Hello again! We left off yesterday with Part 1 of the big wedding. If you missed it, click here. There was just too much to share in one post, so I’ve broken it down into two!
Here we are…the wedding day!
The little ring bearer and flower girl were all excited about Uncle Seanie’s wedding to Catherine!
All of the bridesmaids had to be at the Jose Eber salon at 10:00 am for hair and makeup. We all wore these cute little matching robes Catherine gave us. I wish they would have shown footage of us getting our hair and makeup done that morning…it was such a fun time!
Look who popped by the salon to say hi while we were there…why Lisa Vanderpump, of course! (With Giggy and her husband Ken too!). I took this picture of her with Giggy against the glass but then she came inside to chat with us after that. Stunning. I met her last year at Dancing with the Stars and once again, I was struck by how stunning this woman is.
Speaking of stunning…my little flower girl was super excited to get fancy hair for the ceremony!
4 (out of the 12) bridesmaids! Me, Laura, Steph and Anna
I let Kensington wear a little mascara and lip gloss so that she felt like one of the big girls :).
They brought in a veggie tray with deli meats and crackers for our lunch…but this gal can’t live on carrot sticks and crackers…so the flower girl and I excused ourselves to my room for a bit to order room service…
…nothing says “bridesmaid on national TV” quite like chicken fingers and french fries :). I had such a sweet time sitting in my robe with my daughter eating a picnic of room service on the floor. Sweet memories.
After our room service, we headed back to hair and makeup for a quick touch-up. It took a village, but we got all dolled up.
My GORGEOUS mama!
Kensington was so proud of her hair :).
Wake up Smith! You have to be a ring bearer on national TV in less than 2 hours.
My friends were watching the show together back in Dallas and we kept texting each other throughout the night. This was about 30 minutes before the ceremony started. They wanted to see me all put together.
Nothing like a selfie right before you head out to a televised wedding!
My two handsome men right before we went out.
Almost show time!
Here we go…me and the best lookin’ groomsman :).
My friends texted me these pictures from the ceremony. Sweet Smith.
I was so proud of my two kiddos. That’s a lot of pressure for a 4 and 5 year old!
That’s a long walk by yourself…especially when you’re only five!
This is the kid the doctors told me I would probably never have. Such an amazing testimony to God’s faithfulness.
Papa Jay and Uncle Seanie watching Kensington walk down the aisle :).
So much has been said about my dad! I mean…really…the man was apparently the star of the show. He has owned his own business for over 35 years, but he is also an ordained minister (and he’s written a book too…). He didn’t just do this ceremony for fun…he’s a real life minister :). But let’s make one think perfectly clear…he might be the center of attention (a lot) but my mama is the rock behind it all. My dad would be the first to tell you that without my mom, he’d be completely lost.
Woohoo! They’re married!!
Like the best picture EVER!
Look at us bridesmaids! I really enjoyed each and every girl up there :).
Ahhh…Chris and me. I kind of like him too ;).
A married man!
All of you Bachelor fans know who Cassie is…she is one of the producers of the show and takes care of the lead person the entire season (she is with them 24/7). She is amazing! Her hubby is one of the executive producers…such fun people!
We’re practicing our model poses…just for fun :).
There were 5 beautiful looooooooong tables. One for family, one for family friends, one for industry people (Bachelor alum, other famous folks, etc), one for Bachelor crew/producers and one head table for the bride, groom and wedding party.
So pretty!
Our yummy menu for the night! Delicious dinner!
That’s my grandmother in the forefront and the Vanderpump family getting seated behind her (next to the Mesnicks)…because I know you guys love details like who sat where :).
This is Sean’s best friend Clay Silver. He is a hot mess…in the best possible way! Everyone (including my kids) loves Clay. He is the life of the party…always…without exception…every day.
The happy couple making their grand entrance!
The first dance 🙂
I love this kid. So very much.
We danced and danced and danced some more!
At one point, I really had to stop and absorb how cool the entire experience was. I was out on the dance floor dancing to songs like You Know You Make Me Wanna (Shout) with Lisa Vanderpump, Chris Harrison, Desiree Hartsock, Arie Luyendyk, Jef Holmes and Jason Mesnick. I mean really…who does that???
My 88 (almost 89) year old grandpa said the prayer (he’s a retired minister)…let’s just say brevity is not his forte…we were super happy with his sweet (and brief) prayer.
Lovin’ on Uncle Seanie!
Hanging out with my BFF Trista…because she is so much fun and so incredibly sweet!
