The July Wedding
Well, the wedding was a success, as judged by the criteria "they were married at the end of the evening"! And the reception was also a success, as judged by the crowded dance floor, the laughter, the food, the weather (incredible), the attendance (about 300), and most important, the new couple!! I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate a marriage that we have waited a LONG time to see! Though there are some "parental types" that are definitely (but temporarily) at a loss as to what to do with ourselves, we spend a great deal of time congratulating ourselves on what a splendid party we threw!!
Let's see--highlights... well, there was the tent--somehow hearing 40x60 didn't translate into "bigger than my house" until I saw it taking up most of my backyard. Then there was the "damdest thing you ever saw" sweet corn cooker that Don manufactured from an industrial size stainless steel pressure cooker and a drying bin burner (that I would NOT let him hook to our 1000 gal. propane tank, regardless of whining and pouting). The sight of nearly 300 people eating corn on the cob as we arrived isn't something I'm likely to forget soon, either! We proved that it is possible to light up 2400 sq. feet with only Christmas lights (but LOTS of them), to keep bugs at bay with several dozen citronella candles, and entertain small children with gazillions of sparklers (lit at the aforementioned citronella candles).
My Saturday Coffee Group gave a whole new meaning to "friends", as they arrived early Saturday morning with their supplies, their gorgeous planters filled with flowers, and their incredible ability to work harder and faster than anyone I've ever met--and then stayed until the carpets were being rolled up to see to it that everyone was fed and happy! They were the secret to the success of the party. A suggestion was made that we just BUY the tent and host weekend parties all summer, but that didn't go any further than the propane tank idea!
In the end, my baby's married to the love of his life, and we have the most wonderful memories and life stories to tell--what more could you possibly ask? Well, probably for the same sort of experience to report after the fast-approaching September Wedding!! I'll post a picture of Dewey and his bride, Kelli, for now--maybe some tent pictures after I get them sized and so forth...

Thanks for all your kind wishes in the crazy days leading up to this!! See you at the fair if I don't post again before then!
Comments
Becky, Congratulations, it sounds like a good time was had by all. Pass my congrats along to Dewey and Kelli. Brian
Posted by: Brian Webster | July 27, 2007 09:36 AM
I'm so glad that everything went smoothly! They look to be extremely happy! I, personally, would have LOVED to hear the conversation between you two regarding the propane tank and the pressure cooker. Congrats to you and Don on the newest members in your family. See you at the fair! Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | July 31, 2007 04:37 PM
Becky, it sounds like it was the talk of the town and it sure looks like they are a happy couple! What a great idea with the sweet corn cooker. Was there toothpicks also provided? See you at the fair! My husband and I will be working at the Beef Headquarters as this is what we do for fun on our days off when we come to the State Fair.Steph
Posted by: Steph Erpelding | August 1, 2007 08:11 AM
Congratulations on pulling off what sounds like a fabulous event! Now that you are old hands, the one in September should be a cinch! vb
Posted by: Vickie | August 1, 2007 08:50 AM
Becky - Congratuatlions....sounds like a wonderful time had by all and what a great addition to your family! Now relax and work on State Fair. Might see you there!
Posted by: Sue Barnes | August 1, 2007 09:05 AM
Congratulations Becky! Looks like you had great weather and a very nice looking couple. Now you can look forward to being a grandma someday! Our little girl will be here soon! I can't wait.
Posted by: Jolene Dungey | August 2, 2007 08:39 AM
THANKS for all your great comments--after we rested up a bit, it's been fun remembering all the fun we had! I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at the fair!
Posted by: Becky | August 3, 2007 11:43 AM
Congratulations on gaining a new daughter-in-law! You know it's been a good wedding experience when the parents have as much fun as the bride & groom. Such a lovely couple! The gods were smiling down on you with perfect weather in July in Iowa!! Good luck with wedding #2!
Posted by: Becki Petersen | August 3, 2007 02:45 PM
Congratultaions! Sounds and looks like fun was had by all. Bet the little ones really loved access to the corn and sparklers too.
Posted by: Kendra | August 6, 2007 11:20 AM
Congratulations to all of you and thank you for including a picture! These are the "things worth doing" because they leave you with memories to make you smile & feel proud.
Posted by: Sheri Postma | August 24, 2007 11:59 AM