Celebrating love and family with these guys is THE BEST!

I wanted to share this post for months, but it seemed like there was always something else that came up, so I kept putting it aside. Until now – Valentine’s Day! Let me be clear. I am not a big Valentine’s Day gal but, I am ALL for celebrating love.

My sweetheart David and I met through friends and connected instantly. And after several years of dating, we decided to make it official! David was excited to get married but wasn’t so sure that he wanted a traditional wedding. We could have gone to a beautiful tropical destination with our kids to tie the knot.

But for me, it was more about celebrating it all – life, love, family, and friends. Both of our parents were healthy and ready to celebrate with us. Our brothers and sisters had always been a big part of our lives. Our kids would only make it more fun. And, I always loved to celebrate. So, we did it! And what a celebration it was.

Our signature cocktail was called, "The Blushing Bride."

Every detail was taken care of, down to the napkins.

These cakes tasted as good as they looked.

Champagne gummies, macarons, and the prettiest spread of treats were a real hit!

A special thanks to Colleen Rosen and her amazing crew for setting the scene.

Check out her Insta here: @colleen_rosen

Brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces. Can't believe how many adorable kids we have in our new blended family!

David and these amazing girls.

So grateful these two were there by my side.

Me and the boys!

Sisters and cousins are the best support! What would we do without them?

All the brothers hanging together.

David's adored nieces and nephew.

Sharing a special moment with my mom.

Cheers to my dad and his amazing toast!

The wedding was beautiful! It was unpredictable, sweet, wild, and fun! And because I just couldn’t decide between 2 gorgeous dresses, I wore a fun little flirty dress for the cocktail hour and then changed again into a slinkier number for the ceremony. Great food and fun cocktails, lots of dancing and carrying on… David and I loved every minute of being together with the people we love the most surrounding us.

Loved starting out the night a bit more casually. Here I am with my adorable daughter Elle.

Happy to have these girls lead me into the ceremony.

It was a bit unconventional as far as weddings go. Cocktails and appetizers were served first, then dinner was laid out, and it wasn't until the second round of cocktails that the ceremony started! My brother performed the ceremony, and our six kids stood beside us as we laughed and cried through our vows. I wouldn't have changed a thing!

The ceremony begins!

Forever laughing.

Crying.

And, of course, kissing!

Look at those great smiles!

David truly is, "Just one of the boys."

The dance floor was definitely on fire!

I just adore my in-laws.

It wouldn't be a party without these fun gals.

Cigars and playtime after the ceremony.

A little post ceremony cornholing.

What a fun crew!

These women are truly THE greatest!

So, cheers to an imperfect life full of perfect moments! Cheers to everyone who is willing to take a chance! And, cheers to creating your own love story – whatever that may be! And, last, but not least, here’s to my amazing husband who reminds me every day that our life together was meant to be!

Love is even sweeter the second time around!

The Nordic Museum in Seattle was the perfect place for our perfect celebration.

Tripping the light fantastic. What a magical night!

All photos in this post taken by Katie Parra Photo

Happy Valentine’s Day!