The Wedding

Saturday morning I headed out in the rain to pick up bagels for the girls, from Ideal Bagel. As soon as I get back I have to make a second trip. MC and Shiv drove over to the girls house, followed by C. They take M’s bagel. Later W, M, and I visit the girls. A hairdresser is there. The girls are playing Uno and watching cartoons.

By mid-day the morning rain and cloudy had dried off to bright sunshine. The perfect day. Not too hot, not too chilly.

After dropping off Nancy, Dawn, and Noelle, then Lee, Myron, and Reid come over to our house. W and M head to the boy’s house for lunch. Us men ride over to the UGA bookstore so Myron can buy gifts for Dawn. Later we snake through crowded downtown Athens, stopped at Clocked for lunch. Takes a bit to get waited on. We order at 1:25. All this while I’ve been checking the wedding timeline to make sure I’m not missing anything. Then I receive a text from Anna with a different schedule – I am supposed to be at her house in 30 minutes.

We had a good lunch. Since I was buying dinner, Lee picked up the lunch tab. Good burger and tots, but I was distracted.

I arrive at 2:15 for a “first look”. I’d never heard of the term before. A photo. I was wearing a tee shirt and shorts. Us four men sit on the back porch, in a row on the sofa. The photographer comes out and asks who was the father of the bride. We all shift, like on To Tell the Truth. The photographer instructs me to wait inside for 15 seconds before stepping out to see Anna on the front porch in her dress. Jules and the other bridesmaids catch me tearing up. Hopefully I had a good reaction for the cameras.

Afterwards I race to the other house, and dress, chatting with the Halls, Broadwells, and Earharts. I discuss what to say when I’m asked who gives the bride. At the reheral I’d given the rote “Her mother and I” response, which I’ve never liked.

Meanwhile Anna and Caleb meet in the UGA founders garden for their first look photos.

I drive the mile to the Chapel. The florist pins the flowers on me. I introduce myself to the DJ, and ask him a few questions. He seems well prepared. Later I realize the photography schedule wasn’t being followed. I spot the Hurts next door at Farm Burger. Ceil and I chat with them. Eventually the guests start to arrive. I speak to many of them.

Holly and Regina strategically find seats near the front and back so they can care for Shivonne. We won’t hear a peep during the service.

Russ and Caleb enter first. Russ gives a quick welcome, firmly telling guests to not take pictures with phones or cameras during the service. Based on what we see on social media afterwards, everyone complied.

John walks Mary down the aisle, then I escort Ceil. Then I pass by Russ and Caleb out the side door, where the groomsmen are about to enter. Then the bridesmaids file down the aisle, followed by the ring bearer and flower girls. I can’t watch the whole thing, but am later told that Shivonne performed flawlessly.

I station myself at the bottom of the stairs. All eyes turn to watch Anna descend. I help her down the last two stairs, then escort her first to the left so Caleb will have a direct view of her coming down the aisle.

We both are beaming. I was able to experience and enjoy this moment I’d been so long been looking forward to, but it was over in a flash. We stop in front of Russ and Caleb, then we both remember to give Russ space for his opening remarks.

When Russ asks “Who gives this woman in marriage?” (actually I’m not sure exactly how he worded it). I respond “Ceil and I”. I hug Anna but forget to kiss her cheek. I walk around Anna’s long train to sit with Ceil, where I can enjoy the service.

Thomas plays piano. Katherine sings all three verses of a hymn. It was hard for me to turn and watch, based on how I was seated.

After the final I do’s there is much celebration as A&C kiss and walk down the aisle – stopping halfway for another kiss. They are quickly followed by John and Ashley and the other bridemaids, each escorted by a groomsman. The last bridesmaid was surprised when the last two remaining groomsmen (including Matthew) both escorted her down the aisle. John and Mary exited, followed by me and Ceil.

And just like that, the wedding was over. Anna and Caleb are married!

Like so many of my blog posts, I cobble them together in a rush, in spare moments during my demanding work day. Little time to pour over every word and sentence, to polish and reflect and add. This one was cranked out over two days, though more time would’ve been nice. These are memories and details  I want to cherish forever.