Wedding Vows in the Mountains

Happy “45 years” Grammy & Papa!

In June we spent almost two weeks in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.  We went with both sides of the family and attended my mother-in-laws Estes Park “40 year” staff reunion.  She worked at the front desk of the YMCA of The Rockies during her college summers. (4th from left in front row)

Grammy was in charge of the whole trip.  What she didn’t know was that we planned a last-minute surprise.  Here we are setting up for a vow renewal with the Head Chaplain of the YMCA.  We arranged everything the day before with him.  They have dozens of junior chaplains on site over the summer since they host 5000 guests weekly.  He insisted to do the ceremony himself, he was amazing!

What Grammy thought was a casual family photo shoot up at her favorite mountainside chapel, was really her wedding renewal ceremony.  Here is my father-in-law finding out the surprise before she walked down the mountain. ( I kept Grammy at top and told her I needed someone to watch the baby-ha!)

I went to my car and grabbed the bridal bouquet.  My niece and I approached Grammy, kissed her on the check and whispered “Surprise! You are about to get married.”

My son was the ring bearer.  We found “Chippy the Chipmunk” at the sporting good store downtown Estes Park.  He held the rings just right!

It’s very hard to surprise this woman…she is always on top of things.  I think we got her.

My mom was a reader, the girls were flower girls, my son was the ring bearer… and my husband walked his mom down the aisle.

Hubby blasted the wedding march from his iPad.  He tucked it into his shorts behind him as they walked together. They were smiling so hard…even my youngest was able to walk down the aisle dropping flower petals out of her purse.

Everyone was happy and having a great time.

I watched and admired my father-in-law….so proud and in love.

A thankful son.

We read from both Corinthians and Ruth.

Tossed the bouquet

A thankful family

In Gods Country

Then…out came the Bubble Blowers

Perfect for the wedding march back down the mountain as “Mr & Mrs F.Scott Jackson” yet again!

Off to the cabin for a reception

Two cream puffs, beers, iced sprite in a martini glass and some cut up mini glazed donuts for the guests,  funny I know…but you do what you can in a very small town overnight.  I made the bouquet at 9pm the night before in Safeways lil flower shop-all the employees helped find ribbon and pins.  All you need is LOVE.

And lots of laughter

Happy 45th Anniversary Scott & Susan, Mom & Dad, Grammy & Papa!  Enjoy your anniversary this weekend!

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