Same Team

The new Mr. and Mrs. Guebert at brunch the morning after the wedding. Guess who's idea it was to get matching Christmas sweaters for the occasion? : )

Our Reception

From the choreographed entrance to "Seasons of Love" to the personalized M&M's saying "Married Christmas", we had so much fun planning and enjoying the reception of our wedding day. Thank you to all of the friends and family that helped bake cookies for the "Cookie Table", and for Santa for coming to visit all the way from the North Pole. Everything about our reception was wonderful, and we were so glad to share it with all of our family and friends.

The Wedding

The wedding ceremony was perfect, and all went exactly as planned. We loved the beautiful music from the Madrigal singers and string players from Glenbard East. All of the kids, including last minute ring bearer, Riley, did a great job going down the aisle. Ava loved her dress so much that during one of the hymms she got into the aisle and started dancing. It was such a blessing to see that the wedding was exactly as we wanted it, including the lightly falling snow that blanketed the street just as we came out of the church.

The Big Day

Valerie and her bridesmaids had such a fun time getting ready for the wedding at her parent's house. While sipping Vueve champagne and nibbling on appetizers, we all had our hair and makeup done. Little Megan was so excited to put her dress on first, and the girls were so good during the many photo shoots. The big news of the morning was that Jenna, one of Valerie's best friends and bridesmaid, was going into labor and wasn't going to make the wedding. (Jenna had her 2nd baby, Colin, around 6:30 pm that evening). It was a great way to start the day.

Madrigals and Strings

The music from our wedding was amazing, thanks to the Glenbard East 

Madrigals and String Quartets.

Rehearsal Dinner

Rodger and Valerie gave Ava and Mae a jumpy ball toy for Christmas.  Rodger loved to play in it just as much as they did!

Christmas from Down Under

Of all of the gifts that have arrived on our doorstep lately, this present needed no explanation. It had no card, no recipient listed, yet it is the gift I believe has been the most meaningful to me so far. For at least fifteen years, one of my closest friends and I have had an affinity for Christmas ornaments. At special times in our lives, such as major vacations, graduations, thirtieth birthdays, etc. we have bought each other collectable Christopher Radko glass ornaments. So, as I opened this box I felt a warmth of happiness and thankfulness that I have such a dear friend that loves me and knows me so well. This is the first Christmas that my traditions with this best friend and I have not been met; as Christmas for us has always been: Roger Whittaker's "Darcy the Dragon" sing along, attending the Chanticleer concert in Chicago, making pizelles, and celebrating our friendship over a glass or two of wine. So, receiving this special gift in the mail was just a wonderful way to know that we'll always be together at Christmas time! Thank you, Jamie, for this awesome kangaroo ornament from down under, and for being my long-distance Australian friend!

Ten, Nine, Eight...

It is clearly the final countdown for Rodger and Valerie's big day. All of the wedding plans are done and most of the details have been worked out too! The only thing left to do is to pack for our honeymoon, and enjoy this special time in our lives. Thank you to all of you that have helped us, listened to us, and supported us on our engagement journey. See you as I walk down the aisle...