(Last) Saturday I was able to celebrate the love and commitment of Brianna Johnson (now Kraft) and Russell Kraft. Last winter my cousin, and one of my best friends, asked me and my other cousin (Leah) to be her maid and matron of honor. We have all been KRAFTING ;), planning, chatting, stressing, and yearning for this exciting event. From finding Brianna's AMAZING dress, to the bridesmaids dresses, making centerpieces, throwing and attending bridal showers and bachelorette parties...every aspect of this wedding planning went flawlessly. The result...an incredible day for an incredible couple.
I couldn't stop gazing at Brianna on Saturday, as she was absolutely STUNNING in her dress; her outfit was topped off by a radiant glow of love and happiness as she married her best friend. I think she was also glowing slightly at the fact that this party was for her...and boy did she work it. As she pranced around the reception, she without a doubt was cutting loose and having a great time! Seeing that made this maid of honor, extremely happy. Brianna has a contagious attitude and zest for life, she constantly has a smile and a witty comment on the tip of her tongue...followed by her adorable laugh.
I'd be remissed if I didn't send out a post in honor of this terrific weekend. I'm looking forward to viewing the professional pictures in the near future...but for now - a few pics we managed to snap as the day went on, and an excerpt from Leah and my speech...(slightly altered to make sense to a reader).
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| BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS :) |
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| Granddaughters giving Gramps some love. |
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| Party Rockin'. |
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| Me and Papa J. |
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| My Co-Maid of Honor and her Hubby. |
Okay, okay...Brianna is all those fabulous things too...but, Brianna, thankfully she is also very patient and determined. When Brianna first came on the scene in the fall of ‘86, Leah and I weren’t exactly thrilled. Who was this Brown Eye’d Brunette Johnson? Brianna persistanly tagged along and wanted to join us. After being scolded by Denise several times, to “play nice”...we realized how incredible this Beautiful Bride really is. Our frienship has grown through the different chapters of life, seasons, and activities. She has always been someone I can share my joys, concerns, and my secrets with... (wink), and she often has many to share as well.
While at Brianna and Russ’ bridal shower that was held at Russ’ parents house, Leah had the chance to look at several of their family photos. Amongst the pictures, was a sign that said grandma and grandpa’s house is where cousins go to become friends. That statement couldn’t be any more true. Growing up we spent many hours playing at grandma and grandpa’s house, sitting at the table coloring, telling secrets, choreographing and performing dances, and dressing up in some of our aunt’s dresses. We’d race up stairs to get the best dress. Of course, the oldest cousin, Stephanie always got the black silk dress that we all wanted. Abby and Leah would take the mauve and blue dresses, which then left the ugly orange and yellow flowered dress for Brianna. Hands down, Brianna has the best dress of all today and looks absolutely beautiful.
In high school Brianna and Leah had a small red book that they would pass back and forth with notes. Leah recently came across that book and read some of the entries. One entry from Brianna said that all of her friends had boyfriends except for her. As Leah read that entry thr first time, her heart went out to Bri; however the second time reading this, all she could think of was that she knew Brianna had finally found her true match.
We will always be grateful for the family that we have, and all the memories that we’ve shared. And we are completely thrilled to have Russ join our family.
A toast the New Mr. & Mrs. Kraft.: “May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” Congratulations...
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