December 31st, 2017 my little sister married Daniel Miller. It was a beautiful, clear, freezing cold day. Everything went smoothly and my sister remembers the day as being perfect. She was a beautiful bride and they were both glowing.

We started out with having all the bridesmaids come to my parents’ house to get ready for pictures. I was running around between nursing Clara, getting things ready for Josh to watch and dress the kids while I was out for pictures, and trying to get myself ready. I hadn’t even tried on my bridesmaid dress yet – so glad it fit, thanks to my mom! It was a bustle of activity. One of Emily’s friends, Amy Krape, did my hair and Becca’s hair. I’m so thankful she did that for us.

Of course I made time to help pack Emily’s honeymoon bag. I think the happy couple had glitter with them the whole time they were away and even when they got back to their apartment. We had a scare when Emily wanted to get some socks out of her bag. I kindly volunteered my own socks so she didn’t have to go to the car and get out her bag.

The wedding party photos were taken at funeral home in downtown York. We were supposed to be allowed inside, but there was a miscommunication and the building was locked. It was freezing! The photos turned out beautiful (most of these are my mom’s), but let me tell you, this Cambodian girl was dying!

One funny thing was that is hadn’t been discussed was where we would go during the “first look” pictures. So we all just stood there. For the girls of course it was sweet, but I heard one of the guys mention that it was awkward. It looked like Daniel was delighted with his bride.

Let me take a commercial break from the wedding to give you a peek into my brain. I can’t remember the last time I had such a fast-paced, packed, stressful day. Between nursing Clara, being a bridesmaid, running the wedding, trying to take care of stressed out children (the little girls were bawling by the reception), talking to people, and giving a speech…inside I was frazzled (and of course I hadn’t gone to bed the night before until after 11PM). Somewhere during the day it hit me…I was at least 10 years older than everyone else in the wedding party and the only one with kids. BUT – it was worth it. I am so honored that Emily asked me to be her matron of honor and that I was able to be such a part of my little sister’s wedding.

Emily’s wedding went off smoothly. It was short and sweet – around 30 minutes. The kids did great walking down the aisle. We were shocked that without instruction Isaiah and Anna walked down side-by-side (it was their own idea) and took their job seriously. Anna still talks about throwing petals out for Aunt Emily’s wedding. I enjoyed singing with my brother.

The reception afterwards went well. Our little girls were a mess. Josh stayed in the car while the little girls slept for around an hour. I’m so thankful Josh was there to help with all our kids. There was more than enough food and everyone seemed to have a good time. I gave a matron of honor speech. Becca ran up and got the bouquet Emily threw that dropped on the ground. I figured that was pretty “fair” since Emily threw my bouquet. The bride and groom were some of the last people to leave. We stayed and helped with the clean up. Then on to the after “Sutter-family” party. My only sadness of the day is that I didn’t get a picture with Josh. Between running around with everything else, talking with people, and taking care of the kids, we hardly saw each other and didn’t take time to take a picture of us dressed up.

Emily was a beautiful bride. So amazing to see my sister so grown up and getting married. I got teary-eyed at several points during the day and choked up during my speech. Now I’m excited to be able to share conversations about married-life with my sister. I’m so thankful God blessed me with a sister.

We’re so delighted in the husband God has provided Emily. It was a beautiful day. Everyone was happy. Everything went smoothly. Thankful for this new family unit the Lord has begun and we’re looking forward to seeing Him work in their family.