Anniversary Week. Ceremony, Vows and a face-full of Lavender

Once all the key people were where they needed to be, the procession was able to start.
First were my beautiful bridesmaids.

And our very professional ring bearer

And my three flowergirls, who were a little worried about littering. Initially.

Until they were told it's okay to litter. Then they had a blast throwing them around.

At that point the wind picked up and I started walking towards Tom.

It really was windy and I took a few people out with my veil. Luckily they all signed waivers.

Once up front, there was a prayer

And some light-hearted joking

And some antsy flower girls.

When Tom's dad came up front and gave a prayer/speech hybrid.

He kind of deviated into calling me a Nuyorican and tried out his hand at comedy.

Which had the 'other women' in Tom's life in tears and hysterics. I love this photo.

Tom read his vows:

Farin,You’re a gift from Jesus. I vow to love you as my own flesh. To protect you with all of my strength. I vow to continue dating you as long as we live, to travel the world with you, to share my pistachio ice cream with you. Farin, I get to marry my best friend. By God’s grace I vow not to take you for granted. I look forward to kissing you in the morning as I walk out and at night before bed. Finally, I vow not to change, to continue being the man you know, the one God made me to be.

And I read mine. Much to the amusement of everyone listening.

Tom,  It’s so easy to reflect and see where we could’ve been and what might life might’ve been like outside of each other. But, somehow, you convinced me to move to New York without ever saying a word. While we didn't know how to make long distance work, it worked beautifully. I have no doubt that God kept us close despite the distance, and keeps us growing closer every single day. I want you to know that I will love you when we are together and when we are apart; when our lives are at peace and when they are in turmoil. I will let you know when I am proud of you and when I am disappointed in you; but in all times supporting our life together and will be true to you by God's grace, trusting in Him to guide us. I’ll gladly refill your sunflower seeds on roadtrips. I promise to play games with you and chase you around our home. And I promise to always remain the girl you met, the woman you are marrying today and forever be grateful to have met you.

Of course, the line about refilling his sunflower seeds made people crack up- he is a renown "seeder". We later found out that my maid of honor gifted us sunflower seeds.

From there, another prayer.

And we were told to join hands.

We both did, and gave each other some brand new jewelry.

We were then pronounced Husband and Wife, with a kiss, a hug and some more laughs.

Then we were pelted with lavender, and I winced/sneezed on camera (Tom loves this photo).

After recovering, we made our way to the group of people

Who were waiting to attack.....

If you're following along, here's the recap.

Anniversary Week. First Look, and a narration of events
Anniversary Week. Ceremony, Vows and a face-full of Lavender
Anniversary Week. Our Receiving Mob, and an Ode to our Guests
Anniversary Week. Sunset Photos and Family Portraits
Anniversary Week. Toasts, Cake and a Dance-off