The Mitchell Wedding

7.2.11 - July 4th weekend

My good friend from grade school, Kelli Gilbert, became Mrs. Kelli Mitchell over the the 4th of July weekend.  The Gilbert family, with Pam, Gary, Angie, and Kelli, have been vast friends since we were young.  For the girls there were many evenings creating new dance routines, decorating the house into haunted lairs, and exploring the farm fields and streams behind the Gilbert's farm outside of Mason City.  Kelli and I were in the same dance class through high school - and we have the photos to prove it. 

 

Since high school, Kelli and I haven't been in great amounts of contact (ah, life), but I was excited to be able to attend her wedding this last weekend.  Kelli met Jake Mitchell at work and the sparks flew from there.  After a long engagement they said their "I do's" at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City in a lovely Saturday afternoon wedding.  Angie was Kelli's maid of honor.  

Kelli and Jake Mitchell

After the ceremony we headed to the Knights of Columbus Hall for dinner, cake, and dancing.  The wedding's theme was "This is Love" with black and white decor.  The bouquets were created using feathers instead of flowers; tables were topped with homemade runners and candles; and black and white wine stoppers were guest favors.  The effect was lovely.

Mom and Dad at the reception

The night was a great success, and it was great to see Kelli so happy.  The best part of the evening was spending time with my parents and hearing all of their stories about the time before they had children.  I laughed so hard at some of their tales!  You must ask them to share with you, sometime.  It was refreshing and insightful to picture them as young people having great adventures of their own!