. It was an exciting way to get those "guests at tables" pictures.

"Used to pray for a moment just like this
There's a fire in your eyes I can't resist
Baby, we're gonna wanna remember this
Baby, we're gonna wanna remember this
I can taste the forever on your lips
There's a lifetime livin' inside that kiss
Baby, we're gonna wanna remember this
Baby, we're gonna wanna remember this"

Seriously, leave it to the 20-somethings to pose so cute in 3 seconds or less.

The McKeowns first dance was to "Lucky", which was the first song Caroline and Jack danced to years ago at a high school dance.

They don't know how long it takes

Waiting for a love like this

Every time we say goodbye

I wish we had one more kiss

I'll wait for you, I promise you, I will

Lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

Lucky we're in love in every way

Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed

Lucky to be coming home someday

Jack and his mom danced to "My Wish". As a mom, I am so thankful that she has spent years praying faithfully for future wife of Jack.

Caroline and Mike danced to "I don't dance", but then kicked it up with "Greatest Show". The best is the choreography Mike diligently practiced each day leading up to the wedding, with me as a stand-in for Caroline. We loved that at the end, her whole wedding party joined in, right on Nicole's cue.

Then we all danced. A lot.

I couldn't have imagined a better day. I have prayed since she was born that she would find the man God designed for her, that we would be there to give her away, to gain a son, to watch their family take root. God is good. So so good. His plan is always to prosper us, to give us hope and future. And with Christ decidedly in the center of this marriage, I can't wait to see the way God continues to bless these two.