Friday, September 8, 2017

Duggar-Caldwell Wedding Day


Six down, 13 more to go! This evening, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar watched their seventh-oldest child, Joseph Duggar (22), marry his beautiful bride, Kendra Caldwell (19). Although there has been a rush to the altar for the Duggar sisters, Joe is the first Duggar son to tie the knot in nine years.

Joseph and Kendra were married by Kendra's father at First Baptist Church in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, this evening. Their colors were navy, burgundy, and soft yellow. All the details of the wedding, including the first photo of the couple, can be found on People.com.

Kendra's princess-style dress was designed by Renee Miller. I (Ellie) had a blast at Kendra's dress fitting.

In true Duggar style, the wedding party was made up of 22 people. Josiah Duggar was the best man, and Lauren Caldwell, Kendra's sister, was the maid of honor. Kendra had her mom and seven of her Duggar sisters-in-law as bridesmaids, among others.

The wedding will air on the upcoming season of Counting On.


Photo courtesy TLC

117 comments:

  1. Congratulations MAY YOUR LIFE BE FOREVER BLESS

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  2. Kendra's dress is gorgeous, congratulations to the newlyweds!

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  3. Congrats Joe and Kendra!!

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  4. WOW!! How exciting!! Renee Miller is the best. I appreciate her talent.

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  5. Congratulations Duggars. God bless you throughout your lives

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  6. *Josh & Anna: 9-26-08
    pregnant: Michelle with Jordyn
    *Jill & Derick: 6-21-14
    pregnant: no one
    *Jessa & Ben: 11-1-14
    pregnant: Jill with Israel
    *Cousin Amy & Dillon: 9-6-15
    pregnant: Jessa with Spurgeon
    *Jinger & Jeremy: 11-5-16
    pregnant: Jessa with Henry & Jill with Samuel (early)
    *Joy & Austin: 5-26-17
    pregnant: Jill with Samuel & Anna with #5
    *Joseph & Kendra: 9-8-17
    pregnant: Joy with #1 & Anna with #5

    I first made this list when Joy and Austin announced their pregnancy. Updated it for Joe and Kendra. It's neat to see!

    Congrats to Joseph and Kendra Duggar! Adorable babies headin your way 😀😘

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    1. What about Anna? Hasn't she been pregnant at at least two of these weddings?

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    2. I never thought of that. Thanks for putting it together! So fun to see!

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  7. Such a cute couple but it seems they are very eager to keep these dates a secret so they can sell the exclusive photo rights to people magazine. The timing always seems to be what will make them the most money: in this case also for the start of Counting on.

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    1. Don't just look at one side. Consider other reasons why they might do this.

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    2. @9:00 am. 10:51 is correct. They time everything (even time the release of their baby names and photos) with the release of People Magazine. It's for money. I'm not knocking it, but neither do I sugar-coat it.

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    3. Or maybe they don't want the paparazzi all over their wedding.

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    4. Uninvited photographers from other magazines would show up at weddings when they announced the dates.

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    5. Anon@ 10:00 Don't say it's for money. You don't know that and it's not true.

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    6. Just checking - whom are you criticizing for the timing? Joe and Kendra or People Magazine? My guess is that People signs them to some sort of agreement because the magazine itself loses money when they publish an edition with old news. If the Duggars want to agree to this in exchange for money, I say more power to 'em. So many lies and rumors are printed and they hsve no control over that.

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    7. Less to do with unwanted photographers (albeit I would say that's a concern though minor. How many illicit or unwanted pics of them do you see) than unwanted fans/guest showing up. I would keep the date a secret.

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    8. I personally am not all that fussed about a magazine having an exclusive. 1) this allows the happy couple to control the release of their precious wedding photo on their terms. In terms of not sugar coating things. This family IS in the public eye and I believe if dates are well known that others profit and their can be media blitz/hounding that would make the days and day leading up to the wedding complicated and distracting and upsetting for the happy couple. No one knows how these couples use those funds it's personal but, I believe most of those exclusive wedding photos fund much of the new couples honeymoon and those are precious times and I have no problem with it and can appreciate the many reasons who they choose to do this.

