At first Paul and I just wanted to elope because we had been through so much to get to this day. After we got engaged however, the kids started planning our wedding. We decided that they beter be involved. We wanted it as low key as possible. It was Paul's great idea to get married on the beach in San Diego with our kids and our parents there. I found the girl's dresses on sale and in the right sizes so that became the wedding colors. One of the best things about a beach wedding is that I did not have to worry about shoes! I kept the flowers simple and they turned out perfect for a beach wedding. We played and relaxed at the beach the whole day with our families. At about 4:30 in the afternoon, we decided to get ready. We did not have a time schedule which was so nice and everything turned out better than we could have planned.
I just want to tell Paul that I love him so much! He has taught me so much in the time that I have known and loved him. I never knew I could be this happy and in love. More surprising is that I never knew someone could love me so much or treat me so wonderfully! I am lucky to be married to my best friend! I look forward to each day with and without our kids. We have so much fun when all nine of us are together and Paul and I enjoy every minute of our time with just the two of us. I never thought being married could be this fun or rewarding.
I asked my mom to pick out the wedding cake. It was beautiful and simple to look at, but oh my word, it was so delicious! The bottom layer was white cake latered with Bavarian cream and fresh strawberries and the top layer was red velvet cake. We ate dinner at La Costa Grill after the wedding. There was so much food and it was really great!
The ceremony was PERFECT!!! Paul's dad Jack did an amazing job performing the ceremony. As far as deciding which beach to get married....we made it super simple. The day before the wedding, we drove to this beach, looked at it for a few minutes and said "perfect". The day of the wedding.... we all drove down to the beach (10 minutes from our condo)walked along the beach until we found a spot that no one was using and gathered around. Some of the kids sat down in the sand and some stood around. The ceremony was about 10 minutes long. Jack gave us great advise that will help us in our new marriage and in raising our new family. None of the adults could keep from crying. Everyone was just so happy for us and thrilled we are so happy.
Here is a picture of the whole wedding party that was taken by a person who watched the wedding from the side and cheered for us when it was done.
When it came time to throw the bouquet, all the kids gathered around. Alyssa came out with the bouguet even with all the big boys trying to get it. Good job Alyssa! It shows just how tough this sweet little girl can be. She was so proud of herself!
Paul is always playing and having fun with the kids. I do not think he will ever totally grow up and that is one of the reasons I love him so much!
After the ceremony, we all had fun getting in the water and playing around.
Cute little Alyssa asked me a few months ago what kind of veil I was going to wear. I told her that I was not going to wear one and she asked if she, Amanda, and Keslee could wear one instead. I told her yes and made these cute little veils for them. It was a perfect solution and everyone was happy!
My parents surprised me and brought my sisters down for the wedding! It would not have been the same without them. We played all day at the beach and they helped me so much in getting the girl's hair done and everyone ready! Thanks guys! I love you all! Thanks audrey for taking our wedding pictures!
