Beth and Colton had written up a little bio about every member of their bridal party. It was a fun way for people to learn about the party and hey, who doesn't love reading material at these sorts of things? I know I do. There were rocks for guests to sign with wishes for the bride and groom. Lots of activities. Lots of drinks.
After an hour the room where the ceremony was had been transformed. The barn doors were opened once more and this time guests were seated at their tables. Bridal party was announced. The bride and groom danced. I lied I remembered another song. They danced to John Hiatt's Have a Little Faith in Me. The best man gave a speech. This was all a blur. Full on panic was happening in my head. I had practiced my speech for weeks and could say it in my sleep. But still. The people. They were looking at me. I only forgot one line which no one noticed. And Beth wouldn't even look at me. Cheater. Here's what I said... sort of. In case anyone is wondering, or if Beth wants to relive it again:
Good evening everybody! I'm Laurie, and I'm Beth's older sister. Before I get started I just wanted to thank each and everyone of you for coming here today and showing your support for the lovely bride and groom. I also want to thank my mom and dad for hosting party for us all to enjoy. I know it's going to be a good time.
Some of you have heard me say this before but I'll say it again, Beth was the best Christmas present I ever received. Way back in 1989 I was just a girl with nothing but brothers. So you can imagine how much I smothered that poor unsuspecting baby girl. She has brought all of us such joy, and I know she will bring joy into Colton's life as well.
Today... and basically everyday, I look at Beth with a bit of a motherly feeling. Which I can't help-blame it on the 6 year age difference. So when she pronounced almost two years ago (through a text message mind you) that she was going to be marrying Colton I was a bit taken aback. At the time they weren't even engaged yet. That's an important step before marriage. I didn't know Colton. He hadn't been around that long... Maybe a month or two. At the time of the text message he was currently across the world in Australia.
But then I remembered who I was talking to. And I knew she knew what she was doing. You see Beth is the opposite of impulsive. She's responsible. A planner. She's an old soul. So when she does get around to FINALLY making a decision, you better believe she's covered all her bases. You can trust her.
I knew then that the geographic distance would not be an issue for them. I knew that when Colton returned six months later he would propose. I knew that Beth would say yes. I knew I would have an awfully lot of wedding planning to do. I knew today would come. Because Beth said it would. I'm so very glad that you've found another old soul.
My greatest wish for you two is that through the years, your love for each other will deepen and grow. Years from now, may you look back on this day, your wedding day, as the day you loved each other the least.
Let's all raise our glasses and wish my sister and her husband a lifetime of love and health - may you always be surrounded by family and friends who love you. I wish you both the best. To Beth and Colton!
I celebrated with a big glass of wine and then started eating. Soup. Salad. Beef. Etc.
During the whole wedding planning process I always intended on making a speedy exit to the restroom for the father-daughter dance. If my dance with my dad was any indication I surely did not have enough waterproof mascara on for a repeat. When the time came I actually didn't need an excuse to leave. Letty took off for the bar room and so as her mother I had to follow. They danced to Paul Simon's Father/Daughter Song. I'm sure it was beautiful and I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures.
The photo booth arrival made my night. My fridge looks like this now:
The photo booth arrival made my night. My fridge looks like this now:
My brother-in-law and sister-in-law surprised us with a last minute change in plans that meant we could put David to sleep in the hotel room and they would stay with him. VICTORY! Freedom! Etc. Etc.
David had it by 9... Letty made it till almost 11 and that was because I was carrying her while dancing. She loved the dancing. There was lots of it. Lots of people acting silly. Fun fun fun.
//matt was putting david down and this is how I saved his plate. thanks to ashley's creativity.\\
//the closest thing i have to a family picture. missing my david of course. yeah she's pretty much asleep.\\
Thank you again to everyone who was there and who helped and...yeah. It was such a fun wedding. It was wonderful to be surrounded by everyone you love and just be happy and celebrate a good thing. To dance and drink and be merry. Everybody needs more of that in their lives. If you are interested in renting out some excellent party guests might I recommend The Fitzgeralds and the soon-to-be Eno's?? They. Are. Fun. Times.
I really do wish my sister and Colton the best. They are pretty great for each other. I have not a doubt in my mind he will treat her the way she deserves to be treated. He will take care of her, not that she needs it. So now the lovely couple is off to Santorini, Greece while the rest of us suckers stay back here.... I hope they bring me back something Greek....