I was super excited when I found out that I was no longer going to be the only Raleigh in-law. Justin, my brother in-law, met Courtney in April and she was adamant that she was going to wait a while to get married. I guess Justin has some awesome persuasive powers because they were married just five months later on August 11th. I only have one sister and she is quite a bit younger than me and my sister-in-law is just as young, so it was great to receive a sister-in-law closer to my age. It also felt like we were receiving a whole other family because Courtney comes from a family with six younger siblings. It was fun to get to know her and her cute and very active family. Her family was also hesitant for their oldest child to marry so young, but like I said, Justin has some awesome persuasive powers. Even though Courtney’s parents wished for them to wait a while, Justin and Courtney were persistent about the date they had set and the day quickly came when they were to be sealed for eternity in the temple. Justin’s family came a week before the wedding to tie up all the loose ends in the wedding and to attend Courtney’s wedding shower.
It was a gorgeous day and an even more beautiful ceremony. It was sweet to see the love Courtney’s parents have for her as they gave her away to Justin. We could see how much Justin was touched by the spirit and his love for Courtney because he sobbed the whole time the sealer talked (okay, maybe sobbed is too dramatic-- let’s say he was crying uncontrollably.) They decided to have the reception the same day as the wedding so it was a very packed day, but one I doubt they will ever forget. Also, at the reception they had a photo booth for the guests to take their own pictures. This was a big hit, especially with the children. Here are some pictures I took of the event. I’m only putting my favorites and ones of the family so you don’t have to scroll through a bunch of pictures (cause I love to take pictures.)
Here's the Wedding-
Here's the Reception-
