maybe. (What can I say! It was a great wedding!)
While focusing on my quasi-toast/manifesto (according to KJ) to Lauren and Bobby, I forgot to report on the wedding itself. And just as importantly, on the World's Cutest Flower Girl! So the burning question was, would she walk down the aisle or not?
And . . . drumroll, please . . .
She did it! Like a professional! She walked when she was supposed. She walked slowly like she was supposed to. She dropped petals where she was supposed to. And she stood where she was supposed to! That's my girl!
As for the wedding ceremony, I have never been to a ceremony that was as personal as theirs was. It certainly helped that Lauren's Dad was one of the Pastors officiating, but both of the other Pastors (yes, there were three); did a fabulous job as well. For a 200 person wedding to feel as intimate as it did? Was a huge testament to Lauren's vision and planning.
As an aside, when we went to take communion during the wedding? It became clear that the entire row of people sitting next to us (i.e., between us and the communion) were not going to receive it. So I got up (we were seated on the aisle). And walked around. (I didn't want to pressure them, for goodness sake!) Then I "cut" into the communion line. John was deeply appalled and embarrassed. But like I told him, it's not like it was a line to get tickets to the big game, for goodness sake! (Or if you would like to apply that metaphor as a ticket into heaven, then I think we're all getting in by grace, not by where we stand in the communion line.)
The processional/parade was a huge hit! When Lauren and Bobby finished with a few pictures, I had them sneak back into the church to ring the church bells and exit down the front steps. We were all there waiting with our noisemakers and ribbon wands and it was fabulous! (Can't wait to see the photos from that moment!) We then headed off, all 200 of us, walking behind Bobby and Lauren, passing out candy and making noise while cars honked (happily) and strangers waved. I think every wedding should have a parade!
The only downside? I stepped in dog poop on the way. Lame. So I had to drag my feet the entire rest of the time. Which probably contributed to my giant blister.
The reception was lovely. Really, truly lovely. The lighting was magical. Lauren's Aunt, Dad and Bobby put in countless hours making it just perfect. Lauren put in countless hours (and countless $$$ on etsy) making evey corner of the yard just beautiful. Photos were everywhere, banners, the candy bar, the pool fountain . . . it was indescribably gorgeuos.
John and I snuck out and decorated their suite. We kept it classy, although several people really wanted us to short-sheet their bed. Glad it was us doing the decorating, not them! Candles and rose petals just seemd like a better idea than shorted sheets and Whoopi cushions! I stocked their refridgerator with three full dinners, drinks, water, cake, candy . . . you name it. Lauren told us the next day that she has eaten everything we put in there! Bobby chimed in with the fact that she'd also eaten an Almond Joy at 8:00 am as well. (Hey, getting married makes you hungry!)
We danced and had a blast at the reception. The only time I really regreted not having my camera was when I realized that the photographers had left before Lauren and Bobby made their getaway. On the most adorably decorated bicycles through all of their guests holding sparklers. I grabbed Lauren's camera but didn't have time to do anything but snap some photos. In auto. Which are going to suck. Bummer.
Then John and I headed off to our own room at the Hotel Diamond. How sweet were Bobby and Lauren to treat us to a room? They are amazing. Simply amazing!
The next morning, we saw Bobby and Lauren while we were walking back to the hotel after getting tea. I basically started crying and possibly didn't stop until Sunday night. I was a mess. Total mess. Sigh.
Anyway, this is it. I swear. (Maybe.) I'll find something else to talk about post-haste. Or at least I'll try!
* Thanks to Bobby's Mom for the pics, which I stole off Facebook! I probably really should have taken my camera. Whoops.
* And thanks also to my left breast which did ultimately stay in my bra/dress in the above-photo. Whew. That was close!
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