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  8. Will Jill's delivery of baby Samuel be shown like Jess's' babies and Jill's 1st child Israel? Please answer

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  9. Congratulations Joseph and Kendra!! Praying the Lord Richly blesses you as you begin your life together!!

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  10. Congratulations Joe and Kendra!!

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  11. Congratulations Joe and Kendra!💖❤

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  12. Congratulations, and Kendra was a beautiful bride, but this seems kind of surreal while the death toll in Mexico is rising, and we are waiting on Irma to pay us a visit in south Ga. and wondering about Jose. My town is flooded with evacuees. It just seems weird; can't explain it. But congratulations and may the Lord bless you.

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    1. Everyone can't just pause life because of the hurricanes, and fires happening in the US. Life has to go on

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    2. I understand that it seems weird to you; however, a large part of the United States isn't affected by the hurricanes. Since this is such an active hurricane season, it doesn't make sense to postpone their wedding. People had already traveled from out of town. The cake and flowers, etc. were already ordered and ready. Plus Irma hasn't even hit in the United States yet. Life can't be put on hold for every natural disaster.

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    3. Yes,with all the sorrow in the world we must look for joy and hope. Praise the Lord for newness and fresh starts. God bless ya'll!

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    4. Soooo...all life across the US must pause? Sad you didn't mention the horrendous fires in the west or the recovery from Harvey.

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    5. Project much? Smh..

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  13. Congratulations Joe and Kendra best wishes for a long happy and healthy life together.

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  14. Kendra was absolutely beautiful! Her dress was beautiful, I love the princess look to it. Her hair was beautiful also! Congratulations to Joe and Kendra and may the Lord bless you!!

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  15. Congrats Joe and Kendra can't wait to see more pics.

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  16. Congratulations Kendra and Joseph on your Covenantal marriage. May your love continue to grow along with your friendship.

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  17. The People story that was posted right away was full of typos and misinformation, especially when it came to ages. #Fakenews

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    1. Please learn the difference between news and tabloid gossip magazines. The world will be better for it.

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  18. Congratulations...may your Union be blessed♡♡♡

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  19. Dear Joseph @ Kendra!!!
    I am soooo happy for the both of U, and I hope U will have the time of your life!!!!!!! God speed!!!!

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  20. Replies
    1. Yep and babies to come! Oh my! (Gasp)

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  21. Congratulations! Beautiful bride and handsome groom!

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  22. Congratulations to you both, may God bless you richly.

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  23. Kendra made a really pretty bride. Now that Joy is pregnant and Joe and Kendra are married whos next up for a courtship before the end of the new season? Thats usually the order things go in to keep the show rolling on, my money is on either John David or Josiah.

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    1. I think its gonna be Josiah!

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    2. I vote John David, actually. There were vague eludements to such in the past season.

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  24. Ellie, just interested how did you get invited to the dress fitting? Do you have pictures to share now the wedding is over or will that be exclusive to TLC? Kendra made a beautiful bride, her dress looks to be similar in style to Jessas from the little we have seen.

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    1. Because she's an actual friend of the Duggars...

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    2. How fun that you were at the dress fitting! I hope you can share about it, but understand if you can't. -- Meg

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  25. Congrats and many blessings from the Lord.

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  26. Congratulations Kendra & Joseph! Can't wait to see your wedding episode!

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  27. Congratulations Joseph and Kendra!!!

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  28. Congratulations Joseph and Kendra!!! May God bless your marriage every step of the way. Seek him always and your marriage will be strengthened beyond your imagination. :) -Rachel

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  29. I was just wondering why Josh wasn't in the wedding???

