Reception

After the wedding ceremony Russ instructed the guests to exit out the side, then move to the front of the chapel. I mingled with guests and finally made it over to the other side for pictures.

I stopped by the bar in the front and asked for a Diet Coke. I hadn’t had anything to drink in four hours. The young man said there was no Diet Coke. I was astounded. A detail I should’ve double checked. He asked me to check with the other bartender back over on the other side of the chapel, who really wasn’t opening until mealtime almost an hour later. The young lady there assured me that she could keep me supplied with Diet Coke from the kitchen. She had a regular Coke already poured, so I started with that. The girl kept count with me the rest of the evening. The servers at the tables kept my glass full as well. Later when the young lady ran out of tumblers, she poured the diet Coke in a tall beer glass. Some people thought I was drinking a dark beer. As parched as I was, all those Diet Cokes never tasted so good.

After pictures there was plenty of time to mingle. I visited with the Jefferson crowd, and sat with the Whitakers. I went to the parking lot to retrieve their present from their car.

Later the Chapel doors were opened and guests came inside for the reception. The DJ delivered the mic to me. After everyone was seated, the DJ introduced A&C, who entered from the same front door. They walked in between the table to the back, and broke into their first dance.

Next was Anna’s dance with me. We had chosen a song from the movie You’ve Got Mail: The Cranberries Dream. More upbeat than Roy Orberson’s song of the same name, also in the movie. We hadn’t practiced, and it showed. Early on into our dance Anna thanked me for the wedding. I wasn’t expecting this, and I wanted to cry. She’s thanked me at the perfect moment. The only way this dance could’ve been better was if we had practiced.

Then Caleb took his mother’s hand, and an even more upbeat song started up. They had practiced. Caleb was spinning Mary around and dipping her. They were going to town. The crowd went wild. Later they grabbed Mary’s grandchildren, and they all danced together. It was really something.

Next up: my speech. I’d worked on this for months, working to get every word just right. For this reason I read it off my phone. Some funny. Some sentimental. Got a few big laughs. A big cheer when I mentioned Matthew had made the cake. The girls liked the Taylor Swift bit. Also Two Story and Taqueria. Was the speech perfect? No. Too long. Ceil was out of my field of vision. I’d worked hard to get all the words just right, especially on the last joke.

Will had encouraged me to bless the food. The meal was great: pork tenderloin, a chicken dish, loaded mashed potatoes, lemon broccoli, salad. I wasn’t famished, but the Diet Coke was refreshing. During dinner GiGi’s quiet husband ambled over and whispered in my ear: “if Ceil kicks you out, you can sleep on my couch.” At first I thought it funny, but in fact it was insightful.

After dinner C and A cut the cake, and took pictures with Matthew. The dancing began. I mingled, talking to the Whitakers, Hurts, Watkins, Cushings, Falises, the Jefferson crowd, the Smiths, Becky, Tommy, and others. Most complimented me on my speech. Were they just trying to make me feel good?

Anna and her friends danced. Noelle and Molly got C to dance. The DJ started with the classics, and slowly moved from the 50’s and 60’s to the 70’s and 80’s, eventually to the inevitable hip hop genre. But not too much. I didn’t recall any slow songs. But the DJ did great.

Eventually it was time for guests to move out front for the getaway. Looking back, I’m not sure when the bouquet was tossed, or the garter. I completely missed it.

I made it outside just ahead of A&C, and was handed a sparkler to light. I was near the front steps of the Chapel. As they made their way through the gauntlet of sparklers (stopping for a kiss along the way) I realized it would be good to be near the street to say goodbye. I quickly made my way straight down the same path A&C had just taken, straight through the two lines of sparklers. I was well behind A&C, so I didn’t see myself in any of the photos or videos. I made it to the gate in time to say goodbye.

Caleb helped Anna into the passenger seat of the vintage red pickup. Not sure where they found the getaway car.  Caleb peeled out, heading north on Prince Avenue. Just down the road he turned around, and made a second pass, I suppose on the way to Hotel Indigo, just a few blocks away.

