The Odell Yodel: Mark & Amy's Wedding

On Sunday, August 12th of 2012, Mark Thayer and Amy Berdan were married in their backyard in front of family and friends. It was beautiful day and the wedding couldn't have been better.

The morning started with making sure the boys made it to the wedding on time. They spent the night in an amazing suite at the Silver Reef Casino doing whatever it is that boys do at Bachelor parties. I won't go into details but they had a good time. I had warned Joel how much trouble he would be in if Thayer didn't get to the wedding in time, but just to be safe I sent a couple text messages to make sure they were awake and aware of the time. Thayer came home and went straight to bed while us girls finished getting ready. Mallory can do amazing things with a curling iron and a make-up brush. She whipped Amy into a beautiful bride-to-be like a professional. Amy received the good news that her mom, very ill with cancer, was going to be able to leave the hospital and make the journey up to the wedding. It was the start of a perfect day.

Making sure everything is just right!

Amy getting ready to head down the isle.

Amy promised to do her mom's makeup when she arrived.

We got Thayer up and into the shower just as the rest of the boys starting arriving from the hotel. You could tell by their faces and slow movements, they had quite the night. Thayer had a surprise for them, tuxedo shirts for everyone. This was going to be a classy wedding and Thayer was making sure everyone was dressed the part.

Looking Sharp: Mark Bailey, Mark Thayer, Justin Schrieder, and Joel Odell

By this time I was starting to get super nervous! Thayer and Amy had asked me to be their officiant. I was honored and a bit excited, but the closer we got to the ceremony start time, the more I started to panic. I just kept thinking about how this serious and life changing event that was about to take place, and how I was going to be the person in charge of it! I just kept taking deep breaths and rereading the script for the ceremony. I wrote the script myself and I was nervous about if people would like it. Thayer's family is Mormon and Amy's family is Christian but the bride and groom didn't want anything religious. Tough crowd. I just kept reminding myself that when Amy read it for the first time, she said it was perfect and it brought tears to her eyes.

Adding a last minute candle lighting to the ceremony.

So happy to be a part of this day!

I don't know why I get so nervous before I speak in public, but as soon as I start to walk to the podium or the front of the room, my nerves calm and I am able to do a pretty good job. I had the same feeling as Thayer and I walked down the aisle, through the rows of family and friends, to the very spot where he would become a husband. The ceremony went perfectly and in the end, I married my two friends. It was the perfect wedding for Amy and Thayer! And now it was time to eat, celebrate and have some fun! I was finally able to relax, knowing the hard part was over.

Amy and her dad, walking her down the isle.

The wedding ceremony.

Exchanging vows.

Exchanging rings.

The KISS!

Making it offical!

The ceremony went perfectly and in the end, I married my two friends. It was the perfect wedding for Amy and Thayer! And now it was time to eat, celebrate and have some fun! I was finally able to relax, knowing the hard part was over.

These boys are ready to party!

Thayer cooked up some delicicous hamburgers and brauts on the grill. We muched on salads, chips, and appetizers brought by the many family and friends in attadence. We toasted the new couple and ate some cake, all while sitting around in the afternoon sun catching up with long time friends. Amy and Thayer ended the night by lighting off Thai lanterns. I had never done this before and was excited to give it a try. We all stood around the yard, taking turns lighting a lantern and watching it float away into the night sky. It was a magical end to a beautiful day.