She traded Stutsman for Gillis

As most of you should know, my sister, Sarah was married to Campbell Gillis this weekend! Our family has been anticipating this day (October 23) for a very long time now, and we couldn't be happier for Campbell and Sarah. Yes, it is a little disheartening that I am now the only Stutsman girl besides my mama, but I am very very excited about my new brother-in-law and my might-as-well-be-sister-in-laws! I know you want to see pictures so I'll start with a few of those!

Me, Sarah, and Aunt Suzanne at Sarah's Bridal Luncheon

Rehearsal

Rehearsal

Rehearsal dinner was at El Fenix Downtown! Decorations were perfect!  Jan, Campbell's mom, did a fantastic job!

I'll break the picture rampage with some text. I had to give a speech at rehearsal dinner. I love to write, but I was a little bit nervous about the public speaking of my writing. I had written what I wanted to say early on, and had made the decision that I would be better off reading what I wrote than trying to memorize something. I didn't want to forget to say anything...or ramble...or mumble. So......I was going to print it off and read it from the page. Funny story- our printer wouldn't print it. So I read it from my iPhone. Cool. Haha but here it is......

"A little over a year ago, if you would have told me that I would be here giving a speech at your rehearsal dinner…I would have believed you.  Like all relationships, yours has been marked with its ups and downs, but I have always been, and will forever be, on team Campbell and Sarah.  Not because you let me be a part of the “3 musketeers”, or because Campbell treats me like one of his own sisters, but because I had the privilege of seeing both of your hearts for each other when you were up, but more importantly, I saw both of your hearts for each other when you were down. 

 It’s funny to believe that there was never really an ounce in me that didn’t think this day would come. I thank the Lord that you both already know what it is like to be without each other even when it wasn’t what you wanted. Your obedience to the Lord in trusting His perfect timing in your relationship is celebrated tonight and is absolutely, 100% worth it tomorrow!

 I believe that for Sarah’s whole life, Jesus was preparing her heart for whatever man would fill the seat next to her tonight, but more importantly, I believe that from the beginning of her story with Campbell, God was preparing her heart for him. I know that, roughly 9 years ago, when you two met in 9^th grade, God marked His calendar for October 23, 2010.  And ever since that date, He began molding your hearts for one another.  He threw you curve balls when you needed them, allowed for forfeits when it was time, and gave you victories when you deserved them.  Tomorrow, as God marks off the last day in His game plan, your team wins yet another victory! This victory, however, is NOT in vain, because you let God be your coach. 

 You’ll have to excuse my athletic simile…I don’t really know where that came from, but I’ll wrap this one up. Campbell, welcome to the family. Thanks for being the big brother I never had, and for loving Sarah because you truly believe life is sweeter that way. I have no doubt that you are ready to take care of my sister. You mean the world to me because you mean the world to Sarah. Sarah, I look up to you more than you know and admire you for more reasons than I can count. You make me proud to be your sister everyday. I can’t wait to stand behind you tomorrow, supporting you while you make me proud yet again. Tomorrow, you will turn the first page to your separate novels that God has intertwined to write the ONE plot that tells the story of your future! I’m sure the narrative has many more hills coming, but my prayer is that the ups out-number the downs, the laughter out-numbers the tears, that your unconditional love for one another is the foundation for every chapter, and the motif that writes your conclusion. I love you guys!"

Me and Sarah at the elite table

Me and my date, Marshall

Me and Dad.... 

I thought this was funny- Ella, my cousin and the flower girl, asked her mom if we would be eating real food at the rehearsal dinner. Her mom was confused, but told her that, well yes, we WOULD be eating real food at the rehearsal dinner. After a bit of processing the question, they realized that Ella wasn't sure if we would be eating real food or if we would just be practicing (REHEARSING) our eating. We all thought this was quite inquisitive of her. She's brilliant. Get ready Harvard, my inquisitive cousin Ella is on her way.

Getting manicures and pedicures with the bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding! Pictured are: mama, Ashley, me, and cousin Cheryl

Brandon did our make up! (He is the guy who always did my make up for formals in high school...he is the very best in the world.)

Doesn't she look perfect?

Cutting the cake from Panini Bakery! It had the traditional Bride and Groom on top- I loved that! And instead of a Groom's cake, Campbell had chocolate covered strawberries- nice touch, C.

Doing the flower girl's (my cousin, Ella) hair. As far as she was concerned, this wedding was for her

Bridal party got the dancing started with a little flash mobbing to "Teenage Dream"

Probably my favorite picture of Sarah from the wedding so far

It's no wonder Ella thought it was about her...everyone was obsessed with her...haha especially my date

Being serenaded for my birthday.... 

When people ask me how the wedding was, I tell them it was SO much fun; the best party I've ever been to! It really was a blast! I loved the ceremony because it didn't feel like going through motions at all. Both my uncle, and Sarah and Campbell's mentor did the ceremony- two people who love them very much. The gospel was presented by their mentor, and Jesus was celebrated the whole day! I got to pray for Sarah just before she walked down the aisle. I love that my sister wanted this celebration to be about her Maker. When the music hit its climax, the doors opened, and Sarah walked down the aisle with my dad....I cried, ok? I also cried when Dontoya, the singer, opened her mouth to sing. Voice. Of. An. Angel. It was unreal. My birthday was also celebrated that night with a cupcake :) If you ask me, the reception was the best birthday party I could have asked for! The next day I went to lunch with my besties and headed back to good ol' College Station while my sister headed off to Mexico. {People keep asking me where they went on their honeymoon. I can't remember. Isn't that terrible?! Here's what I know: It's in Mexico, it starts with a "T", it's 2 syllables, and it's near Cancun}

I'll leave you with something my roommate Catherine read to me today from Dearblanksincerelyblank.com: "Dear vegetarians, ya know what's cruel? Eating things that can't defend themselves. Sincerely, Plants." Even though I rarely eat meat, I thought that was really funny.

Nothin but love,
Bethany