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    1. Personal Choice? Family Choice?
      Josh hasnt been a part of a wedding party in many,many years...
      I know in my large family despite clossness the ones closer in age are considerably closer than the eldest...they leave the family nest sooner and miss a lot about the family growing up.
      I'm sure he attended but may have to distance himself from public eye still with open contracts and filming.
      Wishing the Best for the New Couple!!

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    2. I don't understand why you asked that loaded question?
      The focus should be on the new couple and not open a long list of drama and age differences. I am taking a wild guess and saying because that was their personal choice and we must respect their wishes no matter what the reasons were.
      Gratz to the newlyweds!

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    3. Why do you think he wasn't in the wedding? Is this a serious question?

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    4. Neither Josh nor Anna were in the wedding party. You don't ask people to stand in a wedding when they have a baby due (or overdue) at that time.

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    5. Anon @ 8:25 You are not the only one to notice that. I think Jill's wedding was the last he participated in just before the first scandal became public knowledge. TLC do not allow Josh on the show and if he were a part of the wedding it would be impossible to edit him out, and they could not show it. However this raises another issue if they have all forgiven him they appear to be shunning him from family events in favour of having them filmed for television.

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    6. 8:50. Thought the same thing. Does this person really not know...or just likes to stir the pot.

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    7. Probably a filming thing. He can't be on TLC and if he was a groomsman it would be hard to edit him out like they did for Jinger's wedding.

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    8. When Josh and Anna announced their current pregnancy, they that they had been quietly working on their marriage. Perhaps they are simply trying to balance being a part of a famous family while also trying to remain out of the public eye. I can't imagine that would be easy but they seem to be giving their best effort.

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    9. You need to ask???

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    10. OK people...ALL of the earlier ones were girls not boys so the groom chose from his friends. Yes, there were a male Duggar or two in those wedding parties but not like the females. Anna was in almost every other wedding. It would not have been a good idea to have him in this one since Anna would be due anytime. You don't want one of the groomsmen rushing off during the middle of the ceremony : )

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    11. The couple has a right to pick whoever they want to be in their wedding party. And honestly, not all of the Duggar brothers have to be included. It would make a ridiculously large line up.

      Who knows? Maybe the bride and groom are not close to Josh and Anna.

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    12. They are not shunning him. Their baby is about to be born if e hasn't been born already.

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    13. Anon @ 9.03 Jessa was heavily pregnant with Henry a Jingers wedding, and Jill was pregnant at Joys, somebody is always going to be pregnant at a Duggar wedding from now on. Also People were talking about Josh in the wedding party, not Anna.

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    14. He's wearing the same thing the other guys in the wedding wore - same suit, tie, and flower. If he was in the wedding, TLC is going to have to do some fancy editing to keep him "off" the show.

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    15. If the congrats videos are anything to go by Josh was wearing the same colors as Jimbob so he might have been in the bridal party, or maybe he was an usher? If he was in the bridal party it will be interesting to see how TLC deal with it, maybe another sun flare???

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  30. Congratulations Joseph and Kendra! May GOD bless your union forever!

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  31. Congradulations Joseph & Kendra!
    May God continue to Bless you and your relationship as it grows.
    Looking forward to the People Magazine spread as TLC isnt an option without Cable.
    Safe honeymoon travels..

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  32. Congratulations Joseph and Kendra! Kendra was so beautiful and I loved her dress! I also loved her idea for the colors and the choice for the reception food was such a good choice! ♡♡♡

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  33. Kendra looks beautiful and so does the bouquet. At first, I wondered if she wore Jessa's dress. I absolutely love the top! Can't wait to see the whole dress.

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  34. I love Kendra's dress! She looks gorgeous, and Joe couldn't look happier. Can't wait to see a picture of the whole wedding dress. Great job, Renee Miller!

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    1. Yes, Renee Miller did a fantastic job with this gorgeous dress, and I am so happy Kendra opted for a different style than lace. Loved the lace dresses too but enjoy seeing different looks that show different personalities. This dress is modest and the cap sleeves are more youthful looking. Kendra could not look more stunning!! Congrats!



