New Family Member

On May 9th, 2015, Stephen's brother, Jon, brought a new member into our little family.  We couldn't be more proud or happy.  It was a beautiful ceremony.  The only thing that seemed missing was Stephen.  However, Stephen had put his stamp of approval on the marriage.  Rick found a turkey feather on the morning that we were preparing to leave for the venue.

We tried to have Stephen's presence felt
with the symbol of his turkey feathers.  When Jon and Mariah were saying their vows, the wind kicked up and became quite heavy.  There were several people that commented that Stephen was making his appearance.

As part of their ceremony, they signed their marriage license.  It was only appropriate that they used a turkey feather to inscribe their signatures.

On the tables, there were books for guests to sign.  In each book was also a turkey feather pen to write their message.

Jon's groom cakes were in the shape of his two favorite states--Kentucky and Georgia.  On each cake were writings of special places to him.  One of the most special places to him on the Kentucky cake was the Stephen D. Elrod Memorial Plaza at Georgetown.

Stephen's best friends, Mark and Carra Surgalski
Mark was his roommate for four years and Carra became
like a sister to Stephen.

We had a table set aside as a memorial to those who had touched our lives.  Stephen and Nicholas were watching from the heavens as their baby brother got married.

Of course the wedding would not have been complete without three of Stephen's favorite people present.

Sable Bowman
Stephen's girlfriend

We came as a family of three....

And left as a family of four.

The happy couple