Trista and Kensington 🙂
Speaking of sweet girls, Des is super sweet herself! We talked for a long time during the reception and then again the next morning as we were checking out. She and Chris are just as sweet and down to earth as you would imagine. I really enjoyed getting to know her too.
My boyfriend Elan. We look good together, right? (For some reason, Andrew isn’t at all threatened by Elan…and Elan just can’t figure out why???) (It’s the hair.) (I like guys without hair.) (And Elan is quite hairy.) (And one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.)
Elan was one of the very first people I ever met way back when Sean was on the Bachelorette. Andrew and I adore him! He told Andrew at the reception that he can’t wait to be my kids’ stepfather…you have to love a guy that says things like that ;).
Ring Bearer down. Again.
Flower Girl down. Again.
I met Jeff and Arie at the reception too. Both guys came up and introduced themselves to me at separate times. They could not have been sweeter! Arie said he really liked me after I told him I rooted for him during Emily’s season ;).
Mother/son dance. There is a good chance she’s telling him that if he screws this up, she will kill him.
Me and my new sister! Gorgeous girl!! Super excited to start this next chapter together! I loved her hair up during the ceremony but my favorite way was when she pulled it down for the reception. Loved it!
You think he’s awesome on TV? You should try being his daughter…he’s even better in person. XOXO
My tweet the morning after the wedding :).
And a few random pics from my family and friends from the night…
Chris might not have married them but his name is on the certificate as a witness!
Such fun people to hang out with!
And at home, my BFFs were all wearing bangles in my honor and watching the show together. I was texting them throughout the night. Love, love, love these girls!
And then the next morning…back to reality. We had to be up by 5:30 am, our shuttle bus to LA left 30 minutes late, we got stuck in traffic and it took us 3 hours to get to LAX, I got motion sick and threw up in a moving shuttle and we were the very last people to board the flight. Back to reality.
On Tuesday night, I met up with my friends to discuss all of the details from the wedding…and I wore my bridesmaid dress, of course! 😉
Whew! Who in the world would have predicted this???? Not me. Not for one second. Not in a million years. Two and half years ago when I turned Sean’s name in for the Bachelorette, I would have never guessed that all of this would have happened. The only person big enough to orchestrate something of this magnitude is God. We give him all the glory for bringing Catherine into our family.
So, this closes the crazy Bachelorette/Bachelor chapter of our lives. It was a fun ride. Thank you all so much for the well wishes and sweet messages. I wish I could answer every single one of them…your genuine enthusiasm for our family is unbelievable. We are forever grateful.
XOXO
And today on my foodie blog…Buffalo Turkey Joes. It’s a Sloppy Joe that uses ground turkey and tastes like buffalo wings. Yeah. So simple, so fast, and so perfect for busy weeknights.
Don’t forget, Sheaffer has her hilarious recap of the wedding (plus other fun Bachelor things) here.
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And don’t forget, your Gap Cash can be redeemed beginning today!
Alaleh says
So so fun! Thanks for sharing! I ran into your dad in LA last spring and he honestly is the sweetest man ever! Congrats to your fam!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!! SOOOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!!! I absolutely loved seeing you all getting ready but my most favorite part was seeing you with all of the different people! I MEAN, Trista, Des, Arie, Harrison? CRAZY! And getting to see the reception was amazing! Sean and Catherine looked gorgeous together on their first dance and THOSE FLOWERS on the table were amazing. That picture of you and Andrew is GORGEOUS. The pic of Lovie and Sean dancing was so sweet. And the pics of your two passed out at the reception are hilarious. My favorite part of your post? The sweet picture of Kensington and your quote that she is the child that the doctors told you you would never have. God is so good! Love you friend, and I have loved getting to be a part of this journey with you.
Aubrey says
Gorgeous. Stunning. Gorgeous. Stunning. You, your kids, your hubs, your mom, your dad, your bro, your new SIL. All of you. Gorgeous. Stunning.
P.S. You only THINK the Bachelor chapter of your life is over, sweetie. You totally know they are going to film their first child's birth on live television. 😉
Anonymous says
Thanks again for sharing your brother's wedding with us! You and your family carried yourselves with such grace. The other bachelor stars should be in aw to be in your company! What a wonderful weekend and an exciting start to 2014!
Melissa says
Thanks for sharing all of the behind the scenes details with us-it's been so fun!
My "baby brother" got married in October so I know that the whole experience can be bittersweet. While it's fun to welcome a sister in the mix and see him happy, it can also be a little sad to realize he belongs to someone else now.
