Let me preface this wedding stuff with the declaration that the bride was fantastically radiant, drop dead georgeous, serene, completely composed, and eagerly anticipating her new life. Oh, and did I mention she was beautiful?
The weddding was to take place at the Redding Town Hall at three. We had to leave our house by one thirty to get to their house before going to the Town Hall. That is a lot of time between waking and having to leave. I opted to go to work so I would not be the frantic nag herding Bill toward the ETD. Bill's instructions for the morning were to take garbage and trash to the dump and get a ribbon for the gift. One out of two was good -- at least it was the ribbon.
The NYC family was picked up at the train station at noon. The photographer arrived shortly thereafter by car. I was just getting us all on the road at one twenty-five when I was informed that a fast food stop was necessary. Ooops! Change in route. But manageable. I'm flexible :)
We arrived at the house just before one thirty, piled out of our cars and were heading toward the door when up the driveway comes the bride, on foot, veil affixed to her freshly saloned hair, and looking somewhat flustered. While at the hairdresser she had been locked out of the house, had no keys and no cell phone. Thus a trip to the house next door to make a needed phone call.
The keys duly arrived. The bride and the flower girl donned their dresses. The bride was primped and pampered and was all aglow. It was only three and we were leaving. Oooops! One of the new kittens slipped into the garage as we were on our way out of the house. The next several minutes were spent coaxing her out from underneath the car and into the house.
Three oh nine and we were finally all on our way to the Town Hall. The judge awaited us on the steps, the guests were gathered expectantly inside, the cellist had about exhausted her repetoire. But the bride was finally there. I went on down and took my seat in the front row on the left. I felt so priveleged. Then the bride music started and our Mia came sedately down the aisle spreading her rose petals with great precision and solemnity.
Then the bride on her father's arm. (Did I mention she was beautiful?) Bill looked happy, and he is happy for her and Ryan. Amy looked beyond happy. And there standing in front to meet her were Ryan and her three boys -- all with smiles about to burst right off their faces. During the exchange of vows I could see pure delight, love and reverence shining in Ryan's eyes, his face was just complete joy and happiness.
And now they are family. All five of them.
The reception was a delight despite the drenching we all recieved as the skies opened up after the wedding and before we could get to the reception. It was a time for reacquainting with relatives not seen in months/years. One of those being Bill and Bill's sister Mary and her husband, plus Bill's sister Ann's children. It was good to catch up on successes and share in the sadness of sorrows.
All generations danced to the music provided by the excellent DJ and the bride and groom were constantly circulating among their guests creating a celebratory atmosphere for the whole event. Food, champagne, cake, music and dancing, laughter -- and family. It just doesn't get any better than that.
(Oh, and did I mention the bride was beautiful?)
The weddding was to take place at the Redding Town Hall at three. We had to leave our house by one thirty to get to their house before going to the Town Hall. That is a lot of time between waking and having to leave. I opted to go to work so I would not be the frantic nag herding Bill toward the ETD. Bill's instructions for the morning were to take garbage and trash to the dump and get a ribbon for the gift. One out of two was good -- at least it was the ribbon.
The NYC family was picked up at the train station at noon. The photographer arrived shortly thereafter by car. I was just getting us all on the road at one twenty-five when I was informed that a fast food stop was necessary. Ooops! Change in route. But manageable. I'm flexible :)
We arrived at the house just before one thirty, piled out of our cars and were heading toward the door when up the driveway comes the bride, on foot, veil affixed to her freshly saloned hair, and looking somewhat flustered. While at the hairdresser she had been locked out of the house, had no keys and no cell phone. Thus a trip to the house next door to make a needed phone call.
The keys duly arrived. The bride and the flower girl donned their dresses. The bride was primped and pampered and was all aglow. It was only three and we were leaving. Oooops! One of the new kittens slipped into the garage as we were on our way out of the house. The next several minutes were spent coaxing her out from underneath the car and into the house.
Three oh nine and we were finally all on our way to the Town Hall. The judge awaited us on the steps, the guests were gathered expectantly inside, the cellist had about exhausted her repetoire. But the bride was finally there. I went on down and took my seat in the front row on the left. I felt so priveleged. Then the bride music started and our Mia came sedately down the aisle spreading her rose petals with great precision and solemnity.
Then the bride on her father's arm. (Did I mention she was beautiful?) Bill looked happy, and he is happy for her and Ryan. Amy looked beyond happy. And there standing in front to meet her were Ryan and her three boys -- all with smiles about to burst right off their faces. During the exchange of vows I could see pure delight, love and reverence shining in Ryan's eyes, his face was just complete joy and happiness.
And now they are family. All five of them.
The reception was a delight despite the drenching we all recieved as the skies opened up after the wedding and before we could get to the reception. It was a time for reacquainting with relatives not seen in months/years. One of those being Bill and Bill's sister Mary and her husband, plus Bill's sister Ann's children. It was good to catch up on successes and share in the sadness of sorrows.
All generations danced to the music provided by the excellent DJ and the bride and groom were constantly circulating among their guests creating a celebratory atmosphere for the whole event. Food, champagne, cake, music and dancing, laughter -- and family. It just doesn't get any better than that.
(Oh, and did I mention the bride was beautiful?)
