Becoming A Family of Five: Post I - Getting Ready

 

On February 16, 2020, after a year together, then 11 apart, then a little over 3 together again, we became the Crochet family! I have dreamed of marrying this man and we had a very unique, meticulous and intentional manner of planning our wedding. In the end, we created a beautiful fairytale love letter wedding for one another and our boys! 

Everything from the rehearsal dinner, to the ceremony, the reception and the lodging took place at Historic Hill House and Farm. I discovered the property after Tony and I had already narrowed our venue selection down to two beautiful choices. In fact, the first tour at Hill House, I did by myself. They were just starting to build the ballroom barn but the moment I pulled up I knew that this was our place. It had elements of both of us individually as well as us as a couple. The main house reminded me of the classic architecture I grew up around in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The house built in the mid 1800's had original windows which have the wavy look that windows get as they dramatically age. The twos barns being used to build the venue were antique barns, one from Pennsylvania and were being reassembled using the original pegs (not nails, pegs!) which I knew would appeal to Tony. The 149 acres of property and secluded appealed to us both. And not only did the property suit us perfectly, but we ended up suiting the owners vision as well. As soon as he saw Tony's website,  he wanted to meet Tony to discuss contracting his services. (But more on that later). 

 The guys "getting ready" area was the pool house. I had spent the night before on property and our three boys had gone home with Tony then spent the pre ceremony time, mostly hanging out with the guys. Tony did an amazing job getting them ready for the big day!

Tony even did a little last minute sewing for Elijah!

Each boy had a unique tuxedo to match his personality

They loved getting to wear their "I love you , son" pocket watches that Tony and I had given them the night before at the rehersal dinner

My handsome groom getting himself ready now that the boys were dressed. 

And now time for finishing touches on vows!

Meanwhile at the main house.....

Everyone was chasing me down because I was still putting finishing touches on the decor....

Last minute toe touch ups

My amazing bridesmaid, Morgan snuck over to the guys to put the boutonniere on her guy, groomsman, Jim. 

Jim apparently put boutonnieres on everyone else. 

 

Morgan spent about a quarter of the day under my dress

TJ looking all handsome and gentleman like

Elijah was so thrilled with his new pocket watch

It was a whirlwind of a morning, especially since I was up until 5am decorating for the big day. Thank goodness for the adrenaline  that comes with the excitement and anticipation of marrying your best friend!  

Spring Family Photos with Bluebonnets

We managed to get our yearly bluebonnets pictures done though this year it was a bit later than normal. Still, we were able to find some and really enjoyed the location our fabulous photographer, April Sanchez (Taylor Morgan Photography) chose for our photo shoot. April perfectly captured our family and throughout this photo shoot, I felt so connected to these four guys that I love so deeply. It was one of the most fun and relaxed photo shoots I have ever had. I loved watching my little boys run around and have fun as April captured sweet moments. I loved gazing into Tony's eyes, every second was a genuine expression of my love and adoration of him. This day and our love of our family was so perfectly captured and I am grateful for every beautiful photo. 

There are so many fabulous photos. In fact, I love every single one but I will share "just a few" (wink) of my favorites!

This was the first pictures we took. Seconds later Patrick stepped in a hole in the ground to his left. SO we had a little hold up while Tony comforted him. Rory was happy to jump in for some solo shots though!

 Such big smiles and laughs out of this little boy

 Love those big blue eyes

Typical Rory look. Love this boy with a huge personality. 

 The tiniest boy with the giant heart!

 Full of laughter and smiles

 Patrick will always be "my Tiny" 

 This sweet boy right here is going to be a world changer. He talks about helping people and animals and even "rescues" bugs from our pool. 

 Our Elijah has a heart of gold and is just a happy sweet boy. 

 I just cannot believe how big he is getting. Where did my baby go?!

God knew what he was doing when He made him my "first". 

 Our three musketeers! 

 Love these boys to the moon. 

Perfect capture of brotherly love. 

 Happily Five

 Loved every minute of this day. But was surprised when I realized how much I adore looking in his eyes even when someone is watching

Kissing and laughter....nothing like it

This man has my heart

 Such a cute idea for a shot from April!

 THIS is our favorite. Will definitely be the one for the fireplace. 

Love this man more ways than I can count!

THE BLUEBONNETS!

 Traditionally our bluebonnet photo shoot has always served as Elijah's birthday photos since they fall around the same time. 

 His first bluebonnet pics were when he was in Mama's belly!

 CANNOT believe my first baby was about to turn six!

 My sweet Roar!

 No one loves their Mama like this boy does

 He is happiest when he is outside in nature. 

 And here's my Tiny PJ!

He will always be "My Tiny" 

 This little boy has amazed me since the beginning!

 Three of the funniest people I have ever met!

 Seriously love my family

 This is us.

Meant to be. 

 The pictures April took of Tony and me felt so special. I can't believe how much I love this man!

 Magic.

 Swoon. Every. Single. Day. 

 My other favorite photographer, Monique Foreman, began this tradition of the walk away picture with the boys and me and I love it. I was excited for us to include Tony is this year's. Super special. 

 He always makes me laugh. 

 Such little frolickers 

 He pretty much holds our world together.