Javan's Wedding

My cousin Javan Miner married Emily Mindrebo last weekend, August 11th! It was amazing to see so many family and friends there to support them - and amidst the inevitable busy-ness, catch up a bit with extended family that I haven't seen in a while. 

It was an absolutely beautiful wedding day and ceremony, with all the activities hosted at the Mindrebo farm/homestead near Carmel, IN (just north of Indianapolis). Even for those of us extended folks who weren't involved with the preparations, the Mindrebos allowed us to hang out at their house during the day and be together. (Complete with playground, pool, creek, lots of yard space, coffee & muffins for breakfast and leftovers from the rehearsal dinner for lunch.) The ceremony was at 5 PM next to the creek and under some towering trees, followed by yard games (disc golf; croquet; corn hole) and then a gorgeous dinner out on the back lawn.

[Unfortunately I caught a bad cold from Gemma and was feeling really horrible, so I didn't take more than 3 photos. Most of the ones below are from Dad.]

cousin Mary with Kate and Mom

cousin Radu 'supervising' the 2nd cousins attempting some fishing

in the background you can see the New Barn going up, where the rehearsal dinner was held on Friday night. Just two months ago there was a large fire on the farm and the Mindrebos lost two barns and more, which they had to quickly re-build (and re-sod).

Emily - looking stunning - and Javan (with Emily's mom and brother to the left; Emily's Dad and 2 sisters not pictured here)

Uncle Bert and children: Rebekah, Jonathan, Javan & Emily, and Joel. J&A had some meaningful ways to remember his mom (Aunt Karen) throughout the ceremony, such as using goblets from India - that Aunt Karen had given Javan - during the communion part of the service

the Hawkins sibs in attendance! plus Rita and Mom & Dad (taking the photo)

 

How cool is this?! They had horse rides during the reception!