The reception was quite the party. My legs and feet were aching. The guests quickly dispersed. During the reception wonderful Hilton had asked for my keys. He had completely packed our car with everything that was ours. When we went back inside the chapel, cleanup was well under way. We were handed a few final items. C and I trudged to the car, and drive the short distance back to the Airbnb.

Will had arranged for us to meet up with Rusty’s crowd for Sunday breakfast at the legendary Mama’s Boy, famous for long lines on the weekend. That meant we had to check out of both Airbnb’s first. W&MC and Shivonne and Ceil packed up and headed out to the girl’s house. I stayed and made sure our house was empty, and rearranged all the stuff in the Rav4 so the fragile items wouldn’t be crushed.

Then I drove the short distance to the girl’s house in the rain. The bridesmaids were packing and leaving. I was rearranging the Rav4 load again. Picked up a gift basket, but the wrapping fell apart. Two wine glasses broke on the driveway. As W&MC finished packing I was on my hands and knees picking up glass. Cut my hand and foot.

We scored a big table at Mamas Boy: Shivonne on one end, then W&MC, me and C, Ted, Jordan, Kelly, Rusty, Donna, Katherine, and Joe. Oftentimes there’s BBQ at weddings, but not this weekend – so I ordered a breakfast BBQ dish. It was just okay. The Diet Cokes were still refreshing. 

Then downtown to get C coffee, then home. Lots of unpacking, and finally a nap. A&C were already sending updates from the airport. Caleb was added to the family group text. That made it official.

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.

Wedding Week

I took vacation the week before the wedding, and it was a good thing I did. I was on the go the entire time.

Mon 3/20: run at the gym. Drive down to Buckhead to meet with Anna. We had hit a stressful snag that later turned out to be a non event. Not sure how it finally worked out so well. Hit three Goodwills on the way back. Found a nice blue Masters shirt. Small group.

Tues 3/21: breakfast with Will. Dentist. Drive to Gwinnett for sparklers, then Hobby Lobby, Park Ave, Goodwill, Avalon, Whole Foods. Was dark by the time I got home.

Wed 3/22: run at the gym. Drive east of Athens for flowers. Chickfila. Oil change. Goodwill.

Thur 3/23: AM golf. On the first green I reached down to pick up a ball, and felt my back give out. I gutted out the next eight holes. Later I ran errands, including the bank. Stopped by the St. Ann’s rummage sale. Bought three pairs of socks for $1.50. Up until midnight ironing, pre-packing, etc. M and C eat Moxie.

Fri 3/24: take Winnie to kennel. Pack Rav4 to the gills. Drive through Dunwoody to bakery to pick up spare cakes. Then through Peachtree Corners and Norcross to 85, then 316 to Athens. C hits Taqueria, then a coffee place.

2 pm: unload at the girl’s Airbnb. Wedding coordinator Hilton loads all the wedding stuff in her car. Anna and the bridesmaids arrive, after hanging out in downtown Athens for a few hours.

3 pm: unload at our Airbnb. M works on the cake.

Ten minutes after we’d left East Cobb I realized I had left my rehearsal dinner clothes back at the house. I asked M to bring them, but he forgot. I wore my spare white dress shirt, tan pants, and my fancy brown wing tips I’d been saving for the wedding. No jacket.

4 pm: arrive at the Chapel late for the rehearsal. Afterwards the kids head to Creature Comforts. We drive on to the dinner spot downtown.

5 pm: Cocktail hour followed by dinner. Salmon, shrimp & grits, and a beef dish. Schaefers at one table, us at another (with W&MC and Shivonne, Rusty & Kelly, Phil & Teresa. Dic & Debbie, Victoria, and Katherine & her date Joe). A&C were at the head table with the groomsmen, and bridesmaids. Welcome from John. Blessing by sister Mary Glenn.

After supper John gave a speech, followed by Jack, Maggie, Mary Glenn and her husband, who spoke from the point of view of the outsider joining the family, like Anna was doing. Jack told a great story about young Caleb asking for (and receiving) an old trampoline, which John and Jack helped him carry home across four back yards, taking down fences along the way.

