Tamara and Adam's Wedding Day

After several different locations and lots of different dates, Tamara and Adam finally decided on the date of their big day. They started off wanting to be married in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, then they moved farther South to Logan, Utah then switched to Park City and finally settled on a location that I recommended in downtown Salt Lake City. They checked the dates available and ended up going with Saturday, September 5th, on Labor Day weekend. It worked out well since a huge number of Adam's family live out of town and they were able to get away from work and other obligations and make it a truly special time for all. They chose to be married in the "Salt Lake Hardware Building" and Tamara asked me to be her maid of honor. I was surprised that she chose me, I was honored to have the opportunity but surprised she didn't choose one of her friends. We spent the weeks leading up to the big day working on decorations for the reception and I think we went to Michaels craft store about thirty times by the time all was said and done. I bought a total of four dresses hoping to find one that would work to appear in front of all those people. Two pairs of shoes. New suit for Kevin and Trace (his even had a bow tie!). We went through three cake decorators, two cake toppers. Two hairstylists and makeup artists. Tamara found a dress, it was pretty and in her budget, so she bought it. Then, at the very next stop, she found THE dress. Of course, it was double the price, so the debate began. We laughed because she went into the dress hunting adventure saying that she wanted no lace and not a lot of detail. Well, the dress that she really liked was a sleeveless nude, with a lace overlay and tons of intricate detail. Thankfully, Tamara and Mom told Nanny about the dress and Nanny agreed to pay for the dress. Such a nice gesture! The bad news was that Eric was in such bad health that his doctor wouldn't let them come out for the wedding, so Nanny and Granddad had to rely on photos to experience the day. Adam's family came in town about a week before the big day and they all gathered in a huge house in Park City that they rented for the events. We got invited up to the Park City house for a dinner the night before and got to meet his Mom, Step-Dad, Father, Step-Mom, Step-sister, Sister, Brother-in-law and little nephew. His Uncle and Aunt even made their way here from Iceland! While said Uncle was sitting outside near the fire pit smoking a cigar, I found my young son outside informing the poor man that smoking is dangerous and "it will kill you". Making friends, that's what the Carrells do. The same night, Trace met Adam's sister's 4 year old son named "Reed". Despite the difference in age, those two got along great! The day of, their local bishop conducted the ceremony and Dad got to walk her down the isle. They said their "I do's" and then they broke out the cheese and wine for the guests to enjoy while we went outside for family photos. Then the bride and groom came in and there were toasts made by Dad, Adam's Mom and Dad, the best man, me and the wedding couple. My toast was emotional for me and I forgot half of what I wanted to say, but I made it through. Then the music started and the dancing began. Trace and I danced together and Reed and Trace danced/ran around for several of the songs. At the end of the night, the newlyweds left with a sparkler send-off and headed to their hotel with Brinkley. When all was said and done, I think everyone had a great time and most importantly, the bride and groom seemed to really enjoy themselves.

Love this cake and topper! The top layer was carrot cake and the bottom layer chocolate. Yum!

Adam's Dad, Step Mom and Step Sister Susie

Adam's sister Lindsay, Grant and young Reed

Adam and his Mom, Janet

Adam's Mom and Step Dad

Trace and Reed torturing Grant

As part of the décor, we hung some printed photos and posters of their "bridal/groom" shots. They were taken at the state capital building and simply breathtaking!

 

This is the picture they sent from their hotel after the reception. Looks like a happy couple!

I posted this picture afterward with the caption: "Final count, 52 bobby pins!" I got tons of compliments on my hair that night. It was really cool, but something I could never do myself.