Sunday, July 7, 2019

Counting On: Season Four

Recapped by T. Edited by @fluentwave.

To make it easy to search this post, I have added a * before each episode title. On your PC, hit CONTROL and F to search. On your Mac, hit COMMAND and F. Then you can type in a * and see where each episode begins. 





*Episode 1: The Jinger Gown

The girls are traveling to go wedding dress shopping in Virginia. Jeremy makes the fast track joke for the thousandth time and retells the proposal story. Jinger: “I was completely shocked.” They talk about how excited and happy they are. The girls are packing and talking about weather, which almost is surprisingly normal for these girls. Joy doesn’t want to spend as long with Jinger’s as they did will Jill’s (lol SHADE Joy) and Jana says that they get to pick Jing’s dress and she just gets to try it on. Lol I am loving sassy Joy and Jana! They do a talking head about how Jinger is indecisive and needs their help. Jinger tells the girls she wants long/ ¾ sleeves.

Everyone takes turns describing her style. Classy comes up a few times.

She discusses the different color bridesmaids dresses as well. 10 bridesmaids/ 10 groomsmen. Jinger asks Jessa to be her maid (matron) of honor, then Jana, Jill, Joy, Anna, Johanna. That’s how she asked them, Jeremy’s sister Valerie and friends will be included as well.

Jeremy will have JD as a groomsmen (no Joe? sad! Jinger and he were so close).

Jinger says they are going to the same salon that Jill did, and Renee might design something. Jessa says to keep an open mind in case they find a new style then you anticipated.

Jill reminds us all they are home from Central America & are excited for Jinger’s wedding.

Jessa is excited for a trip all together, especially because Jinger is moving to Laredo after the wedding.

Everyone is going shopping, the guys (Derick & Ben) are coming to take care of babies. They remind us Jessa is pregnant. Her hair looks cute this whole episode, guys, I don’t know how she does it with a toddler and being tired in the first trimester.

Jinger says Jeremy mentioned a long train. The wedding has no theme but will be unique. They head to Virginia.

Jeremy’s parents are there. His mom is going shopping, Mr. Vuolo, Derick, Ben and the kiddos are getting ice cream. Honestly, as much as I dislike Derick, he and Jill seem so happy together. It’s sweet.

The girls arrive at the shop and greet Ms. Wendy, who helped with Jill’s dress, and Renee, who does the designs. She is sweet and seems excited for Jinger (a little over the top) but really wants Jinger to have the perfect dress. They discuss the details, and she talks about the long train and the sleeves as what she really wants to have. Whichever dress they design will be named after her, thus, the Jinger gown.

Jinger tries on a prototype and Jessa looks truly thrilled, everyone else looks a little posed. Jessa has a sweet & emotional talking head about how Jeremy is stealing her away.

They talk about modesty. Jinger says it is not a set of rules (sure) but just a desire to be modest (ok). Jill says she has a nice form!

Jinger says the first dress was not perfect, like the train and the sleeves but not the lay of the waist. She’s gonna try more.

Dress 2: Full skirt, lacy, the train she loves but not the bodice, which is all lace.

Ben and Jessa talk about their day and they all work on designing the gown with lace pieces on the skirt.

The men have ice cream. Oh man Jeremy is JUST like his dad! Ben asks for advice about having two children. Mr. Vuolo tells Ben that two is easier than three because you can still have man to man coverage and don’t have to do a zone defense. So he knows Ben likes football.

He says do not compare your kids to each other because kids are unique.

Derick says not at the point at two kids yet, but liked the advice. Mr Vuolo asks about the boys personalities. Spurgeon is laid back, happy. Israel is warm and affectionate, he’s a lot like Jill, he’s a people person, compassionate, full of energy, opinionated, strong willed.

Mr  Vuolo wants grandkids (no surprise there).

Dress 3: could be the one (it is) she is so happy. She loves everything about it. Everyone is excited, she gets a veil and a bouquet and they talk about making the train even longer. Joy and Jana are talking about managing the dress, they said Jinger needs to practice moving some weight and building up muscle.

Jessa is happy for her but sad because she’s gonna be moving after the wedding. she wants to push it off. Jeremy says he might need medics when he sees her coming down the aisle.

They go to a painting class altogether. They plan to put them in the new home. Jill & Derick joke around about painting Jinger and Jeremy and the lady who runs the place offers to do a cartoon version. Spurgeon starts getting fussy. Jessa takes Izzy and Spurg on a drive because she is not good at painting. Derick and Jill are totally cute having a blast and laughing the whole time.

