"She took us down to the edge of Decatur..."

(The title is lyrics from a Sufjan Stevens song)

I don't think there is anything better than seeing two incredible people get married. Our friends, Dan and Christie got married this past weekend and it was just one of those great weddings. I am happy for them, because they are so happy. I am happy for everyone that gets to know them as a couple because they are so much fun. I am happy for their future kids and students because they will be such awesome parents and role models.

To add to the beauty of the couple, the wedding itself was gorgeous (see pics below). It seriously fell right out of "Real Simple: Weddings." The ceremony was held along the woods outside of Decatur, IL on Dan's brother's property. It had been a hot day, but by the evening there was a nice breeze and the property was in the shade. The weather actually turned out to be perfect (it was threatening rain earlier that day). Because everything was so beautiful, I will pick only a few of my favorite things:
* the processional to a solo cellist
* Levi walked down the isle with a bedazzled collar
* a tree adorned with crystal ornaments that were the guests' favors (Dan's mom made them!)
* The iced tea and lemonade (it was needed, given the heat)
* the multiple cakes made by their family members (cards saying who made each one)
* Christie's dad singing during the ceremony (I knew even before this happened that there was no way I wouldn't cry during it)

Dan is a friend of mine from the cohort, so a number of us from the cohort were able to make the trip, including Joel and Amelia all the way from D.C.! We had so much fun hanging out during the weekend and celebrating at the reception. Unfortunately, my zoom wasn't working great on my camera, so the pictures of the bride and groom are a little blury, but they were stunning. Now they get to relax on a beach somewhere! Staying true to their sociology passion, though, they are ending their trip at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association (sorry C and D, you are just academics at heart!). So great:)

It was such a beautiful day Dan and Christie- we are so excited for you!

Until next time,
Kirsten