a minnesota marriage!

Last weekend we took a special trip to Minnesota for Mitch and Danielle's wedding.  

It was Gabriel's first time on an airplane.  

Flying with a toddler doesn't intimidate us too much anymore-- after wall, we've surviving two 14-hour flights to-and-from Australia.  Wish we had an ipad back then!

Dominic stayed back with his grandparents for the weekend.  It was our first time leaving him and difficult to do, but he had a blast.  

After we landed in Minneapolis, we had to make a 3-hour drive to Duluth.  By this point, Gabriel was exhausted!  Michael was a groomsman in the wedding, so we arrived just in time for him to attend the rehearsal and dinner.  Gabriel and I hung out for a bit, but retreated early.  It was a big day for our little guy!

The next day, we woke up to a lot of snow...

The wedding was absolutely beautiful.  Everything about the ceremony pointed towards Christ.  The afternoon began with an hour of adoration in which the bride and groom led meditation and songs (Danielle was hidden in the choir loft).   

When the mass and wedding began, Mitch processed in carrying their family crucifix.  It was very moving. This man is going to make an amazing husband!

The cathedral was gorgeous, there was a handful of priests co-celebrating, and the music for the ceremony was also breathtaking.  It included a choir of nuns, and a sweet children's choir (!!!).

My favorite part about the wedding however, was the joy radiating from the bride and groom.  They couldn't hold in their happiness, and it was wonderful to witness their excitement!  

Gabriel wanted to dress up extra classy for his Godfather's wedding.  

I am a very lucky girl to have had such handsome dates!!!

The snow continued through the ceremony, so we literally had to shovel ourselves out of the Church.  Driving was slightly challenging for us So-Cal visitors!

Despite the cold, the wedding party took STUNNING photos on the beach of Lake Superior.  I can't wait to see the professional shots.

Danielle is the perfect match for Mitch!  These two are going to move mountains together.  

After the photo session, we had a little trouble getting our cars on their way to the "Sn-Hoe Down" reception...  

It was quite an adventure!  We had so much fun and felt so grateful to be a part of this happy occasion, but we were also anxious to come home to Dominic and some more mild weather.

 I think the boys missed each other more than anything.  They were so cute and happy to be reunited at the airport!