Thanksgiving 2008

We are so grateful for God's many blessings this Thanksgiving. In the space of only a couple months, we've been given a wonderful new daughter and a terrific new son. Wow! That is so cool ... thank you Lord. Here is the ever growing crew at grandma's house (and our very special guests, Brandon and Missy - don't worry, we'll be doing it again before you know it!).

Classic Wedding

Brie and Michael’s wedding day was stunning. A classic blend of sophistication and simplicity … just like she wanted. The Living Word chapel was subtly lit in lush rose hues and gorgeous florals. Pastor Jim Hammond gave a message that was practical, personal, and funny, stressing daily times of prayer together and quality, two-way communication. My brother contributed a heartfelt prayer of blessing. After the ceremony, hundreds of attendees were treated to a cupcake reception featuring Glenn Miller and Count Basie swing tunes and a photo montage by yours truly. Those coconut cupcakes were amazing. After mingling with the celebrants, the wedding party visited the Walker Art Center conservatory for more photos and then on to the Semple Mansion for an intimate dinner reception with family and friends. The Semple certainly lived-up to its reputation as “the” classic Twin Cities wedding venue. The attendees enjoyed dinner and dancing in the ballroom and mingled through this historic building’s four levels. The coffee bar in the reception room was a monster hit and Mark Yanni’s small big band orchestra provided swing standards well into the evening. The band’s smooth jazz was a delight to all! The pink chocolate fountain was very popular. Photography by SoulCam (UPDATE: To view the proofs, link here and enter a password of 'Harrison'). At evening’s end, the new couple made their way to the Saint Paul Hotel for a little “we” time (thanks Brandon/Missy and Brandon/Jenna for making it happen). A romantic 5-day Caribbean cruise to Key West, Cozumel, and Belize will commence on Monday morning (lucky skunks). The couple will be making their home in Plymouth, Minnesota.

For me, it was a day of mixed emotions but above all I’m thankful for God’s rich blessings - I'm the luckiest guy in the world. A wife that I respect and adore. Great kids, with hearts for ministry ... the sky is the limit! Kudos to all the great volunteers who made this a relatively easy day for Starr and I ... especially Bill and Mariann, the ushering staff, Laci, Christine, and the Go Ministries gals. Mike and Kristy ... we love you and so look forward to watching these kids blossom before us. God has so much in store of them. In the meantime, I think I'll take a little break from weddings.

Anyone want some photos? Select the slideshow immediately below or link to my Picasa album and check-em out (you might like the Slideshow mode). You can view em on-line or download them directly to your PC (and you don't even need to be a member of one of those fancy social networking things).

Made with Slideshow Embed Tool

Texas Ho-Down

Following Brie and Michael's rehearsal, Mike and Kristy treated the wedding party to a good old fashioned Texas Ho-Down. With great southern-style comfort food and a professional line dancing team in attendance, a root'n toot'n hee-haw was had by all. Thank you guys!

Two more days and I give my daughter away. I think I need to write a speech. For more photos, link to my 2008 Wedding Two Picasa album.