Ben painted coffee, Jana and Joy painted a girl that reminded them of Jinger, Derick shows their picture which had no facial features but was actually cute. Jinger and her mom did the NYC skyline.

Jinger wraps up the episode saying how much her life has changed and how she is looking forward to the future.

*Episode 2: Could It Be Twins?

Ben and Jessa are going to Jill and Derick’s! Izzy tries to make a break for it (and take Spurgie with him). Jill says they get along well and Spurgeon will be a great big brother. Jessa says this pregnancy is different. Jessa and Ben both think it’s a boy. Jill uses her doppler and find some variation in the heart rate. Suddenly, the twins speculation begins and Jessa says they’re thinking it’s just one, but they haven’t had an ultrasound. Joy says they should name the baby Maximus. JD says they wouldn’t use his name. Josiah says an e name to spell seewald. Jason says Eugene. Jill says higher heart rate= girl, which baby seewald has. Jessa and Ben are finding out the sex out but not telling everyone, again.
Jeremy and Jinger are testing food - pasta- for rehearsal dinner. Flashback to Italian cooking with Jeremy’s Grandma. Ms Linda has made some options, and Jinger picked two options: a white sauce and a rigatoni with red sauce (Jer’s favorite). Joy: it's in the afternoon so people won’t be expecting a meal…at least they won’t get one. Cheese selection, relish bar (pickles) and meatballs will be served. They try the cheese- for the 1200 people they’re expecting. Joy doesn’t like the way it smells. Jinger likes smoked Gouda and Muenster. The producers then ask if Jinger were a cheese, what kind she would be. And I roll my eyes because what does that even mean. They end up choosing the classic cheese.
Anna and her kids and Jill & Izzy are going to an indoor playplace. There are bounce houses and climbing stuff and cars, tbh looks like a good time for the kiddos. Izzy pushes Meredith away from the car he’s in. Jill immediately talks to him and is trying to teach him how to share. Anna & Jill talk about Meredith & Mackenzie looking alike. Anna talks about how having so many littles at the same age is stressful and how she feel like a good mom at naptime. THEY ASK JANA TO GIVE ADVICE ABOUT WRANGLING MANY TODDLERS. (Her advice is bribe with food). Oh my gosh. Anna definitely seems very stressed out, poor thing.
Jessa and Ben are heading to Flame’s concert in central Arkansas. Ben hasn’t been to one of Flame’s concerts before. Jessa hasn’t been to a concert before period. We get to relive Ben’s horrible singing, he laughs it off. They rehash Flame’s visit to Duggarland. They got Spurgeon Boomer Phelps-style earphones instead of a babysitter. This is going to be funny, Jessa talks about how she needs the lyrics to fully appreciate the songs. Ben seems pretty excited. The twins explain the Duggars haven’t been to many concerts because it’s challenging to be in big crowds when you’re a large family. Yeah, that’s why. The Seewalds visit with Flame and Spec. Spurgeon sees the DJ scratch and they let him try it. They ask the older Duggars what scratching is, and Derick knows. He is the only one I think. Flame wants Ben (with a water gun to spray the crowd at the end) to come out on stage and jump up and down because they’re in Arkansas. Jessa grants him permission (that’s totally how the editors frame it which is a little strange). Ben seems pretty excited but jokes about Jessa’s embarrassment. Flame and Spec joke that they might have to remind him not just to stand still but to jump around.
Ms. Cindy is there for wedding prep, and jokingly asks Joy if she’s next. They are going to the chapel for the wedding, the reception will be down the street at a church. They are sending 450 invitations but due to the large families expect a thousand. The wedding is at 2pm, but they plan on dimming the lights and creating an ‘evening, candlelight’ effect. Ms. Cindy refers to Jeremy as “soccer boy” and I enjoy it. Ms. Cindy tells Jinger to FaceTime Jeremy and mess with him, tell him she is gonna sing to him. (TBH is this a dig at Josh and his loyalty song? or can Jinger not sing very well? Idk what the joke is exactly). They tell Jeremy the singing joke, he worries Jinger would be stressed by that. Then they go to the reception hall, which is basically a smaller church. They’d take the chairs out, and may have music “for a short time” on the stage.
Back to Flame’s concert, it does not look like there are many people in attendance. They ask the Duggars what a hype man is. No one knows exactly - they get it pretty close just guessing. We get it. They don’t do concerts or dancing or fun. All in all looks like a fun concert, there’s good energy. They keep referring to the headphones as “ear protection” which is awkward. Ben shoots everyone with a water gun in a slightly awkward fashion. The crowd is excited to see Ben clearly. Jessa is glad he managed to walk on stage without hurting himself. Jessa amends her previous statement to “first hip hop concert.” Ben seems so happy and excited to be at the concert. The Seewald family seemed to have enjoyed their concert.

