TBD2

The bride and groom were heading back from their trolley ride with the wedding party around STL - stopping at a couple scenic spots to take photos. What a special day it was - beautiful weather!

Kelly Park Photography

We'd been to the Three Sixty Rooftop Bar overlooking Cardinal Stadium. But there was a party to get to! The terrace at the Hyatt was sunny and wait staff served appetizers and drinks. Paul and I enjoyed catching up with the Gsmith fam.

Bro-in-law John, Brothers Larry, Ken, Denny

Sisters Carol and Dorie

Sister Pat and Bro-In-Law Dave

The meal was inside - a buffet of St. Louis foods. Of course the wedding party had to make a big entrance first, bursting through the doors to music! Jud and Kara cut the cake right away.

Amy and Pat boogie

Jud's Best Man, Mitch, gave a great speech and all the bridesmaids spoke including Amy who was really sweet - mentioning the story of when we first heard Jud starting talking about Kara. Kyle, Kara's father, gave the last toast as only the father of the bride can. Once all chewing was complete, the curtain opened and Kara and Jud (who likely didn't eat a thing because of nerves) kicked off the dancing with a first dance. They had been practicing - and I must admit - even though Jud isn't quite ready for Dancing with the Stars, he cut a striking figure with his beautiful bride.

I even had a change to dance with him - the song I selected for my Mother/Son dance was "Momma Told Me There'd Be Days Like This' by Van Morrison. He and I didn't do any special moves - but I enjoyed my short time all to myself with him.

After that the DJ just let it flow. And the photo booth was hopping. Cindy, Paul and I followed Betsy, Wayne, Paul and Alex. I wore a Pirate Hat and Cindy had a chicken carcass on her head. Paul wore wacky glasses and looked like a pimp daddy. Hilarious!

I had the photographer take a pic of the Bullock sisters but didn't get a phone shot - so we'll have to wait. We did get Ken Goldsmith to take this shot of the group though!

Love my family!

The Bullocks didn't party too late. Several had early flights - but we just aren't late night people. The Goldsmiths lasted a bit longer. Those Whiteds! They were there until the end - the last song, and then the real last song. The DJ dragged it out as long as he could.

Open air dance floor with Arch in the background (and full moon)

We danced on the patio, with a blow up beach ball bouncing about. Amy and Corey hung in there with us.

Every once in a while the ball would look like it might go over the wall - as the it was open air, overlooking the Arch. But then it would bounce back in again. By the end, I was happily exhausted. What a fabulous way to welcome Kara into our family and Jud into the Whited family. Can't wait to see what's next!