So, months before my brother's wedding, Aaron and I started practicing with Aja exactly what she was to do on August 2nd...walk down the aisle of Jon and Jami's wedding! At first we'd say "Ready, set, Walk" and Aja would take off running down the hallway, completely forgetting to toss any flowers onto the ground. After more practice, and putting tape on the ground for a straight line to follow, we'd say "ready, set, march"(march seemed to work better than walk). She was getting it a little better. Days before, still practicing, we thought she finally mastered what she was supposed to do! Friday evening, at the rehearsal, she wanted her "mama" to be at the back of the church with her, but I really thought it'd be best for me to be at the front so that she could see me to walk towards. So, i quickly ran to my spot so she'd focus on me and she did an excellent job! The priest continued with what was to go on during the ceremony and realized at that point that i'd also be reading the scriptures. "Oh, you have two BIG roles, mother of the flower girl AND reader," he exclaimed. Whoah, did that make me feel the pressure of Aja's role!! My only hope and prayer was that she'd make it down the aisle without screaming or crying or running! Saturday, the morning of the wedding, i fixed her hair up and we got her to the church! It was only 11 and the wedding wasn't until 2 (how was my little 2 yr. old going to handle this day??). The best thing was that she had time to run around and wear herself out a bit...she has SOOO much energy! Her dress was absolutely amazing on her and her little personality shined through! I am super excited for the pictures to be developed b/c she did such a great job with the photographer! Moments before the actual walk down the aisle, she was calm and collective for a 2 yr old and stayed at the back with her daddy. I ran up front to get into my position. My heart was pounding...how oh how will she do?? This could be wonderful or it could be a complete disaster! There she was, my little girl, starting her walk. Her eyes found me and she walked slowly and stopped to throw some flowers, walked a few steps more, threw more flowers, and continued right up to where i was sitting!!! SUCCESS!!! She DID it!! I was so proud!! I was amazed, i was shocked, i was happy and i was so thankful!! Now, during the ceremony, she only talked a little bit during the service, with random words such as: "bubbles", "Lord", "Amen", "Gummiworms", "Mommy up there talking" (during my readings), and "tag team back again" (which thankfully I think only Aaron and I could understand!). So, as the bride and groom made their walk back up the aisle as a married couple, Aja hopped out of the aisle to join behind them!! It went so much better than I could have ever imagined! Our little flower girl finally conked out in the car on the way to our house before the reception. It was a much needed nap that was well deserved! Soon enough, we headed out to the reception and she literally danced the night away!! We are so proud of you Aja!! :)
Love, Mommy & Daddy! :) Thanks for making Jon and Jami's day special!
(the above picture was taken weeks before the wedding as a practice...actual wedding day photos to follow soon!)
