They went to the chapel...and they got married!

After 22 years of being the only McKinney sister (in the middle of two boys), I was honored to welcome another on June 18th when Krista married my older brother, Daniel.

I’d like to first brag on myself for a second and say that 4 years ago, when I was a freshman at Auburn, I predicted the future and foresaw the ceremony that took place a couple of weeks ago. It is actually written and signed on a piece of paper somewhere...let me explain. My senior year in high school, on my 18th birthday I was in Auburn for a football game. Daniel and some of his buddies were having a bonfire that night at their house. I was immediately greeted with a hug and a birthday cake by a girl I didn't recognize. This mystery girl introduced herself as Krista, one of Daniel's good friends. Gifts and a very impressive introduction...I was onto her. My suspicions rose once I got to Auburn. My freshman year I got accepted to a freshmen program joined with the SGA called Tiger Tuesdays. None other than the mystery birthday cake girl, Krista, was the director of the group. At the time she and Daniel were not dating, but i had a slight inkling that something was in the mix. The year went on and she and Daniel were hanging out more, I went to lunch/dinner with her often (again, earning my love I'm sure) and sure enough, by Thanksgiving, they were dating. 

At our final meeting in April, Krista had our freshmen group fill out a “Life Goals” form, which of course caused everyone except for the over achievers to roll their eyes. One of the blanks read “In 10 years I______”. Just to be funny I filled in the blank and the sentence read “In 10 years I will be at Daniel and Krista’s wedding and I will call Krista my sister in law.” I may have been a little off with the years, but my prediction has been proven correct. She doesn't have to earn my approval anymore, she's in.

All of the wedding festivities were wonderful and it was such fun celebrating Daniel and Krista. I believe they are two of the most humble and selfless people I know and having the opportunity to show them the love and respect they deserve, and shower them with encouragement and blessings was so special. It was only fitting of course to get the party started on Thursday with a wedding weekend kickoff at the Nashville Sounds Game. Friday was full of bridal and groom activities with golf and luncheons respectively. Friday night was rehearsal, which was the first time it actually sunk in that this was happening. Being in the church and practicing walking down the aisle was the slap of reality. Rehearsal was followed by a lovely dinner which consisted of delicious food, a slideshow, and memories and toasts for Krista and Daniel. It was a true testament to both of them to hear words from their friends and family, and even moreso when they spoke on behalf of themselves thanking everyone for being there and being a part of their special day. As I mentioned before, they are always thinking of others and wouldn't have it end on any other note, but one that was thanking others for sharing this with them.

I told my parents I didn't want to go to bed that night, because I knew when I woke up on the day of the wedding, all of the day's festivities would begin instantly, just as they would end. However, our goal for the weekend was to enjoy every minute. And as my dad had said, there would be no "joy robbing". I'm happy to report I believe we came out with all of our joy that we began with, and then some. The ceremony was perfect. They are the most well suited couple and it was so obvious when you saw their beaming smiles and the look in their eyes. I am very thankful for the way they positioned the bridesmaids on stage. I had a prime time spot. Not only did I get to see Krista gracefully walk down the aisle with her sweet dad, but I also got to see the look on my brother's face when the doors opened and when he saw his bride. I'll never forget that moment. 

After a beautiful ceremony, they were pronounced man and wife, and it was time to celebrate! All of the wedding party piled onto a shuttle and we headed to the reception. Of course there was the traditional announcement of the wedding party, the first dance, father-daughter, mother-groom, the cake, the throwing of the bouquet and garter, and all that jazz. But the send-off really was the best part. Daniel and Krista had requested Auburn shakers to be used as they drove away. I'm not sure what my expectations were for this, but they were far exceeded. For any Auburn fan, you would have truly felt like you were in Jordan Hare (okay...maybe an exaggeration, but you get the idea). The send off was a party in and of itself. One of the groomsmen took the role of the mic man, and led us in Bodda Getta, Two Bits, the Fight Song, and any other Auburn cheer you can thing of. And with the grand exit of the bride and groom, a big "WAAAAAAR EAGLE, HEY!" that Daniel, so appropriately ended before he got in the car and was off with his new wife. 

The photographer was UH-MAZING, and actually just posted some pictures (Part One) and can be seen on her website. Katie Painter Photography: Daniel+Krista Pt. One and below are a few of mine from the weekend. Enjoy, these precious newlyweds are sure to bring a smile to your face!

WAR EAGLE!