You have handled that situation magnified on a national stage with great dignity mixed with humor and it's been so much fun to watch. Congrats to your whole family (especially your kiddos who nailed their roles) : )
Erin Friedman says
Such a beautiful wedding!!! You looked amazing!! I agree I think your Dad stole the show! 🙂 Seems like a great guy! Congrats to your family!
Melissa Chambers says
Thank you for sharing your view of the wedding! The wedding was beautiful. I loved how Christ was the center of the whole wedding. SO happy for Sean and Catherine and your family!
Tara G. says
Hooray! (And whew, right?!). What fun memories!!!!
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says
Oh my. So much beauty. Every single detail. Oh and we all need a post dedicated to your arm workout. Your arms look amazing!!!
Michelle Nobbe says
Thank you for giving us behind the scenes footage since the beginning of this chapter! So fun to follow along! I do have to say the picture of you and Andrew dancing show off your amazing arms and back! Also loved the sweet picture of Kensington and your quote. Anything is possible with God!
Andrea Munding says
I LOVE more than anything how this televised wedding was centered around Christ. Having faith in The Lord is COOL!
Lori S H says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us!! I love your blog, and didn't know your brother was the Bachelor until much later. Your kids are beautiful!
Paula says
What an awesome recap! Thank you so much for the glimpses! It was a gorgeous wedding all the way around!
As far as your daddy/momma….Every good man has an amazing woman behind him! No doubt your Momma ROCKS!
Meredith Hellman says
Love all the pics and details! Thanks for sharing with us. Your family did such a great job, especially your dad at the ceremony! Think he'd me my minister at my wedding whenever I get married!?
lindseyhd says
What a great recap!! I just loved their ceremony – it was perfect.SO full of love and emotion. I look forward to your refreshing posts daily!
Jennifer Cannon says
Your new name is "shay muscles shull" – holy arm muscles!! Hot momma!
Absoultely, love the wedding posts. Everything was beyond beautiful, what a blessing it Is to have true love!
Excited for sean and catherines next step!
However, as a faithful "mixandmatchmama" fan……. I'm dissapointed there was NO talk about the CAKE!! we all know how you feel about wedding cake!!
😉
Xoxo
Jen
This Gingers Journey says
Your family is so so sweet!! The wedding was AMAZING and I think I cried like a gazillion times. (this girl is a sucker for weddings!) And I know you can appreciate this… I have had the Gap Cash Day in my planner for weeks 🙂 Happy Shopping!!
Daily Express says
This was such a fun post to read. 1) Your mom truly is gorgeous. Love it every time you feature her. 2) Any fun makeup tips or tricks you learned from having the TV pros do your makeup? 3) Loved that you wore your dress to hang with your friends! LOL!
whitney says
Thank you for sharing! Your family is so uplifting! Glad He's using y'all as such a vessel! Warmly,
Whitney
Debbie says
Than you for sharing all the little details and personal experience with us. You are a great storyteller! Getting to know the Lowe family has been a privilege and a pleasure. Love the unconditional love and respect you and Sean have for your parents. Loved your comment about your Dad needing an agent (he was spectacular) and about Mom being the force behind him. Amazing parents/people, indeed. You have all handled yourselves with grace, class, humor and kindness. Kensington and Smith are two lucky little ones to have you all as role-models. Wishing Sean and Catherine all the best for a beautiful life together and looking forward to more Mix and Match Mama blog posts.
Anonymous says
So much fun to read from your point of view! The Christ centered ceremony was a blessing to watch! I have also read your Father's book, "Witnessing Made Easy" twice now. I am in awe of how God has been preparing your family for this opportunity for years. The book has been such a challenge for me to live more boldly for Christ. I can see through your blog and Sean's public appearances that your parents have also challenged you to live in the same manner. I am excited to see how God will continue to use your family to draw others to Him! Blessings to you and yours, Dawn:)
TorontoSAM says
I love it! Thank you for sharing. Unfortunately for the Bachelor franchise, I think they have set the bar too high – no one will ever be as good as Sean and Catherine! My enthusiasm for this season has waned. Blessings to the two of them as they begin this new chapter of their lives.
Elizabeth says
I love love love this! Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes and the reception we didn't see on tv. I love how down to earth and real your family is despite all the fame of the bachelor. Your kids are so amazing and that is a direct reflection on your great parenting! Smith and Kensignton did so great walking down the aisle! I was so impressed that she made it all the way down by herself too! My aisle was way shorter and my niece cried and clunge to my SIL's leg the whole time lol. Beautiful family. Beautiful wedding. Thank you for sharing!