*Episode 3: Bachelor Pad Makeover

The episode opens at the Duggar Home. Jinger is doing her makeup and reminding us that the wedding is coming up quickly- in about 8 weeks. They are going to Laredo to get the apartment ready for Jinger to move in.  Jana says Jinger moving out is gonna be so sad, especially because Jill and Jessa are close by. Jessa says they’re happy for her, sort of, because they don’t want her to leave. Jeremy got an apartment with two bedrooms for them to share instead of the one bedroom we saw before. I guess the extra bedroom is for guests/future blessings?

Jessa is going, Jana “graciously” offered to hold down the fort back home. Ben says Jessa will end up being the ‘lead decorator’ on the project. Ben says he will be busy with homework. Any idea what college he is going to now? Jessa says this pregnancy is different and may be a girl. Jessa brought a bunch of luggage with decorations, literally 11 bags for three adults and a Spurgeon. Jinger: “he’s gonna think I’m moving in right now”

Jill, Jeremy and Derick are going on a “family exercise outing” where Derick runs while Jill bikes with Israel. Jill says Israel’s helmet is a little small for his head because the Duggar babies tend to have big heads.  Derick used to be a runner and swimmer, but in about 11th grade Derick began to have gag reflex issues. Derick says Doctors haven’t figure out why. Jill says they plan on asking again at their family wellness check up. Derick says he’s putting it out there in case anyone watching the show has any information to help him. Poor guy, this seems pretty uncomfortable.

Jeremy reminds us they’re coming to Laredo to decorate. Joy is there already, because she flew in from a conference in WI. They arrive and greet each other. One of the boys is there-maybe Jason? They tell Jeremy they brought 11 bags. He cannot believe it, which is hilarious, when they actually pull 11 bags off the conveyor. They head to Jeremy’s apartment. I know this place has two bedrooms, but are Jinger, Jessa, Ben, Spurgeon, Joy and Jason(?) gonna all share the second room? How does this work?

Jinger reminds us that despite the fact this will be the place where Jinger and Jeremy begin their marriage, Jessa is in charge of this project. Jeremy is using the spare room as an office now, but Jinger and Jessa want to turn it into a guest room. Jeremy says that he is not gonna have that much input but he wants Jinger to put her touch on the home which is sweet. Jeremy says the books are the only non negotiable. Jessa actually even has pictures on her phone to show them. They go shopping, Joy sleeps on Jeremy’s bed due to not feeling great after a night of traveling. Jeremy is excited while shopping because it means they’re really gonna get married and live together. They buy couches-Jeremy confirms it's Jason- and get the delivery truck from a friend. While shopping they liked a table but did not get it because they’re on a budget, but Jessa calls Mom & Pops and surprises Jinger with the table as a wedding gift.

Back at home, the older boys are planning on buying Jinger a car for a wedding present which is actually sweet of them. They head to the car auction, and kind of play around looking at cars, trucks and boats. Josiah says he is gonna miss having Jinger around. Joseph says it will be a different season of life when she leaves. Joe bought a boat. They don’t manage to win any of the cars they wanted for Jinger yet.

It starts pouring and Jinger reminds us it rained when they started courting and got engaged as well. The rain stops and they unload the truck. They decide they will relax and finish decorating tomorrow.

They show up the next morning, so I guess they’re staying at a hotel. That answers my previous question. Jessa springs into action, and all the siblings say Jessa is a taskmaster. They start moving out some of Jeremy’s furniture. Jessa opens up the suitcases and Jeremy feigns excitement in the coffee mug tree. Jessa keeps pronouncing “duvet” as doo-vett. They ask everyone what it means and (un)surprisingly none of the guys know. The book conflict begins to happen because Jessa wants to move the books.  She tries to put one of the bookcases in the closet and Jeremy is not happy. Poor Jeremy accepts it and puts the books in the closet (to be fair, he does still have three bookcase out in the open it's just one that is in the closet).

The Dillards are going on their wellness checkup. Jill wants to know what’s causing Derick’s gagging. Israel is 34 inches tall and 28 pounds. They talk about the gagging and the doctor is confused and concerned. An allergist is the next step. Israel is starting to get tired of being at the doctor. Jill is normal except for a sound the doctor hears in an artery, which may mean its narrowed and other arteries may be narrowing too. Jill is gonna get an ultrasound soon to see if it really is narrowing or not.

