Disneyland with Daddy

One last trip to Disneyland before we had to renew our annual passes! Actually, 2 last days... in a row! Yes, I know, I am crazy! Haha. Anyway, daddy doesn't usually go with us to Disneyland (we don't even buy a pass for him because his motto is "every 2 years") but on this particular day, he surprised us after work! The girls were beaming... they love when their daddy gets to do stuff like this because it's not very often.

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In the morning, before daddy arrived, we went to California Adventure. We rode the river rafting ride for the first time! In Charlie's words, "It was AWESOME!" We got thoroughly soaked, but it was well worth it!

When daddy arrived we headed over to the happiest place on Earth!

Charlie loved driving the autopia car. Steve and Ryan were in the car behind us. It was hilarious to watch Charlie because she really, really, literally thought that we were beating Ryan and Daddy in a race. She was thrilled when we won! Hilarious. Ryan, who totally understands that their car couldn't pass us on the track no matter what, was a very grown up princess and let Charlie believe it and rub it in without correcting her. I was so proud of Ry Ry.

Toon Town always holds great picture opportunities.

Daddy and his girlies.

Now I guess it's time to buy new passes and begin the fun all over again.

The Big Day...Behind the Scenes

This might end up being the longest post of all of the wedding posts... there is just so much that happens behind the scenes before a big wedding. We had a great day preparing for the big night. Of course, I only have pictures of what was going on from the bride's perspective since Kara and I had the cameras and not the guys! Haha... we can only imagine what was going on in the guy's suite!

All of the girls got ready in Jeff and Julie's suite! Oh my, the place was huge! I thought I should start with a picture of the bride just about ready to go... smiling and beaming... even if it's out of order! You can just see how excited she is to become Mrs. Grace.

The girls on the other hand... had a long, long day! LOL

things started to look up for the flowergirls when "Hey Babysitter" started doing their nails!

The hustle and bustle of the day.

Ryan and Charlie felt so grown up to be included in the day's fun!

The make-up artist made us all look beautiful!

Everyone ready to head over to the Country Club

In the bridal room at the country club the girls made themselves at home quickly. There were lots of snacks and they put on several dancing and singing performances for us.

It's time... Julie gets lots of help getting into "the dress."

Jill and Courtney worked hard while Kara and I kept snapping pictures... I hope you don't mind these pics Julie!

It's on... and the bride is ready to go.

Another one of my most favorite parts of the day... when the father of the bride gets to see his little girl for the first time in her wedding dress! Wow... it makes me tear up just to type it. The look on Dr. Gephardt's face was priceless!

No words needed...

Outside we go to start pictures with the photographer!

Tammy and Steve

The Gephardt Family

One lucky guy...

The Graces head out for their turn with the photographer...

The beautiful bride...

All of the girls...

Julie and her sisters...

One of the fun poses the photographer set up...

The Grace Family...

I think we needed a panoramic shot... I think we missed a few on the end there!

The Graces...

Trying to get some good pics of the girls in the gorgeous dresses...

I know this last picture is horrible quality but it was the only picture I had of everyone all lined up and ready to head out to start the ceremony! Dr. Gephardt kept all laughing so that we didn't get nervous!

Here we go... on to the ceremony!

The Ceremony...

Watching Jeff and Julie get married was such an emotional day! So many neat moments and "looks" shared between the bride and groom. I loved being able witness the beginning of their marriage. I mean, this picture is out of order but...just look at the smile on Jeff's face in the picture below as he waited for his bride to be! I was on the verge of tears all day it seemed like. it was awesome!

Obviously, there weren't too many cameras going crazy taking pictures during the ceremony...
everyone was focused on the ceremony. Anyway, Grant did get a few (thank you Grant!) to help us to document this part of the day for the blog!

Jeff's men standing proudly for their friend and brother!

Charlie got a little lost on her way down the aisle. Jeff gave her a big kiss when she finally found her way!

Watching Dr. Gephardt walk Julie down the aisle really, really made me cry! So special!

Finally, bride and groom saying their vows for a life time of happiness!

Congratulations to the happy couple!!

Party Time!

Okay... Blogger is not being very cooperative with me on this wedding post! I think I am trying to add too many pictures all at once. Executive decision... I am going to have to split this post in two parts or maybe three... I won't know until I'm done I guess! There are just so many great memories from this great day, I don't want to leave any of them out!

Therefore, this post is dedicated to just the RECEPTION! I know it will seem out of order to do this one first but in the end, it will read better on the blog.

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Jeff and Julie's reception at the Las Vegas Country Club was absolutely gorgeous! What a setting for a fabulously fun night! I loved how well thought out all of the details were... the flowers, the dances, the way the traditional wedding events flowed... and mostly the playlist! Oh my, I have never danced so much in my life! And so did just about everyone in the crowd! It was awesome... I mean, really, how many more times are we going to get to do this??? We've got one next year but then we are waiting on the next generation... Katie? Timmy? Patrick?

The flower girls loved that they didn't have to sit with mommy and daddy for the reception. They felt so grown up.
"See ya later Mommy and Daddy!"

Courtney and Jesse ...

Jill and fiance Nick...

The bride and groom share their first dance!

Look at how gorgeous these two are!

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The speeches were so enjoyable to listen to...

Steve, Joe, and Jill did a great job! I loved that I got to sit so close to Jeff and Julie through the speeches to hear their laughter and sighs and all the meaningful words and stories!

Jill and Steve making the union "legal"

Now, this is when I was giving Dr. Gephardt some last words of advice before his big speech! Haha, just kidding... I just didn't have any good pictures of his speech but I didn't want to leave it out of the post!

Best Friends and sisters... it is so fun to watch Julie and Jill together! I hope Ryan and Charlie will be like them!

Hanging out with my man!

The RFer Crew never disappoints a crowd... I heard a rumor that the bride and groom hired this bunch of nutty couples to entertain the wedding guests! LOL... did anyone else hear that rumor?

The Father/Daughter Dance totally brought tears to my eyes.

Watching Jeff during this dance, I could see how special the Mother/Son Dance was to him.

I loved getting to know these girls over the weekend! Such fun girls to hang out with! Julie has a fantastic family!

The bride with some of her "maids"

Mr. and Mrs. Grace... oops... right names, wrong combination!

Oh, the dancing I LOVED... oops, did I say that already??? Like 5 times already I think!

"Mrs. Grace" x 2

Jeff getting his groove on... "Apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur" must have been playing! :)

Grant and Kara enjoying the party!

I have to say, these two are great photographers! Kara sent me a CD of all the pics that they snapped during the day and night. I stole so many for this blog post! Thank you guys so much... you got Wayyyyy better pictures than I did!

Hurting feet always equal a great party! Well done! It will be a memory that remain in tact forever!