Some Things Are Meant To Be...

The setting for the wedding ceremony was the footbridge at Beckman Mill.

Esther (the bride's mother), the pastor, John (the groom and my brother) and Brittany (John's daughter) awaiting the bride.

Phyllis and her father, Sidney approaching the footbridge.

Phyllis' father brings her to John.

Phyllis places John's wedding ring on his finger.

John places Phyllis' wedding ring on her finger.

The pastor blesses their marriage.

Mr. and Mrs. John Doll and smiles all around.

My brothers, Tom, John, Bob, Carl and I behaving the best we can.

A beautiful sunset followed the wonderful wedding day.

My brother's wedding was beautiful as evidenced in the photos here on my blog. Perhaps, because I'm John's sister, I felt that every step of the ceremony was important and I've included each moment in a picture. For instance, initially, John and Phyllis faced the pastor. At the appropriate time, they turned to face each other. As they placed the wedding rings on each other's hand and when the pastor placed his hand over theirs, I fortunately was able to capture it all.

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At this point, I should introduce you to John's daughter, Brittany, and Phyllis' mother, Esther, who stood up with the bride and groom during the wedding. Phyllis' father, Sidney, gave her away.

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John and Phyllis have been enjoying each other's company for twenty-one years, although living separately, thus, this wedding was a particularly grand occasion. (Did you happen to notice the joyous smile on Phyllis' mother's face immediately after the ceremony?)

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Although Mom and Dad aren't with us any longer, I know without a doubt that as they look down from their lofty home above, they are extremely pleased that John and Phyllis have wed and that the family came together to join in the celebration.
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Needless to say, I have quite a large collection of photos (in other words, hundreds) that I took on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I can't wait to post them here so I can introduce you to the rest of the family and share some of the great fun we all had over the weekend.