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  35. Congrats from my mom and I. Kendra,you look so pretty. Joseph,ypou look handsome. God bless!

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  36. People are talking about Josh not being in the wedding. He has had problems, so it is not surprising. The one I feel bad for is JACKSON. He has not done anything wrong and all the other brothers took part. He apparently was left out.

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  37. For all the folks presuming that Lauren Caldwell is courting one of the Duggars also, please let me tell y'all that she is NOT! As a personal friend to her, and since she is only 16 years old, it is alarming to see news headlines saying things about her courting one of the Duggars. Just wanted to get that out there.

    Congratulations, Joe and Kendra!! I am so excited to see where God will take y'all in the future! <3

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  38. Why would she not be doing well mentally? That's a odd question. And I'm sure the recovered quickly from her second hysterectomy. I had a C-section and it's not traumatic. Scratching my head at your questions.

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    1. Who ! What ! Huh ? I'm scratching my head at this comment…
      How many hysterectomies can a woman have ? ! !

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    2. her second hysterectomy.. huh..

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    3. Second hysterectomy?? We don't know she had a hysterectomy. Unless the Duggars have shared something I've missed, that's just a rumor.

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    4. And you only can have ONE hysterectomy..

      I think she means 2nd C-section which is not that traumatic.

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  39. I'm curious as to why the Duggars don't have traditional receptions after weddings. Is this a Southern or Christian tradition? Why only coffee, cupcakes, and salty snacks?

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    1. Here in Ireland you wouldn't get away with that, every wedding I have ever been to had a sit down meal after the nuptuals, and a hooley well into the night with the craic ninety to the dozen!!

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    2. Not a Christian tradition! All the weddings I have attended (including my own and that of relatives) all had meals served for the quests at the reception, with desert. There is also a finger food with drinks served while the couple are getting pictures taken and during the party, after dinner and dessert.

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    3. Good question. The weddings I attend always serve a full meal.

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    4. Its one of the ways they cut costs.

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    5. It's not that big of a deal. I like the food choice they had. It's about preference. Not "You should". I was under the impression it's about what you want. Food is a good idea, but each couple can do it the way they prefer. The snacks were elegant, the church was beautiful, the dresses were beautiful. Their wedding was gorgeous.

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  40. Congratulations Joseph and Kendra on your new life together as husband and wife! Wishing you both a long & happy life together! Joe and Kendra you are a beautiful couple brought together by God! Have a wonderful & blessed life together!

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  41. More like navy, BLUSH PINK, and yellow. I don't know where someone came up with that burgundy color. All the guys had blush pink ties, and the M.o.B. dress was lacy blush pink. Haven't seen burgundy yet. That People story was 10 shades of inaccurate when it was first posted. (It's been since edited.)

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    1. We have not seen the entire wedding special yet. I think there may be some more burgundy yet to come. In his and Joy-Anna's congratulation clip, Austin was wearing a burgundy tie, which was apparently to coordinate with the wedding party since he wore a boutoniere. There is also a hint of burgundy in Joe's boutonniere.

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  42. Curious as to why Jackson was omitted from the wedding party. Even his younger sisters Johanna and Jennifer were part of the bride's attendants. He was the only brother other than Josh left out. I feel bad for him. Guess they could not find another bridesmaid to even it out.

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  43. What a beautiful, radiant bride! Love the dress, bouquet, hair, and her pretty smiling face.

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  44. Curious..

    Her mother was one of the bridemaids? Strange? Here, the mothers of the bride and groom are always part of the wedding but as "pride of place" and respect. The bride"s mother is the last person seated just before the wedding starts or she escorts the bride, with the father. The groom's parents escort the groom up the aisle, just before the bride's mother goes up the aisle.
    There are variations to how the mothers walk up the aisle. I walked up the aisle, at my daughter's wedding, escorted by my son, just after the groom escorted his mother.

    Both mothers are seated in the front rows; they are not lined up in matchy-matchy dresses, with a line of girl friends. They are seated in honored places; right in front of the couple. They also the first to follow the wedding couple after they leave the venue.

