Springtime can be unpredictable here in the Treasure Valley, but the weather was beautiful for our friends Derrick and Amanda’s early May wedding. The day after we got home from vacation, I drove out to Nyssa, Oregon for their indoor ceremony and reception at the Nyssa Church of the Nazarene. It’s hard to keep small weddings small, but Derrick and Amanda did a fabulous job and they were able to visit with their guests in the cozy atmosphere of the church’s coffee shop. Amanda surprised Derrick by singing, “At Last” as she walked down the aisle! We were all impressed (man, I remember being so nervous when I walked down the aisle at my wedding!), and Derrick was really touched. It was so sweet! But then Derrick had a surprise for Amanda: he had recorded himself singing and playing, “God Gave Me You” for communion, which was also really special. Don’t you just love personal touches like that?! Anyway, after the ceremony we took some quick family pictures. Then we headed across the parking lot to the coffee shop where their family and friends enjoyed cupcakes, punch (it was seriously amazing–I think I had at least three refills, LOL), and plenty of time to personally congratulate them. One of Amanda’s brothers took it upon himself to make everyone laugh for pictures. If anyone was about to take a photo, he was there in a flash to give the photographer bunny ears! It was really funny! Amanda and I couldn’t help but laugh when Derrick’s youngest daughter asked again, “Why can’t I come with you on your honeymoon? Please, please, please!” Amanda suggested we say that to her when she gets married, so I’m writing it down here to make sure we don’t forget! HAHAHA!

Sadly, part of my brain was still on vacation, I guess, because I forgot to have someone take a photo of me with Derrick and Amanda! UGH! Sorry 🙁 But I hope you both have a great time on your honeymoon (sans Little Sis, giggle) and enjoy your next adventure as husband and wife! Eddie and I are so happy for you and your family.

I’ve been here before for teen Bible quizzing meets, but I don’t remember if we ever went into the main building. The brick exterior has occasional blocks sticking out at angles (intentionally–I think it’s very pretty) and I could just imagine my quizzing friends and I probably would’ve tried to scale the building when we were teens, if we had lived here. That was an amusing mental image, ha ha! We were notorious for silly stuff like that. Just a fun aside for you 😀 Carry on…

Singing, “At Last,” as she comes down the aisle! Wow, that takes guts! My husband Eddie was running the soundboard and he conveniently snuck in a wireless mic pack for Amanda without telling Derrick, so that it would be a surprise.

Their whole family took part in the sand ceremony, signifying that this isn’t just a blending of two lives but of two families. I’ve never seen anyone do that before and I thought that was really meaningful.

During communion, Derrick played his recording of “God Gave Me You” for Amanda. This was also a surprise. I personally think it’s sweet that they both surprised each other with songs during the ceremony.

When you’re a preteen, you skip down the aisle. Always 🙂

Like the song Derrick sang for Amanda, their cake topper reads, “God gave me you.”