Anonymous says
I can't believe you left out the most important detail: Which entree choice did you have?
Nicole Lee says
Why aren't all the bridesmaids wearing the same dress?
Sarah says
Great recap. Your family is so sweet and talk about good genes!
AGW says
1) I laughed out loud on instagram when you posted the picture of Smith sleeping 2 hours before the ceremony; 2) I just got a little teary eyed at your caption under Kensington's picture walking down the aisle. You are a wonderful family and thanks for sharing this adventure with us.
Rebecca Jo says
You really do have an amazing family. Your dad was fantastic… I loved that he had God right there in the ceremony for the world to see!
Your kiddos were precious. That is a lot of pressure for little ones but they didn't act like it phased them one bit.
& yep, when your hubby was praying with Sean before, I was like, I thought I liked this family before? Now, I want them as my best friends 🙂
thanks for sharing the fun with us.
Deena says
Thank you so much for the wonderful recap & pics. Your whole family is so sweet & Catherine is a great addition. She & Sean seem so good together.
The wedding was just beautiful. Thanks for showing us reception pics. Fun to see you with the Bach alumni.
Amber Sanders says
Such a beautiful family. Thanks so much for sharing your journey. I loved watching your brother on Emily's season and my heart broke for him when she sent him home. His season was my favorite though! Such a wonderful christian man. I love that he found Catherine they are the perfect couple and have such a fun relationship. I wish them a lifetime of happiness. Your family is amazing and the ceremony by your dad blew me away and brought me to tears. I love the Christian ceremony shown on live TV….AMAZING. I love that I found your blog and you are his sister. Keep the amazing posts coming!
Rebecca Thomas says
It was so beautiful! I am so glad your family did not back down about your faith and used this as a great testimony! Thanks for sharing! I do wish ABC would have handled waiting until marriage to have sex a little differently and not been so weird about it, but that's nothing y'all could control. I am glad Sean and Catherine were able to share their faith in that way too though! Do you have any pictures of their cakes? Wedding cakes and their designs are my favorite parts of weddings!
Darcy says
This was so much fun to read! Thank you so much for sharing all the behind the scenes with us! Shared it on FB because I know I have some non-blogger friends who are dying for more details 😉
http://www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com
Lauren says
You never answered the questions from recap #1! "How is it being the big sister of the Bachelor during his wedding weekend? What was it like? How were we treated? What did we do? Who did we meet?" – Well, you answered most of them.. but I am curious about how you were treated mostly! I am sure it is easy for people to get caught up and all the mumbo-jumbo of everything and forget the little things in life! Very curious to know how relationships were affected during everything. You have such a strong family!!
Andrea Worley says
What a fun day, and a fun experience for your family!
Mason's Mama says
So happy to have found your adorable blog! Your family has won my heart. Sean and Catherine's season has been my most favorite season and favorite couple thus far! I loved the wedding and how God was center of the whole thing. And your Daddy…amazing!! I loved how personable he made the ceremony for Sean and Catherine. So special! And your kids? The cutest flower girl and ring bearer I have ever seen. And you looked just gorgeous!! Congratulations to you all. Such an inspirational family!
xo
Crystal
mel @ the larson lingo says
BEST RECAP EVER!!!! Love, love, love seeing your side of things. Thank you for sharing the background scenes with us! So fun to "journey" this with your sweet family! You guys were in my prayers all weekend. And, of course, I will continue to pray for Sean & Catherine. Marriage takes work….and I am sure it will take even more work being on a stage & in the public eye!
And, yes…..your dad needs an agent….he totally stole the show. Love Papa Jay!
#papajayforpresident 🙂
Darcy says
What a great experience for your family! And I so love that God is the center of it all – because, you know, He is. 🙂
Such beautiful people too – I know it's the inside that counts, but you all looked so great! Thanks for a fun recap!
Kim M says
So beautiful Shay!! We've felt a bit under the weather with myself and our little guys having the flu this last week and the wedding was such a wonderful treat in the middle of temperature taking and Tamiflu! So incredibly beautiful! Thanks for giving us a sneak peek! Love your whole fam!
Slightly Askew Designs says
HOW HAS NO ONE COMMENTED ABOUT YOUR ARMS IN THE PIC OF YOU AND ANDREW?!?!?! They look AH-MAZING!!! I thought FOR SURE Sheaffer would point this out 🙂
I loved every single bit of this post. Loved!
Allison @ Texas Mrs. says
I can't even put into words just how beautiful your family is!!!!!! SO many blessings 🙂 Congrats to your brother!