    Yes, a girl's mother can be also her friend but she is first and foremost her mother.

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    1. There is more than one correct way of doing things. If what you did at your wedding or your daughter's wedding worked for your family, that is great. But that doesn't mean that everyone must do it that way. If Kendra has a close relationship with her mother and asked her to be a bridesmaid, that is her choice. There is nothing disrespectful about this. To the contrary, that level of closeness implies a mutually respectful relationship.

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    2. Michaella Bates had her mother be her matron of honor. Unusual, yes, but a sweet honor.

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    3. My mother was my maid of honor and was thrilled to be a part of the wedding!

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    4. Anomymous @9: 29, again with that word "sweet".

      I do not think of it as a sweet honor but rather disrespectful. It is essentially "downgrading" the mother"s role in the wedding, treating her at the same level as girl friends and female siblings. They are not. I wonder about brides who have no close girlfriends their own age that they have to ask their moms.

      Ever heard of Mother of the Bride and Groom dresses? Mom being honored by a corsage, being escorted up the aisle in place of honor or escorting the bride, with her father?
      That is all important roles in the wedding. First dances?

      The other point and more important.. the parents are not actual quests but the hosts of the wedding. And the mother has duties as the host, with her husband. The maid/matron of honor has other duties attached prior and during the wedding.

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    5. Anonymous 12:32 you seem to have a very inflexible view of various people's "roles" and "duties" at a wedding. A wedding is a celebration of the start of a couple's new life together. Things do not have to be done a certain way just because "that's how they've always been done". A daughter who asks her mother to be one of her attendants *chooses* to ask her; she does not *have* to because she has no friends. I think it is a loving gesture and in no way disrespectful.

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    6. I'm so sorry the word "sweet" offends you. It is a lovely thing (is that better?) when a mom and daughter have such a close relationship that the daughter would even think of including her mom in her bridal party. If the mom didn't think she could handle the dual roles or if she didn't feel comfortable standing up there among younger women, she could certainly explain that to her daughter and decline. Furthermore, I've seen multiple grooms include their dads in their wedding party. What's good for one ought to be good for the other.

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    7. Being in the bridal party doesn't have to keep the mother of the bride from fulfilling her hostess duties. Besides, the things you mention are just traditions of men, nothing set in stone, and certainly nothing that can't be changed to fit a couples' desires to make their wedding day uniquely theirs. If the mother felt "disrespected" by being asked to play a dual role, she certainly didn't have to agree to it.

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    8. I agree. I think it was awesome that kendra feels that close to her mom. People quit attacking and judging. There are no rules for weddings.

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  45. Congrats Joe and Kendra!! Love your wedding dress, you look radiant and Joe very handsome. Looks like a beautiful and romantic wedding.Can't wait to see the Wedding! May God Bless you always. In Christian Love

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  46. When is Anna due? It seems like she's been pregnant forever!

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  47. You're so lucky you got to attend the dress fitting, Ellie! I cannot wait to see pics :) How awesome!

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  48. Will you be posting pictures of the wedding party? Both bride and groom's attendants? I would love to see a full picture of Kendra's dress!!! They look so happy and in love

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  49. Congratulations!

    Do any of the Duggars serve a full meal at their wedding reception? The People article says they had cupcakes and salty snacks. I've never been to a wedding where I wasn't served dinner -- is this a regional custom?

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    1. Most of the weddings I have been to have had finger foods and cake. I attend a fairly large church. Most couples invite the whole church to the wedding along with family and friends. It would just be too costly to feed everyone a meal when there could be over a thousand people.

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    2. No it's just a Duggar custom.

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    3. I've been to a variety of reception styles - appetizers and cake, full meal, cake and punch, etc.

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  50. I just adore Kendra's chubby cheeks:-)

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  51. Love the blue suits. Does someone know the designer and where they purchased or rented them? We have looked at several Navy Blue suits and none are not that color blue..

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