Morgan Kate

April of 2010 proved to be a very busy month. Two March of Dimes walks, a baby shower for one of my besties and a wedding for a dear friend. (Three of those events took place in the same weekend.) April of 2011 proved to be just as busy, if not busier. The month started with a party for Owens and Trenholm, our March for Babies, then a bachelorette weekend, a week in Florida with a trip to Disney, Easter Sunday and finally my brother's wedding. Needless to say, we've been busy. And I had all of these great intentions and all of these wonderful ideas for posts. Just last week I had written three different posts in my head, but they never made it to the blog. One was going to be about my brother's upcoming nuptials and how my heart was so full for he and Trenholm and how I was looking forward to the wedding and had so many emotions. I was even going to offer up a little advice. But, none of those posts ever happened. Matter of fact, days went by where it felt like I never sat down. But, such is life. This week has been much slower, even though this week in itself has been full of things to do. I have had a few moments to sit down, browse and even write. And those moments have brought forth this post. The post about our amazing weekend and the absolutely beautiful wedding for Owens and Trenholm.

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The wedding festivities officially began Friday morning with a bridal brunch at Four Moons (a restaurant in Orangeburg). It was so beautiful, so thoughtful and so yummy. The centerpieces on each table were made of gorgeous flowers that were tucked in silver teapots all having once belonged to Trenholm's grandmother. We ate She Crab soup, quiche, shrimp and grits, fruit and ended with the most delicious cake from Chocolate Nirvana. (We also had the most refreshing mimosas.) Trenholm was so relaxed and so beautiful. Morgan Kate was thrilled to be at a "party" and even more thrilled when she opened her gift from Trenholm. A silver, monogrammed bracelet. She was just beside herself.

The bride-to-be with her two "mothers"

Morgan Kate opening her bracelet

Just being silly 

My mom, Mrs. Jackie and myself left the brunch and headed straight to the rehearsal party venue to begin decorating. My mom had this terrific, beautiful, amazing vision and Mrs. Jackie and I followed directions pretty well. We didn't leave our "decorating job" until almost 4:30 and we were supposed to be at the church for rehearsal at 5:30. No worries. We move fast. Most of the time.

Owens and Morgan Kate right before rehearsal

After rehearsal we headed over to the Funny Farm for the rehearsal party. And it was a party indeed. We had the best time!

Just one of my mom's masterpieces...I told you she was amazing

Just the three of us

Having a little fun...okay, maybe a lot!

The rehearsal party was a blast. My parents did such an amazing job with the venue, the decorations, the food, with just everything. (Okay, it was mostly my mom, but I know my dad had some insight in there somewhere.) It was an unforgettable night and so memorable for everyone. 

In the blink of our eyes it was time for the BIG day. Saturday morning my parents, both of my brothers, Morgan Kate, Travis and myself sat around the breakfast table leisurely eating, sipping on coffee and reminiscing of the night before. The boys spent the early part of the afternoon just hanging out and doing boy stuff, while MK napped and mom and I had our hair done. It was such a relaxing morning. (These are the things I will remember for a lifetime.)

Around 4ish or so we headed to the church to begin getting ready. Even getting ready was so much fun. It was all of Trenholm's family and so many of mine. Both of my grandmothers, my aunts and even a few cousins were there to help us zip those zippers, fix those shoes and touch up our makeup. 

I love this picture!

The wedding was simply beautiful and my entire family got to participate. I was a bridesmaid, Travis a groomsmen and Morgan Kate a bell ringer. She pranced down the aisle, ringing her bell and headed straight for Kaky. It was the most precious thing ever. I was so proud of her! 

Trenholm with her flower girl and bell ringers

And so, so proud of my hubby as well. The guys all wore white dinner jackets and my hubby was one good-looking man. 

The groom with his beautiful grandmothers

I thought this was such a sweet moment...

Of course, I cried the entire time. But I assure you, they were tears of joy. Sincere and true joy for Owens and Trenholm because I know they have "it". True love. And maybe, just maybe those tears were a little sadness because I realized how old I'm getting and how everyone, even my brother, is growing up so darn fast. And I just don't deal well with all of that.

Mr. and Mrs. Loitton Owens Hardison, Jr

 Hunter was also in attendance, although I think he slept through most of it. He was still so cute and brought so much joy to that day.

My girl

The reception was a blast, but I didn't carry my camera. I was more interested in having fun and enjoying every minute of my brother's wedding.


I just can't put into words how special the entire weekend was for me. It's a weekend I will never forget. It was a weekend that was good for my mind, my heart, my soul and my body. I was so proud to watch my handsome brother marry the love of his life and to know that they are so happy. And I was so warm inside knowing all of our family and dear friends were there to share in that special day.