Iowa Wedding Festivities

The same weekend that we were in Iowa checking out tuxedos for our wedding, we also got to see tuxedos at another wedding, this one for Eric's friends Eric and Michelle. Aside from being in the unique position of having our names differ by only four letters, we share another bond: The two Erics are united by their ushing duties! Eric (not mine, Michelle's) will be one of the ushers at our wedding, so you will all be able to congratulate him on his recent nuptials. Eric (not Michelle's, mine) was an usher at Eric and Michelle's wedding, where he very responsibly seated everyone according to the etiquette book we read on the plane (hold the eldest woman's arm; turn around to face the back while people file into the pews; let women sit nearest the aisle, etc.). I was really proud of him!

Michelle looked beautiful in her lacy dress and her bridesmaids looked terrific in red; the groom and his groomsmen also looked really suave! After the ceremony, we feasted on delicious Iowa pork and homemade cake (there was a layer of pink lemonade cake that was really yummy) and tested out our dancing skills from our recent Arthur Murray lessons!



Michelle and her Eric at the altar.



Danielle and her Eric at the reception

The next day, Eric's parents threw us a beautiful shower. His parents, family, and friends had been preparing non-stop to make sure we had a wonderful time, and the day felt abundantly filled with their love and care. They decorated the party space, displayed pictures of us as children, and invited all the people who are close to Eric in Iowa. I got to meet many of Eric's friends and relatives who I've heard him talk about in the past, and I was particularly excited to meet Corey, Gina, and their triplets--three darling girls who were almost intimidating in their beautiful tripletness!

Although people are always the most important gift at any party, one of the best gifts we received was our cake, which was the cake from Eric's sister's wedding. We had all fallen in love with the raspberry swirl and the yummy white frosting last summer, and I ate more than I should have on both occasions!



Us with the coveted cake in our Bride and Groom caps that Eric's mom gave us!