They hang up artwork including the paintings they made. Jeremy has a Rembrandt painting and he actually suggests a few good spots but Jessa keeps moving it. But eventually he does get it over a couch. It does look nice at the end.

They make their way to the airport to head back to Arkansas. There will be a bachelor/bachelorette weekend and Jinger is planning on driving a car and moving most of her stuff before the wedding so they can just go to Laredo after the honeymoon. Jinger is looking forward to the wedding and not having to say goodbye in airports anymore.

*Episode 4: The Bachelor Party

Opens at Jessa and Ben’s home. Jessa is six months pregnant and going for a 3D ultrasound to find out the gender. She is feeling great, she says. This baby is more active than Spurgeon was, and Jessa thinks that's indicative of a “fire-y” personality. Ben, Jessa, Jana and Joy will all find out, and not tell anyone.

They arrive at the ultrasound place. Producers ask the family what Jessa’s  having, it’s about half and half guesses. Spurgeon “talks” and claps while Jana asks him about the baby which is precious. The baby’s face is precious. Jana and Joy say sweet things, and they kick out the camera crew to find out the gender. (spoiler: its a boy) Spurgeon is pretty happy, and Jana and Joy refuse to tell the camera crew.

Jeremy and Jinger, and Justin to chaperone, are heading to the airport to pick people up for their Bachelor/Bachelorette weekend. The party will be Jeremy’s friends (the goalie, the photographer from the proposal are included) and Jinger’s family. Jeremy reminds us their bachelor party will not be “mischievous” but will instead be good quality time with friends. Fine, I guess. They walk in from the car and the goalie Luis makes a joke that there are couples holding hands and him and Justin in the back, to which Justin jokingly offers his hand.

Ben reminds us that Duggar Bachelor(ette) parties are more boring- I mean- different than typical bachelor parties. “We aren’t missing out,” Jessa guesses (how do you even know girl?) Luis says there are so many names and he did not realize they all started with J at first. They are going to do an escape room. Jana is staying home with Spurge, which seems sad but who knows, maybe she just didn’t want to do an escape room.

They arrive at the Escape Room. They put you in a room and you solve clues to find your way out. These actually look kinda fun, I’ve never tried one. They are Spanish explorers looking for a missing person whose “researching” the Maya. In 60 minutes there will be a Volcanic eruption (this is looking less fun the more they explain it). Guys against girls, one group at a time (so they just wait for an hour while the other group go? ok) The guys try to figure out the clues. Jeremy says the guys are fierce competition for the girls. Ben, naturally, is confused. Jeremy jokes about his friend going to Yale, and Jeremy going to Syracuse, like, those are good schools? Kinda surprised by that. The girls do not seem excited by the escape room at all. The guys seem to be having fun but are struggling.  They get one key and there’s another room with 5 more locks and they are beginning to run very low on time. The guys do not solve the room. They are shamed. They put the girls in the room. Derick says the girls are much more efficient than them. Producer: What are some skills you used in this game that can also be used in a marriage? Jeremy: Blame shifting! No, I’m just kidding. Jinger: Listening. The girls are in the other room, and are solving stuff much more quickly than the guys but they do not finish the room either. They talk about how tough the challenge was and they say the girls win.

The guys go golfing the next day, and Jeremy goes all out in a golf get up. Derick and Ben say he’s trying to intimidate them-and yes, you should be intimidated (even though no one is good a golf Jeremy is the best Duggar husband sorry not sorry). Derick and Ben have not golfed other than putt putt and driving range. They tear the course up, Luis is witty, and they laugh and have a good time. 21 strokes to get Ben’s ball in the first whole. No one knows what a boogie is, or a birdie, or even par, or club names.

Finally, we switch to the girls making jewelry. I actually really enjoy making jewelry so I was into this scene. Seung Hye who is married to Jeremy’s friend James, is apparently a great jewelry designer. They will wear the jewelry for the wedding. Jinger tells us the wedding plans are going well. Seung Hye asks if they have any plans for their first kiss. This results in the married girls explain how kissing works (spoiler alert: you touch lips. Not too challenging) Jinger looks like she wants to die. Jill reminds us that Derick dipped her but she says he did tell her he was planning on dipping her. Jinger and Jeremy are gonna kiss on stage because they’re traditional and Jinger is excited. She’s pretty worried about missing which makes me think she realized how odd Jill and Derick’s looked. Michelle says the day will be mixed emotions because she is moving so far away. Jinger, right now, says she will miss her family will a small smile on her face that implies “but not THAT much” Then Joy reminds us that they love and will miss Jinger by sharing stories about her spontaneity.