All the speeches were sweet. Then Emily, Ashley, Will, and a few groomsmen spoke. Emily’s speech was particularly poignant, taking us back to middle school. One groomsman had been Caleb’s friend since childhood. Caleb had used his body as a sled. Alex perked everyone up by finishing a statement with the term “crazy shit”. At the end Caleb thanked everyone.

Afterward I ran a joke at Mary’s expense past Jack, Maggie, Caleb, and finally Mary. They all loved it, and encouraged me to include it in my speech. I was learning that the Schaefers were a tight but tough family. Anna was going to fit right in. I also had a sweet chat with Emily and her husband, reminding her of the time she jumped out of the moving car she’s been driving – because a bee had gotten inside.

Caleb’s brother Jack encouraged the groomsmen not to party too hard that night, reminding them there would be plenty of time to party after the wedding. For the most part they would follow these instructions.

Back at the house I stayed up polishing my speech, and pecking out the blessing for the food. I had considering delegating that task, but Will encouraged me to seize the moment. So I did.

A long but good week. The stress at the start of the week had diminished.

Father of the Bride Speech

I was going to ask if you were ready to party,

but Caleb and Mary's dance confirmed that.

You know what a partier I am. 

My wife Ceil and I want to thank you for being here today. 

For sharing this life-changing event with us.

It means so much that you have gone so far out of your way to be here.

Anyone from out of town?

One housekeeping item before I make the toast.

For goodness sakes, try keeping Stetson away from the bar.

It's not that he was invited to the wedding.

He just got lost on the way to Creature Comforts.

You'd think he'd know his way around town by now.

Fun fact: Anna's mother Ceil and Caleb's mom Mary

grew up in small towns in South Carolina, 

just a few miles from each other.

So we have a bunch of people from South Carolina here tonight.

You'll be happy to know that later on 

you'll be able to get your picture taken with Hairy Dawg.

For years and years I have looked forward to this day.

To be able to walk Anna down the aisle.

To dance with her. 

The years have flown by. 

Of our three kids, I may be a great athlete like Will.

I may be creative and artistic like Matthew.

Matthew made this wonderful wedding cake tonight.

But Anna is most like me.

That could be a good thing. It could be a curse.

Sorry, girl.

Anna wears ball caps and sneakers.

When she moved out of our house,

Anna left her Masters cap behind.

Now I wear it.

I got my great love of Taco Bell from Anna.

Maybe it was the other way around.

I won't say that neither one of us likes to cook,

but we are both perfectly fine if someone else is doing the cooking.

Anna and I have the same favorite movie. 

No, not Mary Kate and Ashley's How the West Was Fun. 

Not any more, anyway. 

By the way, Martin Mull was great in that film.

Anna and I both like to read.

She's a pretty good writer as well.

Anna and I both drive Ceil crazy.

I'm doing it right now.

And Anna is cool. 

Like me. Right?

Anna lives life to the fullest. 

I love this about her.

I so enjoy watching her live her life.

You can see the joy on her face.

She is so talented. So creative. So fun.

So beautiful.

Some members of our family

are not the best planners in the world.

I certainly am not the organizer I used to be.

I feared this whole wedding planning process

would be a little too much of a challenge,

especially when we settled on a date just four short months away. 

But more than anyone else, Anna took the reins.

She dragged us all to the finish line, in heroic fashion.

Anna discovered this beautiful chapel

while it was still being renovated.

I think Anna was coming over on weekends

to help the workers finish.

For Anna to have her wedding in a town 

that holds so many happy memories for her and her friends, 

is truly special.

If she could've figured out a way 

to have her wedding at Two Story, 

she would've gone for it. 

Catered of course by Taqueria.

We'll go someplace in Athens,

even now, several years after she's graduated,

and she'll run into someone she knows.

Anna designed the amazing wedding invitations.

She created this beautiful celebration that was uniquely her own.

Ceil and I could not be more proud.

