This past weekend Sam and I traveled to Gilbert, Arizona for a family/friend wedding of Thomas (our nephew-in-law) and his beautiful bride, Elizabeth and it was SO joyous. Like, one of the happiest weddings we have ever been to. We have known Thomas since he was about 13 and thought he was the coolest teenager ever. Watching him grow up over the years has been so fun and when he met Elizabeth we instantly loved the two of them together.

Neither Sam nor I had ever spent time in Arizona so we were hoping to make the most of our very short trip. We were mainly based in the Gilbert/Chandler area. Thomas and Elizabeth were married in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Gilbert Arizona Temple. It is such a beautiful temple; the stain glass is so majestic. We also lucked out with the weather. March weddings can be so tricky with weather but Arizona came through and it was perfect. Friday night after we got in we gathered at the Clawson Airbnb with friends and family and did a lot of laughing. I jumped in the hot tub without thinking too much about my lack of additional clothing (thank you to Rachel and Ruth and Liz for outfitting me while my wet clothes dried afterwards), people played pool, we ate lots of junk food and looked at the flowers we would be placing the next day for the reception. It was a fun and light evening.

After the wedding ceremony on Saturday morning we gathered for awhile outside the Temple for lots of pictures. There were a few drops of rain at one point but nothing to mar the day. Plus it was so good to see lots of family and friends.

Finally the bride and groom came out and we we cheered for Mr. and Mrs. Clawson! Super awesome!

Honestly, have you ever seen a happier bride and groom? I think not 🙂

We had a little break after the ceremony so me and Ruth and her sisters went to the reception site to get everything ready. Guys, that Arizona sun is hot. It is really direct and bright and there were a few moments during the afternoon that I thought I was going to legitimately melt. Luckily by the time the reception rolled around temperatures were a bit better and then it was time to let loose and just have FUN. This was a reception (and day!) filled with joy and fun!

And finally it was time for these two to drive away to their honeymoon! We had the best time celebrating Thomas and Elizabeth and the rest of our family and friends. It was a perfect weekend and definitely went by too fast. We only got a tiny taste of the beauty of Arizona and I already want to go back for more. Happy wedding, Thomas and Elizabeth! We love you both so much!