Back to golf, oh no. The boys are still not great. James and Luis are killing it. They have fun though. Derick says he wants to take Jill golfing. My parents golf and it’s pretty cute so I say go for it.

Back at jewelry making, Jana is killing the game. Jinger says the bracelet will be her something new. The men return from golfing. Jeremy goes back to Laredo for church and they remind us they are excited for the wedding and not saying goodbye. They tease that next week is the last episode before the “two hour event of the season” YOU SHOWED US THE WEDDING ALREADY WHY THE HYPE?

Derick reminds us he was Pistol Pete, and so was his dad who passed away when Derick was a sophomore. Derick sweetly talks about his dad and then they play with Israel who is precious! Cathy arrives and Derick tells us she is an OSU alum as well. (Oh, send Izzy to college Derick. Please.) They head to homecoming, which begins with a parade which has a great crowd. The Duggars tell us they don’t know what homecoming is. Joy figures it out. Derick is on the Pistol Pete Alum float which is sweet, some of the guys tell stories about his dad. Israel loves the parade, oh my goodness, he is so cute. Derick then gets to meet fans as Pistol Pete. They show Derick in the costume and Izzy is not too sure what is going on and is pretty scared by the massive head. Derick and Cathy show Jill and Izzy around the campus. Cathy shows them concrete with her and Derick’s father’s initials carved into it, which, that is pretty cool. They visit Derick’s old dorm room, which is where Cathy told Derick Mr. Dillard had passed away unexpectedly. This is an actually emotional moment and it was sweet for the family. They keep calling Izzy Three-Pete because Derick wants him to be Pistol Pete when he is in college (I hope so!!!)

*Episode 5: All About Jinger

Opens at the main Duggar house. Jinger is packing for her move to Laredo, since they decided she should move in her stuff before the wedding so they don’t have to go it after the Honeymoon. Her sisters remind her of what she might have forgotten because she is moving so far they want to make sure she remembers everything. They negotiable who keeps what clothes and they give her their “best straightener” which will hopefully help her hair look less crunchy in the future? maybe? (an admin can dream).
Her siblings remind us Jinger loves shopping and coffee. They talk about the flea market they put on and the time Jessa and Jinger worked in a coffee shop. The sisters talk about how they wish she would be closer after her wedding.
The boys are fixing up a small white SUV that they purchased for Jinger. Jed, Jeremy and Jinger are driving it to Laredo tomorrow, so they’re making sure it runs good. Pastor Caldwell, the mechanic, comes to help. The oil cap is weird but Pastor Caldwell figures out the right tool and they get the car ready to go.
Jinger and Johanna go to the airport to pick up Jeremy. (Why not save money on a flight and have Jinger and her brothers drive to Laredo without Jeremy?) Jinger is excited about the car. They proceed to load the car up, while Jed reminds us Jinger is the family photographer, and the others compliment her talents. The show reminds us she took picture for Jill & Jessa’s  engagement, the two Seewald baby announcements, and the family photos with tiny baby Spurge. The siblings then talk about how Jinger has many facial expressions. They have the siblings copy her facial expressions.
Early the next morning, just past 5am, Jinger, Jeremy and Jed begin the drive to Laredo. The car is packed very full and the humans have to squeeze in. Jed is going to Laredo for the first time so he is excited about getting to visit. It is a 12 hour drive.
4 ½ hours in, the oil light goes off-even though the just changed it. The sensor was not reset which Jed fixes it quickly and they continue their journey. They plan to stop along the way to get cowboy boots to celebrate becoming Texans.  Jeremy is going to get a cowboy hat (which is fedora-esque). Jinger gets grey-brown ankle boots with laces.  This scene is followed by a series of flashbacks of Jinger throughout the years-learning to drive, the PERMS, teaching Joy to make bread, picking up Joe from ALERT.
Jinger and Jessa remind us that they are best friends who shop, cook, sew, have the same hairstyles, etc. Their relationship did change because Ben, and Jinger was at their proposal and was the maid of honor. Jinger cried at the rehearsal dinner. They are both nearly in tears about her moving away.
They make it to Laredo at midnight after a few stops along the way-it took 17 ½ hours in the end. They unload the car into the apartment. Jinger says moving her stuff in makes it more real.
The next morning, they are in the kitchen in the morning preparing to video chat with their wedding coordinator. They want the wedding to begin on time, and the wedding coordinator who has a million questions. The coordinator ends the conversation reminding them it's really about them spending their lives together and anything that happens just makes it more perfect, which is sweet.
Baby pictures of Jeremy are shown, and Jinger tells us about his family and his upbringing. He went to grad school, which I did not know. After that he played soccer and then became a pastor. He met Ben & Jessa, and they introduced him to Jinger, the mission trip of ~romantic destiny~, and the court-posial on the Duggar porch.  They have a lot in common and had a fun courtship- remember Jeremy’s grandma? she’s THE BEST- and then the proposal. Derick and Jill give wedding advice-the typical “it’s about you not the planning”- Jessa says to have a regular date night and be sure to have at least fifteen minutes of real conversation a day, which is good advice.
Jinger sets up the kitchen, they hang her mounted deer head over the guest bed. Jinger and Jed fly back to Arkansas, and in 10 days Jeremy will fly to Arkansas for the wedding.
Her siblings say they will miss her personality and her positivity, her willingness to go out and her piano playing. There’s a shot where they’re walking to the airport and I honestly thought Jed and Jeremy were holding hands.  ( Don’t worry, it was my eyes playing trick on me, Jinger was in front of Jed).  They have their final airport goodbye and Jeremy seems very excited about the wedding.  Next week is a pre wedding episode (for the first hour) and then the wedding replayed (for the second) is what I am guessing based on the preview.