Hopefully we didn't drive Anna too crazy in the process.

She is leaving the country tomorrow.

There are so many other people to thank and acknowledge.

Surely I'll leave someone out.

Doesn't Ceil look beautiful tonight?

Ceil did such a great job, doing so much to get ready for today.

She even wrote this speech.

Anna's crazy roommate Ashley

has been at Anna's side the entire way. 

Ashley, take a bow.

Ashley has a little experience as a wedding planner.

I know Anna and Ashley and Alex and Emily 

are all disappointed 

that Taylor Swift wasn't able to sick around for the reception.

And Jules is disappointed. And Grace. 

And Victoria and Katherine and Jordan and…

...did I leave anyone out? 

Even Brett Smith is disappointed.

We are all disappointed that Taylor couldn't stick around.

I guess I'll have to sing "Forever" by myself.

Taylor being here must've been why 

all those helicopters and sirens were outside

when Anna and Caleb were taking their vows.

And that Chinese balloon overhead.

And the UFO's and aliens.

Who invited them? 

Ashley? Brett?

Doesn't every father of the bride speech have something about the aliens?

Now what was I talking about?

Oh, yes. The wedding.

It's been so wonderful to get to know the Schaefer family.

to try to learn how to spell their last name.

I think I'm getting close.

I'm doing better than some of my friends.

Caleb's father John has done such a great job raising Caleb, 

growing him in wisdom and statue, in favor with God and man.

Also teaching him how to be handy around the house.

Man that story about the I-beam was amazing. 

I don't know how to do any of that stuff, 

but am looking forward to getting Caleb's help 

on our next home renovation project.

Mary has been so nice to us.

She always goes out of her way to speak to us at church.

I thought that was so nice.

 Then I found out it was her job.

We all say how crazy it's been for Anna and Caleb to have grown up so close to each other. Knowing so many of the same people, but never connecting before they did.

God's timing is always perfect. 

After word of their engagement got out, so many of our friends at Johnson Ferry keep coming up to us, telling us what a great family the Schaefer's are. 

Hopefully they told the Schafers the same thing about us.

We're so thrilled to have Caleb join our family. He completes Anna.

On their first date Caleb picked up Anna from our house. During their date, I texted Anna to get her to come back inside before driving back to her place. Before I even had a chance to start peeking through the curtains, Anna was bringing Caleb inside with her. It was a treat to meet him.

Caleb is quick to remind us the first Murphy family gathering he attended turned into a gender reveal party for our precious granddaughter Shivonne.

Caleb felt a little embarrassed and out of place, but we were happy to have him there. 

And we were all very happy to find out that Caleb was a boy. 

On their second date I…uh, well I think you get the idea.

Thank you again for sharing this special time with us.

You guys have been great. Let's toast the happy couple!

And now before anyone else collapses from starvation, let me bless the meal. Please pray with me:

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for today. 

For being here with us.

Thank you for creating marriage.

Thank you for this this wonderful couple. 

Father I pray for your blessing over Anna and Caleb, for their relationship with each other, and for their marriage.

Fill them with your Holy Spirit.

Walk before them, carry them Father, give them your wisdom, and guide them in all they do. 

I pray this for all of us as well. 

Lord now I ask that you bless this food, that it would be of nourishment for our bodies. I pray that you bless the hands that prepared it. 

God I pray that you would continue to bless our time together tonight.

Thank you for this wonderful occasion, for all these many close friends and family, who mean so much to us. Watch over us tonight.

Finally Lord, I thank you so much for sending us your son Jesus. It is in his great and powerful name that I pray. Amen.

Wedding Timeline

The wedding photos are starting to filter in.

