Caleb and Haley's Wedding: A Day to Remember

Caleb and Haley's wedding in May was one of those days you just want to savor, a day all of us will remember forever.

Truly a God-honoring and joyful day, I've been waiting for the professional photos to come so I could share them here on my blog, and enjoy their day one more time!

Caleb's friend from Czech and fellow Moody student, Pavel Adamek, along with the assistance of our niece, Kyrie Schroeder, captured their day so beautifully, from the very first look!

Not only was there a first look for Caleb, but for Haley's dad as well. I love getting to see these sweet moments between the two of them.

After their first looks, and a walk through the sanctuary where they would be married just a few hours later, they went up to Horsetooth Resevoir for pictures with their wedding party.

 The backdrop of the mountains made for some stunning photos!

One of my all time favorites!!

Then it was back to the church for last minute touch-ups, a bite of lunch, and a very precious time of prayer with the bridesmaids, flower girl, moms, a friend, an aunt and a grandma!

Of course there were a few tears shed back there as we waited for the big moment to arrive.

Haley's bridal party from back to front: Lara (sister-in-law), Lucie (friend from Moody, who also happens to be from Czech), Molly (childhood friend from Colorado) Allyson (sister and maid of honor), Claire (sister-in-law), and Carolyn (the flower girl and Haley's cousin).

Soon after, the amazingly beautiful music that Haley's dad, Mark, composed and orchestrated, began to be played by the 20 piece orchestra seated behind where Caleb and Dave are standing.

Caleb and his wedding party waited with him as the music signaled the beginning of a very magical event.

L to R: Shane (friend from Moody), Justin (cousin), Jacob (friend he grew up with in JV, from Poland), Noah (friend he grew up with in JV, in Czech), Tyler (older brother) and Luke (cousin from Slovenia)

Haley's grandpa, who is now in heaven, was present through the playing of his violin, played by the man with the white shirt and tie on the far left.

The music was exquisitely beautiful, and emotional, to say the least!

Coming down the aisle to "A Beautiful Bride" which Mark wrote for Haley to walk to, was so very precious. It was like watching an incredibly touching movie, only better because it was real!

Of course I cried, as did Amy, Haley's mom. They were, of course, the happiest of tears!

 After some tender words from Haley's dad, it was time to give her away to Caleb.

Dave had the privilege of marrying them, giving both the sermon and leading them in their vows. Not an easy task for the dad! He'll be the first to tell you that he had tears in his eyes too during the wedding.

Caleb also composed a song for the wedding, one he sang to Haley with much heart and emotion while Tyler played the guitar for him.

Caleb and Haley chose to symbolize their unity in a different way than I've ever seen before.

We brought soil from the Czech Republic for Caleb, and Haley's dad collected soil from their family home in Fort Collins where Haley grew up. This is what they poured into the pot with a tree, symbolizing the two becoming one.

My favorite part of the wedding was being invited up on stage with them to witness their vows!

Thank you Caleb and Haley for such a privilege!

Alongside siblings, parents and grandparents all on stage, Amy and I had the joy of praying for Caleb and Haley in those moments before they said their vows.

Getting to stand beside them and witness up close as they solemnly pledged their lives to one another was unbelievably precious and meaningful.

 We stayed there through the giving of the rings....

And for the first kiss!

Then they became man and wife and walked out to begin their life together!

Following them out with Mark and Amy, all of us arm in arm, was also incredibly touching. Seeing our children marry each other put a whole new meaning to our 20+ year friendship with each other!

After a beautiful reception at the church, Caleb and Haley walked out to bubbles...

 And lots of smiles and loving wishes!

 There are so many happy faces, smiles, and waves goodbye in this photo - I love it!!

Along with their wedding party, they headed to a park nearby for a few more photos to capture their lovely day.

After an absolutely beautiful wedding supper (which I wrote about HERE) at the home of dear friends of the Chase's, the day was over and we sent them off to begin their life as Caleb and Haley Patty.

Seven weeks later, they're happily settled into their apartment in Chicago, both working at Moody Radio this summer before school starts again in the fall.

They're going to have a great life together, and we are infinitely pleased that God has done such a great thing in bringing them together!!!

** Thanks to Pavel Adamek for his photography and editing of these photos.**