*Episode 6: The Big Day

Oh, good, a two hour long special about a wedding we’ve already seen.

It opens at Jill & Derick’s, where the girls will try on dresses. Jinger sees her dress and is thrilled with how it turned out. Jinger puts it on. They replay scenes from their courtship- he gave her a LOT of flowers-and Grandma Vuolo! she’s the best. Jinger shows her shoes, those bright heels, that reflect her personal style. Jinger jokes that Jeremy should just surprise her with a wedding that night.

Ms. Renee made the Bridesmaids dresses, which I like the style and the idea but I wish the colors made more sense together. They all go sit with Wendy the wedding coordinator and they are going to have one of their sentimental talks. Jinger is moving away, if you haven’t heard, which means everyone is going to miss her a lot. Jinger jokes that everyone should come visit but give them a couple months ;).

They show a sign that says “Our Love Story” with dates. Introduced: 4/20/15; 5/21/16 Began Courting; 7/25/16 Engaged. 11/5/16 Saying I Do. So, um, they only courted for two months which is wild. This is the wedding shower in a barn, and Anna is setting up with Johanna and some other littles. Very rustic. Sierra, Jill arrives, and the barn begins to fill up. Jill reminds us she understands Jinger because she has been married too. There is a date night jar for guest to fill with ideas and tips. The games begin with who knows the Groom best. Jessa, Jinger, Mrs. Vuolo and Michelle play. Jinger knows his birthday but doesn’t know what to call his eye color. Jinger won the game. Jinger receives the date night jar and says some are movies, restaurants and some are “things we won’t discuss.” Did the fundies make sex jokes? Are they good sex jokes? Inquiring minds want to know TLC.

The siblings and some friends (Austin! have you been on the show before?) are getting buckets ready because they are going to Ms. Cindy’s house to get decorations. Jinger decided on the colors and let Ms. Cindy do whatever she wants . They have a refrigerated truck to keep the greenery fresh. The guys collect logs and greenery while the girls help with 2300 roses.  Jed/Jer or Joe forgot the buckets for the roses. Joy is wearing a Texas shirt- is the courtship official at this point? They load the trucks quickly and begin to head back to NW Arkansas. They rush to the hotel to get the flowers into water.

Back at the Duggar compound, Michelle and Jinger are off to the airport. Jinger is so happy when Jeremy comes down the escalator and they hug. They are both super excited which is sweet. They get his bag and head off.

This flower drama is the root beer floats/ heaters dilemma of the previous weddings. We get it, the wedding can’t be too perfect. The girls cut and water the flowers while the boys clean the buckets and fill them. They all remind us it would be bad if the flowers die before the wedding. Bulk ordering silk flowers would have been a bad choice? I dunno that much about pricing flowers but I would assume fresh roses in bulk and silk roses in bulk are comparable price wise and you don’t have to worry about fake ones dying? Sorry, I’m overthinking this.