Our wedding planner had everything scheduled.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24th

4:00 PM - Rehearsal at the Chapel Athens

5:00 PM - dinner at Wall On Broad

SATURDAY, MARCH 25th

10:30 AM Venue Manager Arrives onsite at the Chapel

11:00 AM Chapel Team setting up ceremony venue

12:30 PM Access to the Chapel begins for Setup
1:00 PM Florist Delivers Bouquets to Airbnb
1:00 PM Florist Arrives to set flowers at the Chapel

1:30 PM Bride in dress

1:45 first look with bridesmaids

1:45 first look with parents

2:00 bridesmaid photos at Airbnb

2:00 PM DJ Arrives arrives at Chapel for setup
2:00 PM Florist Load in complete & ceremony setup begins
2:00 PM Leave Airbnb for the Chapel
2:15 PM Bridesmaid photo at Chapel w/ individuals, Bridal Portraits

2:35 PM Caleb leaves Airbnb for Chapel
2:40 PM Tuck Anna away from Caleb at the Chapel
2:45 PM First Look with Caleb / Couple Portraits

3:00 PM Groomsmen leave Airbnb
3:10 PM Groomsmen Photos / with individuals
3:30 PM Full Bridal Party Photos
3:50 PM Bride's immediate family
4:00 PM Florist to complete ceremony install
4:00 PM Groom's Immediate Family
4:15 PM Stop taking pictures
4:15 PM Florist Cleared out of ceremony space

4:30 PM Early Guest Arrival
5:00 PM Ceremony Starts
5:45 PM Ceremony Ends
5:50 PM Cocktail Hour Begins
5:50 Extended Family

Couple Portraits
6:20 Couple Goes to Cocktail hour
6:45 Reception Start Time

6:50 PM DJ Invites guests to gather around the main ballroom for introductions

6:55 PM The first dance
7:00 PM Parent Dances
Anna & Dad
Caleb & Mom

         Father of the Bride speech & blessing. 

7:15 PM Dinner starts
7:53 PM Sunset
8:15 PM Cake Cutting

8:30 PM Open dancefloor
9:00 PM Bouquet Toss
9:15 PM Last Call at Bar
9:30 PM Bar closes
9:30 PM Pull Getaway Car Around
9:35 PM Last dance
9:40 PM Guest line up for exit
9:45 PM Exit - Sparklers
10:00 PM Event end time
11:30 PM All Decor & Personal Items out of space

Anna & Caleb's Wedding

 After morning rain, Anna and Caleb's wedding day could not have turned out better.

The bridesmaids: former roommate Jules, sister-in-law Maddie, Mary-Clayton, crazy roommate Ashley, Anna, former roommates Alex and Grace, sister-in-law Mary Glenn, and former roommate Emily.   

     

After the wedding: photos and the cocktail hour.

Reception: Anna and Celeb make their entrance. Nice photo of the newly renovated venue, The Chapel Athens. That's Becky Norman over on the far left.

A&C pass Edie and David & Mary Hurt. Also Dan & Molly Cushing, and Beth Watkins (red).

A&C immediately launched into their first dance. In preparation, they had taken a few lessons.

Then it was our father / daughter dance. Anna had suggested a song from our favorite movie "You've Got Mail" - The Cranberries "Dreams". We hadn't practiced, and it showed. Not long after we'd started, Anna leaned in and thanked me for her wedding - something I wasn't expecting. Made me tear up. We were followed by Caleb's first dance with his mother - and they knocked it out of the park. Wish I'd thought of it for my speech, but later I told Mary that Anna and I had come in second in the dance contest. Background: the photographers were always snapping away, even following me. The DJ did a great job playing the classics, upbeat, and finished with the inevitable hip hop, but no slow dances. Fine by me. He Works with Caleb's sister Mary Glenn at Athens Church. 

Matthew made the three-tiered wedding cake. Also the lemon tarts. M's friend made the cookies. We added additional cakes from a bakery in Dunwoody.

After cutting the cake, A&C pose with wedding cake baker Matthew.

Mary & David Hurt were seated with Edie and Reid Whitaker.

The Swoozies were the roommates inat the South Milledge house in Athens: Ashley, Maddie, Emily, Anna, Alex, Jules, and Grace.