Kelly says
Shay, Thank you SO much for sharing your behind the scenes experiences with everyone. Your family is amazing and everyone looked beautiful. I must say you looked gorgeous yourself, and your arms…whoa! What do you do to get such defined biceps?? And I really love your comment about Kensington being the child you were told you would never have. Made me tear up a bit! Again, thanks for sharing 🙂
Jennifer Lynn says
Beautiful pictures! The wedding was gorgeous, and it was so nice to see a God centered ceremony on national television 🙂
Jaren says
That seems so very awesome…out of this world! I loved following along on Instagram the whole time. Your dad is just amazing! It was so sweet to see the tears from your brother…such an awesome, real moment where you realize this isn't just TV, this is a real, honest, Christ-centered relationship. As I said when Sean was the Bachelor, it was so refreshing to see the show take on a more conservative approach. And Kensington stole the show with her delicately placed petals and sweet, innocent face. My husband even stopped what he was doing to comment about that! Thanks for letting us in on such an awesome experience for your family! Prayers for Sean and Catherine.
Sara says
Beautiful pictures! Beautiful family! Maybe you're not allowed to share, but did the wedding continue through the commercial breaks?
Mindy says
LOVED your recap! Sounds like you had an amazing weekend! Loved watching your sweet kids walking down the aisle! Is there any pictures of the back of your dress? You looked beautiful in it! Also, did your kids get on the dance floor? That must of been a very long day for them! Congrats again to your family!
Heaven's Roses says
The ceremony was absolutely gorgeous and your dad did an amazing job! Your whole family is beautiful!
Brittany Sciba says
I LOVE the back of Kensington's hair!!! The bow clip is gorgeous.
Melanie Lien says
Your dad really was too cute. It was good to experience a wedding that was on television, but Jesus was still the center of the ceremony.
Christine says
So amazing and so fun! I bet it was all pretty surreal. You're a lucky lady to have such an amazing family. I think I love every single one of you. 🙂
I love that you give all the glory to God!
P.S. I read Sheaffer's blog after you suggested it yesterday and it was hilarious and perfect!
Andrea - Would Rather Be Shopping says
Such an awesome recap Shay! Love that you got more than one use out of your bridesmaid dress!!! You are one beautiful lady!
Jeanie says
What an awesome experience for you and your family!
Kathryn Katz says
Your entire family honored Christ in just a beautiful way. Thank you for sharing your behind the scenes… I told my husband (who actually enjoyed watching it too) that I feel like I'm watching my friends. Thank you for letting us into your lives. Congrats to all of you!
klmoore23 says
Thanks for the great pics of the reception and all the fun/memories we never got to see. I'm sure it was bittersweet to see the close relationship you have with Sean changing. I pray God keeps you close and you both realize how special you are to one another.
What a beautiful family you have. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Kristin says
So.Much.Fun! I bet it is all still so surreal. Everything was so beautiful! Congrats, again! 🙂
Shelby Allen says
So first off… your arm in that photo of you and Andrew dancing… Holy Definition! You look amazing girl!! Second of all… Can you give Clay Silver my number? I am also the life of the party all the time… I also like to hunt, fish and have a good time. He looks like he could be right up my alley 😉
Jennifer G. says
Thank you for sharing all that! I'm a Bachelor/ette junkie and I just love hearing behind the scenes stuff! Best wishes to your brother and his new wife!!
Ann Marie says
What a beautiful wedding! I have enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to meeting you next week at MOPS! 🙂 What a blessed wedding and beautiful family. In Him, Ann Marie
Candice Kelley says
Hi Shay! Thank you so much for sharing this special with us! The ceremony was so beautiful and I love how Jesus remained in the center of it. I was wondering, did you dad officiate your wedding also?
Candice
Chic Coastal Living says
Loved this recap of the wedding and reception. I loved your brother and Catherine together and it's so awesome to see how faithful your family is! God bless you! Desiree
Lora G says
Seeing your kids was the highlight of the wedding for me! So fun! You guys have a wonderful family and extended family!
kristinwithani says
So fun to see photos from the reception. Looks like a super fun time for all – even the kids.
Thanks for sharing, Shay!
I think it's time you start a matchmaking service for your single readers. 🙂
LuckyShorelineBride says
I just wanted to let you know what a ball of emotional bride to be I became while watching this wedding!! Their ceremony was so personal and touching….Ant and I are writing our own vows and their made me want to whip out a pencil right there on the couch!! Thanks for sharing some insight into the special day 🙂