Dave and Mary Ann's Blog: 2010

Brandon and Melinda were married at noon on Saturday, August 7th in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. There was a wonderful spirit in the room while Brother Bryson talked to them and then performed the sealing. Bro. Bryson's counsel was that up until now they had been on a single path but now with the marriage covenant their path was going to be "double wide" and that they would be together as partners on their journey to eternal life. He said to stay together, side by side, on that path. He also talked about their wedding rings and how they are complete, closed circles. He said their marriage is to be a closed circle and that no one--not parents, friends, or relatives, has entrance to except them. He said to keep this circle closed to everyone...even those "little circles" that will come into their home. Bro. Bryson went on to say, "This closed circle is just for the two of you. It is to be a sacred, intimate place in the marriage relationship that is known to just you two. Always keep it that way." This was great advice to all of us in the room.

I had the memorable experience of helping Melinda get dressed before the ceremony in the temple's lovely lavender and cream colored bride's room before she was married. She felt so calm and looked very beautiful. It was wonderful to see Brandon and Melinda sitting together holding hands before they were married. They are a striking couple. What a great experience to look around the room and see family and friends in attendance. Blaine & Marissa & Vickie Hansen came from Oregon, Eric Andersen came from Iowa, Steve & Michelle Guymon came from Arizona, Brad & Kathleen Andersen came from Colorado, Brandon's sister Melody came from Florida, and also his Aunt & Uncle came from Texas.

Brandon in his handsome suit and Melinda in her beautiful gown exit the temple to the welcoming arms of family and friends.

Darling Moriah and Fiona were among the first to greet the newlyweds.

Evan and Driel and darling girls all dressed up for the celebration at Pitcher's Park.

Marissa and Blaine giving Brady hugs and kisses.

Evan and Driel finding time for some swinging.

Lovely Aubrey dressed in her blue and white bridesmaid's dress with her bouquet made by Kirsten. This bouquet ended up being the one tossed by Melinda to the young women eagerly waiting to catch it. Melody Nelson was the one who caught it.

The weather turned out perfect after worrying about weather we were going to have stormy weather during the festivities. The lighting was perfect for outdoor pictures which were taken by Fauset Photography.

A beautiful picture of the back of Melinda's dress--it had a lot of different kinds of ivory laces and lovely bead work.

Melinda with her Gram.

Cutting the delicious strawberry cake made by a friend of Brandon's. It was topped with a whimsical set of blue and purple love birds. Melinda and Brandon found an assortment of honey sticks that were also served alongside the cheesecake and chocolate cake.

You can tell that Mylee especially enjoyed a slice of chocolate cake.

Driel helping Fiona reach for the purple and white paper lanterns. Steve and Michelle were so helpful in getting these lanterns hung up in the trees before the celebration started.

Blaine, Marissa, and David spending some time visiting with each other.

Vickie Hansen's grandson, Braydon, came with his mom Lindsey and baby sister Camryn. Mylee enjoyed spending some time with Braydon.

Oh, so cute!

Fiona sure loves her Uncle Brandon!

Fiona dancing to the music.

Kirsten with cousin Sara and her new baby Eliza Tess.

Kirsten, Seiko and David enjoying a few honey sticks.

Melinda and Brandon heading off on their honeymoon and saying goodbye to Grandma Sue and Julianna.

They drove off in style in a restored 1970's vintage Volkswagen bus. Brandon's dad was the one responsible for the restoration.

When we heard one of our favorite songs being played by Journey called Open Arms, Dave and I had to quickly find each other and dance a waltz--so romantic!

Since we are all done with wedding festivities, I decided it was time to get our blog updated. Our last post was announcing Melinda and Brandon's engagement last May. So here we are last 4th of July attending the Happy Day Parade with Blaine and Marissa's family.