My friends, Bethany and Travis, got married this weekend. And what a fantastically magical event it was! Both, my husband and I, were honored to be a part of their wedding party. I cannot express how much meaning there is in being part of the bridal party for a couple that you know have their priorities in line. It was so easy to be happy for them. Their love and adoration for each other is an obvious reflection of their understanding of God's love. I'm grateful to have had front row seats to their vows.
For me, all the fun started Thursday evening. As I got off the highway and turned onto Abernathy my phone rang. "Em, can you do me a really huge favor?" Pressed for time, I hesitate, "Sure, what's the favor?" "My dress is steamed and ready to be picked up from Bride Beautiful on Abernathy, are you, or will you be anywhere near there before 7 today?" I was starting at Bride Beautiful as she asked, I smile, "I'm staring at Bride Beautiful right now, I'll run in right now and pick it up." Excited, Bethany returns, "Thank you SO much!"... Now, I don't know what it is about bridal stores, but they have a tendency to be very pushy. I watched chaos bounce around that place, relieved that there were no decisions waiting to be made by me. Those girls looked so overwhelmed. They finally found everything that belonged to Bethany, and I left, happy I was able to help.
Friday morning, the bride's mother took us all to get manicures and pedicures, I haven't been that pampered since my own wedding. And this was no typical salon. The fun decor consisted of soft pink and silver striped walls, framed mirrors, gigantic crystal chandeliers, thick elegant drapes sectioning off the comfy pedi chairs, and no disgusting pictures of people with funky hair that match the way-too-long nails spanning the length of the photos. They handed each girl a mimosa and went to work so efficiently that we were all done at the same time! Skills, I say. (AND! They spoke English the whole time!)
Next, we hopped over to Crabapple Tea House for food and tea that was most delish. The bride made each of her girls an earring rack equipped with 5 pairs of funtastic earrings. How special that she personalized everything from the frames she used around the screen, to each pair of earrings that "looked like us". Special. Outside my watch and wedding ring, I don't really wear jewelry, but perhaps I will now that I have tons of fun ear-blings begging to be worn...
After all these sentiments, we went back to the brides house ran some last minute errands and watched My Best Friends Wedding. Then, we were off to rehearse followed by a "Southern Affair". I kid you not, each item was a southern staple and I hadn't had a single one of them before that night. I literally spooned a bite of each dish onto my plate. I enjoyed everything- even the shrimp and grits. Well done, family of the groom!
I wonder about rehearsals. In general, there tends to be one or two people that are so stressed out at the rehearsal... and then the wedding ceremony comes and things happen... not necessarily the line by line the coordinator may have hoped for- but the wedding party always makes do. Without losing it's reverence, I wonder if the ceremony couldn't be just a little more comfortable, natural, organic. I don't know. Just a side thought about weddings in general.
Then, D-day! We woke up to the smell of homemade bread, prepared by the mother of the bride! Then, the bride pops out of bed, heads straight to the kitchen and makes the ridiculously scrumptious strawberry concoction of goodness. YUMMY YUMMY IN MY TUMMY. And. We. Watched. Father of the Bride. Chill was the name of the game this weekend, and I was all about that!
The ceremony went fine. Honestly, I don't remember my ceremony... I was in a trance-like state. So focused on making sure I meant each vow; but so unaware of everything else said or done. I thought about that while I was standing up there this Saturday. I also eyed my husband as they shared their vows. We exchanged some reaffirming smiles and winks. It made my heart smile.
Bethany's dad died when she was younger, though we've never had more than one conversation about it, I teared at the mention of him. Her step-dad had the role of father and officiant. It was unique. He did a lovely job at respecting her father and eloquently speaking on love and marriage.
So, the reception (my eyes fill with wonder and a smile creeps across my face)... Now, this was quite the to-do. I have never in my life been in a bigger more elegant home. Unbelievable. This mansion was the perfect scene to make Bethany's dreams come true. Father of the Bride inspired, the backyard was lit up with magical candles hanging from trees, a canopy of twinkle lights cascading above the lawn, smiling people offering goodies on trays, and, of course, the bride and groom. The event was no less than enchanting.
Needless to say, we had a glorious weekend.
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