shove, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Although we really had no idea how it would work out, Jim and I decided to get married during our regular Sunday service. We attend IAC (International Anglican Church) that meets in Shove Chapel on the Colorado College campus. This church has been a place of spiritual growth and healing for both of us. We wanted our wedding ceremony to be non-traditional but yet to really focus on the sacrament of marriage. We often integrate dedications and community prayer times into the regular weekly liturgy and asked our pastor his thoughts on integrating the wedding liturgy into the service. Both Ken and his wife Sallie were very open to the idea and helped us organize a beautiful service - full of worship, good teaching and community participation. I wouldn't have done a thing differently! It was truly a wonderful service!

Flowers

window, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

The day before the wedding, Jan somehow threw together these absolutely vivacious bouquets of flowers! They immediately made me feel vibrant and happy!

Meg

hair, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Meg-scissorhands was the first to arrive and shazam my messy hair into something lovely and pretty!

amanda

amanda, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

As Meg was busy making me pretty, Amanda found other things to occupy her attention!

dressing

dressing, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

I had no idea how many people are required to get a bridal gown on! I never intended to have a "real" gown, but i got it on sale - $99! It was surprisingly comfortable and, in retrospect, I think I would have felt a little underdressed in a building as beautiful as Shove.

processional

processional, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Jim and I decided to meet half-way down the isle - a symbol of two becoming one. It also struck me as an interesting representation of the biblical analogy of Christ calling his bride the church. It was nice to have Jim come and call me to join him. I really love that he is an intentional man and enjoy responding to him.

Declaring our intent

intent, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Dr & Mrs!

mr_mrs, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

This is the most significant and wonderful moment of my life - becoming Mrs. Jim Gregory!

our first steps together

dress, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Something about the movement in this photo intrigues us. Perhaps it captures all the flutters we were feeling at the alter.

rings

rings, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Jim and I checking out our rings!

prayer

prayer, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Perhaps our favorite aspect of IAC is the community. We felt blessed to have so many gather round and pray over us.

worship, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

We also love the worship at IAC - it's not just about the music but about surrender to God.

moms

moms, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

In our post-wedding chaos, we really didn't get to see much of our parents. But everytime I looked around for our moms, they pretty much looked just like this!

paparazzi

paparazzi, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

After the wedding, we were mobbed by our own family members wanting to snap a few shots. family or paparazzi?

groomsfolk

groomsfolk, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Jim looking studly with a few of his closest friends. The day before the wedding, I came home to find these guys swarming my car with buckets, hoses, soap suds and sponges. It was highly impressive - almost out of a scene from zoolader - but much less hazardous! I look forward to getting to know these guys better in the future. Andrew, in particular, was the pillar organization and happiness that kept the wedding flowing so beautifully. We feel so honored to be known as friends!

bridefolk

bridefolk, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

It was an honor to have Yvette, Heather, Laura, and Kathy all fly out to join me! These are a few of the most fantastic ladies the world has known. They remind me of an old proverb: "well-behaved women rarely make history" ;)

The Gregory Family

JFamily, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

It was so nice to finally meet Jim's sister Laura and spend more time with Marilyn and Windy! The weekend went so quickly that I was sad to have had only a little time to spend with my new in-laws.

Our parents

parents, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Dennis Family

DFamily, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Families

families, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

The whole Gregory-Dennis clan!

ourselves

comfy, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

In the midst of all the hubbub, my handsome husband and I had a moment or two to ourselves.

flowerboys

flowerboys, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Airplane

airplane, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Getting silly with the bride and grooms folk.

nails

nails, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Everything about the wedding was PERFECT! well, everything but my Vietnamese manicure. They looked great indoors, but the moment i went outside they turned florescent! This picture doesn't really capture their beauty.

garden

garden, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

sisters

feet, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

While Kathy and I may not look a whole lot alike, we both LOVE to be barefoot. I think we were the only girls at the wedding without shoes!

Train tracks

tracks, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Before heading off the the picnic reception, Jim and I took a little stroll along the tracks.

selah

selah, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Selah is my favorite baby girl!

frisbee

frisbee, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Sendoff

sendoff, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

car, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Jim had given me a fun swivel camera as a wedding present - perfect for self-portrait photography. As we drove to the wedding after-party, I was having a grand time taking self-portraits when Heather B, T and Joel's party-car pulled up along side us.

after party, baby!

afterparty, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

After the wedding and reception, we threw a little after-party for close friends and family at the Inn at Palmer Divide. It was really beautiful . . . and WINDY!

Tables of fun

tables, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Not only was the Asian food some of the best I've had in America, but we had lots of Asian things to do at the tables: eat with chopsticks, make origami, and write haiku!

fam_party, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

It was so nice to have family and good friends around us!

haiku contest

haiku, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

By popular opinion, Joel Strayer won the best origami competition with this "parrot-parrot" masterpiece and Josh Whiteman won the best haiku competition with "An ode to springroll". It went something like: Roll your own springroll, roll, roll it, roll it now, roll your own roll, yum!