The Flower Girl!

Tori was asked to be a flower girl in a wedding that took place in California before we had realized that our family would be moving to Colorado. It was a wonderful privilege to fly back to California to not only be apart of Alyssa's wedding, but to also visit family and friends that we have missed and hold close to our hearts. So on October 9th, Tori transformed into a beautiful flower girl for Alyssa and Robert Castle's wedding that was held in Malibu at the Calamingos Ranch. It was a beautiful wedding under the dusk night sky. The trees were light up as the wedding party marched down the ail. Tori, along with Nina, the other flower girl strolled up the long ail tossing a combination of red rose petals and red feathers. The crowd oohed and ahhed as the two brought forth great anticipation for the soon to be bride. Alyssa was beautiful in her wedding gown and as Robert and her met hands there was a sure sense of commitment and love.

Some of you may be wondering; who's Alyssa? and whats the connection between her and Tori? Alyssa Boyd was a graduate of Village Christian Schools, Nick and myself taught her in Middle School at Village Church and Alyssa was one of Tori's preschool teachers at the Infant/Toddler Center and Preschool a few years back. So, we have a bit of history with Alyssa. Tori connected with Alyssa right away and it seemed from the very get go that Alyssa had a special connection to Tori as well.

Tori, also had a special connection with a friend who happened to be Ayden. Ayden was from the preschool and Tori and Ayden were always together. Whether it was riding bikes, sitting for story time, or playing on the jungle gym, they were found together. Ayden is Robert's son and now Alyssa's step son, so they were super excited to see each other. Tori was very excited and looking forward to being a flower girl!

The dress came at a bit of a surprise to Tori and I as we pulled it from the box. From the picture when ordering, one would never know what we had come to find out. Having another flower girl's mom involved was so helpful and the brainstorming began. The dress was a red crochet bodice with a red satin halter tie. The tutu was made of 100 + yards of red soft tulle. The catch was that the tulle was cut in 3 1/2 width individual pieces and tied in groups around the crochet bodice. Therefore, allowing the see through tutu to be open in any given area. So Alyssa, myself and the other mom began to try alternatives in covering our two little girls. What a time we had! We tried slips, bloomers, thin tights, leggings, nothing, and finally came to the wonderful conclusion of red winter tights. It provided warmth for the Malibu night air and coverage! Hallelujah...it was perfect. Tori was comfortable, confident, and was excited to wear her dress.

After the wedding, the party began! Most of the evening Tori spent with Ayden and they had a blast together. They laughed, hugged, talked, played, a danced the night away. Ayden was such a gentleman and even tied Tori's ballet shoes when needed.   Oh...little Miss Cinderella and her Prince Charming!

It was nice to see familiar faces and to be able to see how happy and in love both Alyssa and Robert were. Congrats to you both!

I also have to say that Tori and I had a little fun ourselves!