Wedding at the Vineyard

Kyle sees Andi for the first time!

My sister, Andrea, had the most beautiful wedding this weekend at Chaumette Winery, a charming vineyard in southern Missouri -- she and Kyle compliment each other perfectly and we're so happy they're married! Andi was breathtaking in her strapless ballgown and cathedral veil; she wore the Austrian crystal necklace that my mom, Mollie and I all wore on our wedding days as well. It was so special to witness the moment before the festivities began when Kyle saw Andi for the first time -- his reaction moved Mollie and me to tears!

The ceremony was in a picturesque white chapel, set up on a hill looking over a valley. It couldn't have been more beautiful with all the leaves changing colors. A string quartet played as my dad walked Andi down the aisle. The readings Andi and Kyle chose were from a devotional that my mom gave to Andi; Mollie lit a candle in honor of our mom. As the sun set, everyone in Andi and Kyle's congregation held a candle and sang a beautiful African hymn, led a capella by a dear friend of Andrea's. 

Afterward the party started! Andi and Kyle had a travel themed reception, with globes and lanterns hanging from the outdoor pergola, a cake stand Andi made out of maps and an REI cake topper of a bride and groom in climbing gear holding a "Just Married" flag. Just before the couple got engaged, they climbed Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro together, so it was fitting that they were introduced to Toto's "Africa." The weather was perfect for their outdoor reception; white lights and lanterns twinkled, and heat lamps kept everyone warm if they weren't out on the dance floor like the bride and groom. Some of my favorite moments were when Kyle impersonated Michael Jackson, and when Andrea and all her Chi Omega sisters (including Anita, her mother-in-law), linked arms and sang a special sorority song honoring the bride.

Kyle told me at the end of the night that he hit the jackpot with Andi and her family, and that's definitely how we feel about him too! It was a profound moment, sitting at dinner with my married sisters and their husbands -- Mollie and Kenny, just married in September; Andi and her brand new husband, Kyle; and Rob and me. It's like we've entered a new phase of our sisterhood where we get to have brothers too.

We were lucky enough to have Rob's mom and sister fly down to Nashville from Chicago to visit with us and watch the kids for the weekend. While we were gone, they took Madeline and Charlie to the zoo and pushed them in their swing for hours; when we arrived back home, we went to a pumpkin patch and took a hayride! Madeline and Charlie simply adore their Grammy and Aunt Nicki.

Andi and Kyle are honeymooning in the Dominican Republic right now. Welcome to the family, Kyle! And congratulations to both of you -- we're all thrilled!