April Love

 ♪ Sometimes an April day will suddenly bring showers.... ♪    April Love was a 1965 hit song by Pat Boone. As Ian and Dominique's wedding day neared, the song often came to my mind. I thought about mentioning the lyrics to her and how they related to my romance with the grandfather she never knew, but I didn't. It was her day, her wedding, not mine. 

Fortunately, there were no rain showers last Friday. The day was sunny and bright, the temperature perfect, and the bride as beautiful as the day.

When we arrived at the venue (Koru Aronia Berry Farm, Homestead, IA) Bud was directed to the basement, where the men were, and I was told to go to the women's room where hair and make-up was in progress. The first thing I noticed was all the matching (except colors) outfits the bridal party had on. What a cute idea. Left to right: Lynaea Kiefer, Brenda Kiefer, Deise Fleming, Dominique Fleming, Molly Eyerly, Shalea Fleming, Kathryn Breon and party crasher Louis Breon.

I don't  know why Ian isn't in this photo. And it looks like Shalea is missing but she is hidden behind Deise, standing behind Greyson, holding Louis. Bud and I were included in some of the photos, but I forgot to hand my camera to someone so I don't have any photos including us - yet.

Wedding party in order of appearance: 

Bridegroom Ian escorting his parents, Mom, Brenda and Dad, Gary

Groomsman, Ki Fleming (my grandson) and Bridesmaid Molly Eyerly.

                Groomsman and Bridesmaid, Travis and Kathryn (my granddaughter) Breon.

Groomsman Zachary Gish and Bridesmaid (my granddaughter) Deise Fleming.

Groomsman Christian Esparza and Bridesmaid Lynaea Kiefer (Ian's sister).

Flower bearers Ayden and Greyson Fleming.

Mother of the bride, Shalea Fleming helping the ring bearer, her grandson Louis, down the aisle.

The pillow is one stitched by the bride's great-great-grandmother, Delphia. (Stuffed and sewn together by me.)

Bride Dominique escorted by her father, Preston. (My son.)

Possibly the cutest photo of the day - my great-grandsons Greyson and Ayden with the venue's burros.

Grandpa Bud and Ki having a few laughs.

Ki and his brother-in-law, Travis.

Dominique and Ian cutting their wedding cake(s).

The next day opening wedding gifts. Dom is holding a beautifully finished and engraved piece of red cedar made by a relative of Ian's and cut from a tree on his farm in MN.

One of the most touching photos I took - Ian hugging his grandfather Kiefer.

He is holding the dishtowels made and embroidered by his Grandfather. 

If I am remembering correctly, Ian proposed to Dominique last fall on his Grandmother Kiefer's birthday. She passed away not long after that. 

So this was an emotional day for both of them. Grandpa K. journeyed from Bismarck, ND to be at his grandson's wedding. 

Reading the card from me and Bud. 

A macro pic I took of ornamental pear tree blossoms at the Kirkwood Room in Iowa City.

And lastly, because once in awhile my funny bone gets tickled - when I saw this nearby doorway and just had to...... 😉