Wednesday, July 7, 2010

There and back again

Well, we just got home last night. Still a bit fuzzy-headed and jet lagged, but our hearts are full of joy and gratitude to God for making this wonderful adventure possible, and to our many new family and friends who extended hospitality, warmth and friendship that made our stay so completetly unforgettable.

The main reason for traveling was for our daughter's wedding. Our new son-in-law Rhys pastors a church in the North island of New Zealand. He and Joy were blessed to be married by Rhys' dad, who is also a pastor. We had many fantastic experiences there and will be sharing some of these in upcoming posts. Here are a few pictures of this special day. The phenomenal photography was done by Deb and Dave (www.deborahdegraaf.co.nz). Thanks, guys, you blew us away.

P.S. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and well-wishes for our safe travel.

















26 comments:

Nancy said...

Oh hooray! You're back--I've missed you! And you posted pictures! And there's a balloon in one of them and the most gorgeous bride-hair I've ever seen! What a beautiful bride. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm glad you're back.

Unknown said...

I have missed you so so so so so much!
I love the pictures. The outfits are AWESOME! Best wedding outfits ever! EVER!
your daughter is beautiful.
Congratulations.
I really, really really really missed you.

alexis nicole said...

Wow! It looks like an amazing day! Your daughter is lovely, I loved the flowers in her hair and her dress...beautiful!
Thanks for the pictures!

Amy Smith said...

Beautiful pictures! So glad you are back! Missed you!

Zach said...

Glad you are all back. I like the jumping wedding party and the Joy and Rhys's baloon picture. It is very 'them.'

Niamh said...

I love the red balloon, someone will have to explain the significance. And I love how it looks like Rhys is being lifted by it whilst Joy is holding him to the ground. Beautiful pics...they leave me to demand more!!

Lanier said...

Somehow I just *knew* this was how you'd title this post, Jodi! And so happy to see it and to know that you are all home safe and sound from your wanderings. :) What a gorgeous bride!!!! And what a precious couple they make. It's obvious that they are very much in love indeed. ;)
I'm glad that you're back. my friend. I've missed you. God bless you *all*... (and a special hug for Bron :))

Stephanie Ann said...

We're glad your back. The photos are great! We can't wait to hear about your trip, it feels like you guys have been gone for a really long time!

Jodi said...

Dear friends, to be told that you are missed is very touching, and I thank you for your kind words. I've missed you all as well, and I'm looking forward to sitting down with a nice cup of tea and to catching up on all of the posts written by my wonderfully creative blogging friends since being away. It'll have to be ICED tea--it's 103 degrees here--quite a shock after flying home in our winter coats. Not to mention that our body clocks are still on New Zealand time, which tends to make me rambly and emotional, so I better sign off here. xo

Val said...

Welcome back!
They look a lovely couple :0)

Cheryl said...

Hey, lovely photos of what looks like a lovely wedding. Your daughter looks so beautiful. Were you ready to come home or could you have lingered longer?

Missed your posts. Glad your home.

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

I've missed you too! So glad you are back, but what a wonderful journey you had. The pictures show so much joy and happiness. May their life together be always blessed!

Rosie said...

Ditto! Glad all is well and we can share in marveling at how God is good. Hurrah for Rhys and Joy ... and for everyone else in your family, extended or otherwise!

Anonymous said...

:)

I like the jumping for joy photo bestest of all.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

From the photos and your words it is obvious this was a truly blessed event and a celebration of love and friendship, and faith...so very special.

Mommy Emily said...

wow, beautiful photos! love them. xo

Rae said...

So glad you are back....thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures, I know you are full, and your cup runs over!

Rachel said...

Welcome back! What great pictures, I love the plaid, and what a beautiful bride. Thank~You for visiting my blog today,you are so kind. :)

Quotidian Life said...

I'm looking forward to hearing/seeing more of your time in NZ. Congratulations on the marriage of your beautiful daughter (that flower in her hair!)

Kerrie said...

Oh Wow! These pictures are amazing! I love the ones with her hair and the flower. Congrats! (and thanks for the congrats on my big news, too!) :)

Mommy Emily said...

you.so.encourage, friend. thank you. xo

Rattling On said...

Welcome home! She looks beautiful and the pictures are gorgeous. Looks like a good time was had by all.

Jodi said...

Thanks again, everyone <3

Helen said...

....sigh..... so good to see the photos again, and read all the awesome comments.

Joan said...

Joy is a gorgeous, radiant bride.
Congratulations Joy and Rhys!!!!
It's been so much fun viewing the wedding through these fabulous photos!
Everthing was composed with such style and thoughtful creativity!
A lot of love and meaning went into it's makings, no commercial wedding here.
I really love the mink stoll (very classy) and the plaid shirts, bridesmaid dresses and black tights.
Wonderful to celebrate so well!!!!
xoxo

Leslie said...

So now, of course, I had to go hunting for wedding photos. How lovely your daughter is. The wedding looked beautiful.

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