Two became One

It all started about a year ago when my little sis, Kelly Jo, was anxiously awaiting her first date with a man she met on her coed soccer team. She called me and my older sister to gain back some of the confidence she had lost after being disappointed time and time again on the "dating scene". You see, Kelly Jo knew exactly what she wanted...and if the shoes weren't white enough or perhaps too white, the personality wasn't goofy enough, or there wasn't even the smallest spark to lead to a potential fire…she was done. Kelly Jo knew her future husband needed no spark because the chemistry would be as obvious as a burning blaze in front of her. She did go on the date that night, but you can imagine my concern when I didn't hear from her the next day. I thought we would be tallying this one under the "failed date" column and rally again for the next potential suitor. I decided to give her a few days to rebound before I called her. Days later, when I finally picked up the phone, I was prepared to give the infamous “do not give up" pep talk. Picture my surprise and pleasant shock when Kelly Jo began to tell me how amazingly fantastic this "Jon" guy was. I actually had to catch my breath to learn that Kelly Jo couldn't even find one little thing wrong with him. Could he be…the one?


A few months later, at a family gathering in my parent's Virginia home, I saw my smitten sis. She was texting Jon every thirty seconds and giggling at his witty replies. I knew this was serious by the joy in her smile and the calm, quiet, peace in her heart. I think we all knew a wedding would be in their near future because when it comes to love you know when you know, but you don't know until you know. Ya know?

That was the beginning of their story. This past weekend about 130 friends and family gathered to celebrate the start of the first chapter in their lives as the two of them became one flesh.

I was unable to take pictures of the ceremony (for obvious reasons), although there was concern I would carry my camera down the aisle instead of the bouquet of flowers. I also chose to relax and enjoy my sister's day camera free so I am looking forward to seeing the photographer's pictures in the near future. I took pictures of the week of celebrations leading up to the beautiful ceremony.

It started out with a Bang as the girls got together for Kelly Jo's Bachelorette. Everything was planned to a Tee (literally). We were all dressed to impressed with matching purple shirts, visors, a sock puppet (yes, it's true!) and a fun little saying on the back of the t-shirts. What was on my sister's t-shirt you ask?? "Ask me to do the Raptor" an inside joke/talent that Kelly has possessed and perfected that last couple years. Please be sure to check out the transformation in the pictures below.



Jon and Kelly were married on a beautiful plantation in Virginia. We all walked down a brick walkway and ended at a beautiful Gazebo on top of a hill.




Here was the view from the Gazebo:



Time to prep....



Finally! The moment had arrived when Jon would watch my beautiful sister walk down the aisle and a beautiful bride she was....









Kelly Jo and Jon, may your love grow stronger with each passing day.

Love,

Stacy


The bride and Addisyn, the day after