October 16, 2021
Joni and John’s wedding at the Robert’s Retreat Lodge near Konowa, Oklahoma was the sweetest joining of two families. Joni and John have nine kids between the two of them and they are very close-knit, so it was natural that the kids wanted to see the first look between their parents. The lodge had the perfect setting for John and Joni to have that special moment to themselves while simultaneously allowing all the kids to have a peek – the front balcony.
It was a cool October day with the slightest gentle breeze. The late afternoon sun peeked through the trees across the lake. The kids gathered on the second floor balcony, looking over the edge to the path below where John waited patiently for Joni. They settled in quietly and waited, probably almost as anxiously as John. After a few moments, Joni touched John gently on the shoulder. He turned around to see the love of his life standing before him, dressed in her wedding gown and looking as beautiful as ever. They shared an intimate moment together and then emerged out past the balcony. It was time for the kids to see their mom and dad together for the first time as husband and wife.
To say that that moment was emotional would be the understatement of the year. There was not a face on that balcony that didn’t look so proud that their parent had found the other to spend the rest of their life with. The happiness in each of those smiles brought tears to my eyes. You could just feel the love radiating from everyone in that moment.
The way that Joni and John included their families in their wedding made their day incredibly special. The first look, unity ceremony, dances with each of the kids – it was the perfect example of how marriage not only unites two people together but two whole families as well.
Joni and John, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day. I loved spending the day with you and your families at Robert’s Retreat. You guys really made me feel like part of the bunch!
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