Paul and Kellie's wedding

Matthew's cousins Mollie and Paul have always been close as they are just 12 months apart in age! God worked it out that Mollie would get married and six weeks later would come Paul's big day. We celebrated their upcoming nuptials at a shower on July 2. Seemed like deja vu as Mollie and her then-fiance Michael's shower was just a few months ago at the same place with virtually the same people.

This past Saturday, Matthew, Ruth Ann, Philip and I headed down the highway toward Camden, SC. The wedding would be in a tiny town called Bethune, but Camden had the closest Fairfield Inn (Michael works for Fairfield). We arrived at the hotel at 11:30am as I was hoping Philip could get a long nap before the 5:00pm wedding. It didn't work out quite as planned and he only slept for an hour. However, the afternoon was still great as our dear friends Steve, Tracy, Vassar and Mathis met us at the hotel to hang out before the wedding. Steve was the youth pastor of our church from 2000 until 2004. Our families grew really close during those years. I hope to always remain friends no matter the miles between us!!

Paul and Kellie's wedding was in a small, country church but the ceremony could not have been better. Everyone looked great, especially Kellie of course. Paul sweetly teared up while saying his vows causing the rest of us to cry too. Kellie being an upcoming kindergarten teacher said her vows in a clear, loud voice. They lit the unity candle while one of the groomsmen played the piano and sang a song penned by Paul. He's such a romantic guy. Paul actually put together a surprise scrapbook for Kellie which he gave to her the night before the wedding. The wedding ended as weddings usually do with the groom kissing his bride. What I later found out from Mollie was that Paul and Kellie's kiss at the altar was their FIRST kiss... EVER!! And it was a good kiss. I was amazed and in awe of their level of self control and dedication to God and each other. I'll just say Matthew and I kissed plenty before getting married so I have all the more respect for Paul and Kellie. If that level of love and commitment carries on into their wedding (which I'm sure it will), they will have a long and happy marriage.

The reception was one of the most fun I have attended in a long time. It was inside a very old, small, non-air conditioned building, but filled with talking, laughing, dancing and eating. Philip held up well for only having an hour nap. He enjoyed strawberries, watermelon, cantelope and chicken nuggets for dinner plus made a new best friend: the DJ! The man was nice and held Philip up to look at and play with all the buttons and knobs on his sound system. He even held the microphone to Philip's mouth so he could sing during one of the songs. The DJ was great overall as he conducted the bridal party in a scavenger hunt among the guests, had the groomsmen perform a rockettes kicking line, and played funny song snippits (i.e. "Did I Shave My Legs for This?" just as Paul was reaching for Kellie's garder). We sent them off under a shower of birdseed (memories, Lori?) and watched them drive off in Paul's big blue and white pick-up truck! They headed down to Charleston for a few days and today were to drive on to Orlando to visit Disney World.



The couple dances their first dance to "At Last" by Etta James.



Paul dances with his mom, Elise, to "You're the Inspiration" by Chicago.

Mollie and Michael look on, happy to have the memories of being the bride and groom but I think content to not have the spotlight this time.



Kellie and Paul beside the cake.


Steve, Tracy, me and Matthew. Let's make sure it's not a year before we see each other again, ok? :)




Philip and I with Vassar.




Philip and I with Mathis.


Philip had a mini-internship as the soundman's apprentice. Anyone who lets Philip play with technical equipment is an instant friend!




Everybody, get down!!


Back at the hotel that night, I had gotten Philip's bath water drawn as we were going to give him a bath, put him to bed (Ruth Ann didn't mind staying in the hotel) and Matthew and I were going out to the pool with everyone else. Guess Philip wanted to swim too as he flipped into the bathtub. He has started trying to reach the water at home before I put him in. He tried to do it there, but with the tubside being lower, when he leaned in, he flipped in!! I was terrified to turn around (thank the Lord I was standing right there) and see my baby floating head first upside down in the tub. He was in for less than a second, but still made my heart skip a beat!!