The wedding reception and open house

For the start of a great life and eternity together, there has to be a great celebration.  

And we Whitakers love to celebrate!  

Both Sarah and Josh lean towards rustic.  So the Great Hall at Stone Gate Weddings and Events in Pleasant Grove, just down the street from the temple, was perfect.  And if you live in Utah County, I highly suggest using Marvelous Catering for your events and visit their restaurant Molly's for some out of this world food.

I've included some of my favorite photos to tell the story of the evening, then 

some from our open house in our home.  

 Joseph and I somehow didn't get the kissing memo.

 Sour candies are Josh and Sarah's favorites.  It was such a hit, it had a line of people all night long.

Nice?

Nope!

That's okay

 Aaaannnd the youngest gets the bouquet.  Good thing the "getting married next" tradition isn't real.

Dancing!!  This has to be one of my favorite parts of receptions.  I've always loved dancing, but when our whole family is out on the dance floor, it takes it to another level.  We have such a good time!!

  If you ever have a dance party and need to fill the floor,

just call the Whitakers and we'll fill it up. We love to dance!

 The Jeromes are great dancers too!

What a great start, right?!

A month later, we had an open house for our friends and family in California.

I loved decorating our house for the happy occasion.

Sarah's use of deep red and navy were perfect to start my Valentines decor.

 Aren't these two Mickey cousins the cutest ever!!

Thanks to my brother-in-law Dave and niece Brooke for taking the photos

of the open house.  I was able to enjoy our family and friends without worrying.

And thank you to our friends who always support us. 

It was a joy to witness the beginning of their lives together.  I know life will have its ups and downs, and back and forth.  But with commitment to each other, hard work, a lot of love, and faith, these two will find great happiness together.