The next day, it is time to set it up. It’s Friday, which means the wedding is just about 24 hours away.  They set up the background, which must be maneuvered through a small door. They begin putting the roses into the background. Ms Cindy says loves the V as they continue working on it.

Everyone is getting ready for the rehearsal dinner, and the couple talks about enjoying the time with friends. Jinger is excited to see Ms. Cindy’s surprise decorations. The Cathedral of the Ozarks is actually beautiful, and it’s time to rehearse the wedding. Jinger sees the huge V and is thrilled. Jeremy reminds us the V stands for Vuolo and the siblings, Austin, friends who put it together are smiling to see them so happy. This is a nice moment.

Wedding Coordinator Wendy begins the rehearsal, and they practice walking down the aisle and dealing with Jinger’s big train.  Ben & Jessa remind them it’s not just about the wedding it’s about the marriage. Jinger talks about her dad walking her down the aisle. Unlike Jill & Jessa, she is totally focused on Jeremy and doesn’t seem super fussed about her dad.

At the end of the rehearsal, Derick & Jill and Ben & Jessa say a few words about the wedding day and not getting lost in the chaos. Jill and Jessa speak well; I remain amazed Ben and Derick desire careers that have a lot of public speaking.  Jeremy says the speeches were special. The dinner is Italian themed, Grandma’s recipes. Jinger is going to Jill & Derick’s to try to get some sleep.

It’s wedding time.  Jinger makes coffee at Jill & Derick’s. Jeremy comes over and gives her a hug. Jeremy reminds us that the one tradition the Duggars never keep is not seeing each other on the day of the wedding because they pray in the morning. They sit in Jill & Derick’s living room and pray and read the Bible. Jeremy kinda lectures her a little during their Bible time but idk that might just be what they’re into and Jinger says she is very calm.  Jeremy is excited. They drive to the church. They part ways and get ready for the ceremony.

Michelle walks Jinger to the girl’s dressing room.  Jeremy rounds up the groomsmen. Jeremy wants to have a devotion, Jinger is getting her hair curled.  Both are calm and collected. Jeremy hands out his special socks. (Seeing the golf outfits and then the quick animal socks again made much more sense, Jeremy is quirky). Jinger gives everyone a necklace with their initial and chocolates. The groomsmen struggle to figure out whose suit belongs to who, but manage to read the labels and distribute them in the end. They are late for photos, though.

Ms.Cindy, Jed, Jer and Jason make boutonnieres. They are the A Team, Ms Cindy says, who put this all together and will enjoy the celebration. John David shows Jeremy how to tie a double Windsor knot. John and Jeremy actually make funny jokes during these scenes, in particular one where Wendy the wedding coordinator reminds them they should be taking pictures right now. John: You know how pastors are. They talk, and talk and talk. Jeremy: I talked.

The groomsmen take pictures, and John is constantly teasing Jeremy and making him laugh which is really nice.  Jinger puts her dress and veil on. Her dad comes and says she is beautiful. This is definitely the least sweet interaction- Jill & Jessa seems more touched by their dad than Jinger was but that is just my perception.  The girls have their pictures, and Jessa lays the blame squarely on the guys for being late which is funny.  Their family friend Sarah makes cupcakes, a wedding cake and the food. They’re literally putting it together right before the ceremony? Ok. But it looks delicious!

The girls do last minute touch ups, the guys say one last prayer and it’s go time. The soundman gives Jinger a mint which is a sweet and silly moment.  The bridesmaids walk in, then Flower Girl Josie, and then Jinger makes her way to the doors. Jinger walks down the aisle, Jeremy gets teary eyed, Jinger is walking as far away from Jim Bob as she can, and Jeremy comes down to meet her. The vows happen, they exchange and light a unity candle.  I FORGOT THAT THEY STUCK THE CANDLES DOWN TOO WELL AND THEN JINGER AND JEREMY USE A LIGHTER. What a great moment.  “Come Thou Fount” plays and Jeremy and Jinger look like they want to be making out but cannot yet.  Finally, they are pronounced husband and wife, they kiss, Jinger gets her flowers back and they exit the church.

Jeremy: What was our favorite part? What was our favorite part of our wedding day? Jinger: Hmmmm (blushes and giggles)

Everyone else liked Jinger entering the church and walking down the aisle; Jason liked Michael walking Josie off stage.  They take a lot of pictures after the ceremony. Tyler is there! Hi Tyler! They go to the reception-these two cannot stop kissing- and they cut the cake. They feed each other, don’t make a mess. They leave the wedding and drive away.

