It's a Party!

Here are Kelli Halbison and Brandt Porter - soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Porter on the night before their wedding helping set up the reception decorations. Brandt is Michelle's nephew.  They were married on June 17, 2011 in the Mesa Arizona Temple, and that evening had their reception in our backyard. 

Kelli's mom, LaDawn Halbison, was the party planner.  And boy does she know how to plan a party.  Michelle watched and learned.

Our basketball court was transformed into a dance floor by using Max's 20x30 canopy, lots of white lights and many helpful hands.

Here are some of the helpful hands (Bryce, Collin and Adam) taking a rest.

The set up was completed at about 10:30 pm.  Dan took this shot so we could remember how it looked.  Bryce said our backyard had never looked so beautiful.

Another shot with our backyard lights on.

On the patio was the drink station ready to go.  Isn't it clever how they used the folding doors to cover our kitchen window and be decorative at the same time??

The dance floor is all ready for the band to set up.  We warned our neighbors that we were having a wedding reception and a band.  The band was fantastic.  They played oldies that were fun to dance and listen to.  The music was great. 

On Friday, the reception began at 6:30 pm.  It was still light outside, so some of the lighting effects did not show until the sun went down.  This is the entrance to our house.

We opened all the doors from the living room to the patio, and removed the dining room table to allow for easier flow of traffic.

Here is the reception line - left to right - David & LaDawn Halbison, Kelli & Brandt Porter (the newlyweds!) and Max & Kathleen Porter.

I have to include some of the great decorating LaDawn and her crew did.  This was on the piano as people entered.

This was the sign-in book.

A great spread of food on the patio.

Adam enjoying the great food.

The cake.  After dark the cake tables were lit from underneath.  It was a beautiful effect.  The cake was incredible - decorated by one of Kelli's sisters.  Only the top was real cake, but the sheet cakes they served were delicious.  The carrot cake was to die for.

As the sun went down, the lights began to sparkle.  There were lights on the tree trunks, on the pool fence, on the dance floor canopy and candles on the table.  The breeze made the candles staying lit a challenge, but it was all beautiful.   Lindsay and Boyd were able to drive up from Tucson in time for the party.

There were A LOT of people.

Lindsay and Boyd love to dance.  After some persuading, Lindsay finally got Bryce up on the dance floor.  Bryce has some good moves!

 As the newlyweds prepared to leave, we all lit enormous sparklers to light the way to their honeymoon. 

The party didn't end after the bride and groom left.  The band kept playing, and we kept partying.

Adam was in charge of Luna for the party.  Luna stayed in the master bathroom behind two closed doors for the party.  Adam checked on her frequently - sometimes letting her loose.  Luckily the music drowned out her barking most of the night!  What a great night it was.  Congratulations, Kelli and Brandt!