Life with Zak and Rachel.: The Summer of Weddings

This summer was the Summer of Weddings for us! We were honored to be involved in some way, big or small, for all the special couples that were married this summer. It was often stressful trying to coordinate with so many people in different states about a multitude of topics, but in the end, everything came together. This post will mostly be full of lots of pictures, which is what everyone wants when they hear about a wedding.

Wedding #1: Chad Cook & Bryan Stafford
Date: July 27
Locations: Moscow, ID / Pullman, WA
Roles: Z-Groomsman for Chad; R-Bridesmaid for Bryan

Chad & Bryan at their reception

Our first wedding event was for Chad & Bryan. Zack was one of Chad's groomsmen, and I was one of Bryan's bridesmaids. Both guys each had four groomsmen & bridesmaids, so it was quite a large bridal party. The ceremony was beautiful and on the University of Idaho campus, by the Admin building. The weather was perfect and it was just a wonderful day. The reception took place in Pullman, which was a lot of fun. Lots of food, dancing and a photo booth with goofy props. We were both so happy and honored to be included in Chad & Bryan's wedding day, they make a terrific couple and we love them both!

Wedding #2: Delaney Reilly & Rich Gittings
Date: August 16
Locations: Boston, MA / Avon, CT
Role: bride's family

Delaney & Rich outside the LDS Boston, MA temple

The next two weddings were within 4 days of each other. On opposite sides of the country! Zack's sister Delaney got married to Rich in the LDS Boston temple on August 16. And my brother Kenny was married in California on August 20. The Reilly/Gittings wedding was a day filled with family, fun and several hours in the car. First we drove from Connecticut to the Boston, MA temple, about an hour and half away. Family pictures were taken on temple grounds. Delaney was an absolutely beautiful bride (I love her dress so much!) and it was obvious that Rich was so happy to be her husband. After temple pictures, we loaded back into the car and drove to Avon, CT (near Hartford, a really rich, snooty-type part of CT). The drive took about 2-3 hours, and we arrived in time to have a light dinner with all the family that had traveled there for the wedding. I finally got to meet the Reilly grandparents who live in Florida, as well as some of Zack's cousins and aunts I had only briefly met, when we first started dating. It was nice to have some time with the family to catch up before the ring ceremony and reception started. Zack played the guitar with Liv (violin) and a boy from their ward, Preston (cello) for prelude before the ring ceremony. It sounded great and created a nice atmosphere for the ceremony. The reception followed, which included lots of dancing and a cheesecake bar. I loved watching the younger kids from the Reillys' ward dance all night.

Wedding #3: Kenny Van Vliet & Kristen Paetz
Date: August 20
Location: Clayton, CA
Roles: Z-Groomsman for Kenny; R-Bridesmaid for Kristen

Kenny & Kristen

Our next wedding in California was also a lot of fun and full of family and friends. Kenny and Kristen were married and had the reception at a beautiful, huge house that belonged to the bishop of my parents' ward. Both Jenna and I were bridesmaids for Kristen, and Zack along with my cousins Matt & Jordan were groomsmen for Kenny. The ceremony was for close friends and family and it was very nice. I tried not to cry as I watched my brother get married, but it was hard not to tear up. The reception was fun, it was nice to see old friends from the area. Plus, the cake was amazing. They had a Swedish princess cake, which was incredible. There was a great turnout and it was plain to see how happy Kenny and Kristen were.

Wedding #4: Emily McCormick & Michael Allen
Date: September 1
Location: Moscow, ID
Roles: Z-Asst. to Rachel; R-Food Captain

Emily & Michael cutting their cake

The last wedding we were involved with was for one of Chad's best friends, Emily. She was also a bridesmaid in their wedding, and we've hung out before. She's the sweetest girl and several months before her wedding, she asked if I would be in charge of the food for her reception. I was glad to help, and understood the importance of making sure things ran smoothly for her wedding day. Thankfully, Zack offered to help me, and I was so glad to have him around. He was so helpful, as well as Bryan, who offered to help when he could. Before the reception started, I set up the food tables, organized it and made sure everything would be prepped and backups would be ready to go once people started eating. It actually went smoothly, there was a ton of food and I received praise from all of Emily's family for my help. It was a lovely reception, and it was nice to be able to help.

And now for the best part, pictures!