We "Rocked Like Party Stars" and Got Hitched!

WARNING: This is long. But, it was my wedding after all, so I have a lot to say. I could've said more, but I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking later when they come in.

It's been well over a month since my last post and a LOT has happened since...where to begin?

I finished up my first year teaching 5th grade, and 3rd year teaching overall. I also completed my first ever graduate level course for my Masters. And, as exciting, and relieving as those things were, they couldn't even come close in comparison to what was next.

The first week of summer was the week before the wedding, so I was in complete and total "wedding mode," if you will. There wasn't a ton to do but enough small things to fill my days completely. Thankfully, I had some amazing people by my side. The Thursday before the wedding we were able to decorate our reception location. I was so grateful to Yankee Hill Country Club for allowing us to come in to the site this early. My mom, sister, dad, and faithful friend Ali went to town decorating the site. I had a picture in my mind of what it was going to look like and where things needed to be, so we each took a task and went to work. It was enormously helpful that they were all there to help set up. It was a breeze and we had NO problems. I think this is when the excitement really began to set in.

Friday, I had a few menial tasks to do in the morning and was able to have lunch and meet my mom and sister at the church to decorate. We only had to set up two pillars with tulle and lights, and candles set on top. It wasn't much but it took some time. It was a great feeling knowing we already had the reception hall all set up. My soon-to-be-in-laws also came to the church to set up for the rehearsal dinner that night. It was so great to be in the company of all these people I love so dearly. Later came the rehearsal. Slowly, people began to trickle in. Having our wedding party, ushers, musicians, pastor, family all in the same room was very emotional. I needed to hold it together this day because I knew tears would come the next day. We went through the rehearsal and everything went smoothly. Then, we got to have a spectacular dinner catered in by my in-laws from Chances R. YUMMO! It was a delicious dinner and such a joyous occasion to sit in front of people who give us so much love and support and were there to celebrate our upcoming nuptials. There was even a surprise for us--Blake's friend since childhood, Josh, read a poem written by their hometown church pastor about Blake and my beginning. Here it is:

Blakey At Bat

It looked extremely rocky for the Tobey boy that year
A senior now at Doane, and not a girlfriend even near.
So when Chris teamed up with Molly and Willems married Shea,
A pallor wreathed the features of our Blakey boy that day.
He'd watched as Josh had wooed and won the heart of Sarah fair.
He'd seen how Jake and Monica had come to be a pair.
The years were sliding by and Blakey knew he'd really aged
When suddenly it looked like even Amy'd get engaged.
The ump was just about to call an ending game "strike three,"
When Bowers went to bat with an idea which was free.
"A blind date, just the thing to get you started toward first base,"
"Just try it," Kelli said, "go on and look her in the face."
A stranger's eyes were on him as he walked into the Mill.
November 8th had come and he had bowed to Kelli's will.
Six hours later still they sat, not strangers any more,
Though Blake feared if he let her leave no future was in store.
The second date came quickly, not a week gone in between.
An Old Chicago was the place where next the two were seen.
"Christmas Carol" in 3D and love in every heart,
Since from that day their time as one was more than time apart.
Then from family multitude went up a joyous yell.
It rumbled in the river and it rattled in the dell.
It echoed from the mother and dad who couldn't wait
To hear that Blakey had grabbed the bat and stepped up to the plate.
O somewhere in Nebraskaland, dark clouds may hide the sun,
And somewhere bands no longer play and children have no fun.
But not in Tobey country, for there's joy that can't depart,
'Cause Ashley came and hit the ball that's stolen Blakey's heart.


Blake and I spent a little time together alone after the rehearsal and said our goodbyes. I went home, talked with my family, got ready for bed and was handed a sweet note from my betrothed, delivered by my big sis. When the wedding day rolled around, I could hardly believe that a year and two weeks had passed by so quickly. I rose from bed and was handed another note by my sister from my almost-husband. We got ready and went to get our hair done and had lunch. I was given two more notes hand-written by my man during this time. We headed to the church, the girls got dressed, a lady from Ellynne came out to steam and lace up my dress (so incredible of them!). My lovely cousin did my makeup and during this time, I received yet more notes from him.


Then, it was time for our "first meeting." I was handed another note. With each succeeding note, I'm reminded of the love this man has in his heart for me. And, with each succeeding note, I'm reminded of what a great man I am marrying. I met him in the open green space to the southeast of our church. This was such a surreal and beautiful experience. I couldn't have prepared myself for how precious this moment was.


Now, it came time for wedding party pictures. We first went to Campbell's Nursery to take pictures of just him and I, then moved onto the Capitol building and later the Mill, where we first met, to take pictures with our wedding party. This was so much fun!


Fast forward many hours and I am walking down the aisle. All of the planning, the stress, the anticipation, the excitement, the emotions have culminated to this moment. From my very biased point of view, it was a beautiful sermon and the music was magical. This day was not "perfect," but it was so PERFECT for us. In the limo going to the reception, Blake's friend, Chris, turned to me and said, "Now, the only thing left is for you to take care of him, and I couldn't think of anyone better to do it." Talk about pulling on the heart strings. But, it is true. The wedding, the celebration, the desserts, the fancy clothes, the dancing, is over. Now, we're in a marriage together working as husband and wife. I pray that God will continuously strengthen me and guide me to be the best wife that Blake deserves. Because, he deserves the very best.