*Episode 7: A Honeymoon and a Courtship.

It is two days after the wedding. They show us several shots of the wedding. They ask who will be next to start a courtship.  Jinger says she doesn’t know.

Jeremy and Jinger are at their hotel room in Arkansas, preparing to leave for Australia. Jeremy makes a sex joke (?) “What are you second most looking forward to on our honeymoon?” This episode, I can tell, is going to enjoy teasing a girl whose first kiss & first sexual experience happened within hours of each other.

Jeremy says he can’t do an Australian accent. They get in the car and head off to the airport. They check their bags and head to their gate to travel to Sydney.  Ben reminds us they went to Europe on their honeymoon. Jill and Derick went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and enjoyed the beach.

Jinger and Derick arrive in Sydney, and chat with the cab driver who teaches them how to do an Australian accent. They ask the Duggars to say “G’day mate” Jinger is wearing all the sleeveless tops and I am here for her.  They have a stunning few of the harbor, the bridge and the opera house from their room which is awesome.

Back in Arkansas, Austin pulls up to the Duggar house, and they pretend that we don’t know he is going to talk to Jim Bob about Joy. He has mechanic skills, he has a pilot’s license and he is very handy, John David says with approval. Austin arrives in Jim Bob’s office to have the talk. He says the last couple months he has been able to get to know Joy better and he wants to enter into a courtship with her. Jim Bob puts on his sad sounding voice that I think is meant to intimidate potential suitors but honestly just sounds like he needs a hug or a cup of tea or something.  After the commercial break, Austin says that he wants to begin a courtship with Joy but doesn’t know if ‘Mr. Jim Bob’ will say yes.  Jim Bob asks about Austin’s businesses, tells him he is a great guy and lets them begin the official courtship. They pray together.

In Sydney, Jeremy and Jinger want to try throwing boomerangs with the indigenous Australians. They are wearing white face paint and they paint Jeremy’s face to get in the spirit, they put some on Jinger’s hand- she says because it’s easier to wipe off but honestly I would be worried about breaking out so I get it. They learn the technique to throw the boomerang and they have to run away when it comes back. One hits Jeremy in the leg and does draw a little blood. He makes a few jokes about it but seems in good spirits. Jinger almost hits a cameraman with a boomerang as well.

They go to Circular Quay, and Jeremy spots a man playing a didgeridoo and asks for a lesson. It is harder than it looks he says, and the man who is teaching Jeremy is great but Jeremy jokes that he just makes a fart noise. Jinger praises him for trying, and she is given clapsticks which are apparently what women would play in traditional cultures. They get some tips and people watch them-honestly probably just enjoying the Americans making a fool of themselves.

The next day, Jinger and Jeremy take a water taxi tour around, ending in Darling Harbor and then going to a zoo to see koalas and kangaroos. Jinger was getting seasick so they make their way quickly into the zoo. They get to pat koalas which makes me super jealous and then they feed kangaroos. When I was 17-18 years old I helped raise a wallaby joey so this part am I less jealous about.

Back in Arkansas, they ride in Austin’s truck to the Fort Rock family camp in Texas. They are planning on mending fences and the court-postal that Joy doesn’t know about supposedly. Joy brings them water while they mend the fence. Austin is nervous.

In Sydney, Jinger is in a sleeveless dress and they shop at a fish market for the barbecue they will have later. A man who works at the market helps them clean and prepare the fish. They tell him she has 19 siblings, and his reaction is beautiful: No TV at home, eh? They cut up a kingfish and they try some raw-apparently it's like sushi- and they both seem to enjoy it. They leave the city to meet up with a chef to learn how to throw shrimp on the bbq.

They drive to the cooking class, and Jeremy is driving on the opposite side of the road. Jinger is a bit freaked out by his driving-and by a bit I mean a lot-but they manage to arrive at cooking class. Bec is the chef and she seems pretty nice. They prepare food, talk about Australia and put shrimp on the grill. They keep hugging and kissing and Bec tells them to chill- good for you, Bec, and they made a total mountain of food and it looks like they did a pretty good job. They try the different seafood and really enjoy their time in Australia.

Back in Texas, they finish the fence and head to the rock, a scenic overlook near Austin’s camp. There’s a beautiful view, and Austin and Joy sit on the rock overlooking the mountains. Austin proposes courtship to Joy, and she actually does seem surprised and says yes. they side hug. Austin apparently made a vow he wouldn’t hold hands in a courtship (OK?) so then they’ll be more of a Jessa-style hands off courtship.

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