In spite of everything, the wedding ceremony itself went off with only one hiccup. But getting there was an adventure!
The rehearsal went just fine once the ring bearer figued out that he was not the one supposed to stand next to the Pastor. The rehearsal dinner was wonderful and we got more compliments on the menu and service. After the dinner, 5 of us went back to the church to put the finishing touches on the programs. Right as we were getting ready to leave (around 11:30 ish) a big thunderstorm and wind event came through knocking out the power at the church. Saturday dawned clear and muggy - with most of the area still without power - including the church.
I went with my Mom to have our nails done before going over to the church. We were supposed to be there at 12:30 to meet the photographer. We left the salon at 12 noon. And the truck wouldn't start. It took us until 1:15 to get a jump. The wedding was supposed to be at 2 and we got there at 1:30. I have not had any nerves or anxiousness about the wedding but at that point I was totally freaking out that everything was going to fall through. Especially since I had a nighmare Thrusday night that a storm came in and blew the away everything. We got to the church in time for me to get my hair done and the wedding party to get dressed. Then I hear feet running down the hall and voices yelling for one of the groomsmen. come to find out - at 2 minutes to start time - most of the wedding party decided it was time for a smoke break. Wouldn't have been so bad but noone knew where they went to smoke.
Once everyone was rounded up and corralled the pianist started to play, everyone processed in, and things went just as planned - with the exception of air conditioning and lights. My Dad walked me part of the way down the aisle and Ray walked me the rest of the way. The exchange of rings, the handfasting and personal vows went off without a hitch. We took communion as our first act of worship. After we recessed we went out on the front porch of the church and shouted WE DID IT! Thankfully the photographer was quick on her feet since it was a spontaneous thing.
The reception went very well. It was just a cake and punch reception but we got a chance to speak with everyone who attended and spend valuable time with each guest. Since there was the widespread power outage we didn't have as many guests as we had planned for but it was very nice and we have not stopped smiling since!
I have to admit a bit of drama with my gown though. My mother had made my gown for my first wedding - many years ago. For this one, she asked if she could tailor it down to fit. No problem. That was finished back in February. Well, I had tried my gown on a month ago just to make sure it still fit. On Saturday, the bodice was once again too big! If it weren't for the straps she put in, the top would have slid right down to my middle. Seems I wasn't paying attention to my weight and lost 20 lbs and about 2 inches off my middle. Thankfully, she was foresighted enough to put in straps for 'just in case'.
The cake and flowers were from the local grocer and were above and beyond what we ordered and expected. The photographer was a real jem. I doubt anyone will forget this particular Saturday. I know we won't. We did it - finally husband and wife now and forever. Now comes the fun part - the business of living.
Our Little Miracle - Raymond Clifford Jr