After the dancing A&C departed on the front door of The Chapel, through the lines of sparklers, past the rows of blooming dogwoods to the red vintage pickup truck waiting by the curb. The took off headed north on Prince Avenue, then turned around and drove back past headed south, 

A wonderful, unforgettable evening. More details to follow over the next few days.

Wedding Planning Timeline

Anna's engagement: a timeline. After getting engaged on October 22, Anna checked out several venues in and around Atlanta, but the prices were astronomical. Figuring prices would be lower in Athens, she looked there.

NOV 11: day trip to Athens with C, A, & Ashley to visit two venues: the Georgian Hotel and The Chapel Athens. The chapel is still very much under construction.

After much discussion, the wedding date is finally picked. Any time after late May was problematic. Anna’s friends had commitments in mid May. Jordan told Anna she will be getting married on May 6, which would’ve been the perfect date. Several conflicts in April: April Fools, G-Day, a bike race, and Taylor Swift concerts. We accept March 4, but when March 25 becomes available, we snatch it up. Not much time.

Anna got her first choice venue, the Chapel, for the same price as the cheaper Georgia Hotel. M brushes up on his wedding cake skills.

Anna needed stamps. I didn’t realize they were for the save the date cards, which never got sent out.

JAN 5: Ceil shops for a mother of the bride dress.

JAN 7: day trip to Athens, looking for available hotels. There are few choices due to availability. Lots of progress on the Chapel.

JAN 11: A&C start wedding counseling meetings at JFBC with Lee & Heather Taylor. Ceil was Heather's Sunday School teacher back when she was in high school.

JAN 19: send the invitations off to the printer. Designed by Anna.

JAN 22: shop for AirB&B’s.

JAN 24: 2nd deposit due.

JAN 25: Anna picks up her wedding dress.

FEB 2: C&A come over to help stuff and address envelopes. 

FEB 3: C discovers the invitations are too heavy, and require a second stamp.

C&A find a house to rent, in Peachtree Hills.

FEB 13: Sunday afternoon the tasting in Athens was at 3 pm. First came out several different appetizers: chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, pimento cheese, goat cheese, roast beef on toast, BBQ. Then two salads to try. Then through a buffet line to sample grilled brussels sprouts, spinach casserole, glazed carrots, macaroni & cheese, grits with a shrimp & sausage gumbo, loaded mashed potatoes, salmon, lemon chicken, grilled peppers, chicken in a tomato sauce, pork tenderloin, and roast beef. Most entres good. I let A&C pick what they want. It's Caleb's first time to see the venue.

A less pressure packed drive home, except since A&C had somewhere to go for the Super Bowl I didn’t take my usual surface street route, but retraced my earlier route of 85 south 285 west and 400 north. While I drove they watched the beginning of the game on their phones.

Feb 17: Ceil works on Anna's veil.

FEB 18: party at Noelle’s, hosted by the Halls, Earharts, Cushings, and Falis’. Prayers of blessing from John, Will, Rob, Lee, Steve, and me.

FEB 19: I buy a navy suit. Not sure when the last time I did that.  Will and Matthew had previously gotten fitted for theirs. I find a nice tie.

FEB 24: third deposit due. Also final selections. I order shoes.

FEB 25: wedding shower.

MAR 4 weekend: the guys weekend in north Georgia.

The girls to Chattanooga.

MAR 10: final guest count due 

MAR 14: A&C pick up their marriage license.

MAR 17: A&C start moving into their Peachtree Hills rental.

MAR 18: A&C buy a sofa. Cake tasting.

MAR 19: problem: the suits aren't navy - they're royal. Switching to black. Conference call with the wedding coordinator. Can't meet: she has covid. An extra nice wedding present:

MAR 20: I run errands most of the day. Pay the photographer & videographer.

MAR 21: Anna works on the seating chart. I run more errands, including picking up 120 sparklers from Phantom Fireworks.

MAR 22: pick up flowers at 3 Porches Farm, east of Comer GA, which is like 16 miles east of Athens, almost to the SC border.

MAR 23: Errands errands errands. Put the finishing touches on the seating chart. Organizing and packing. Matthew picks up the cookies, bakes the cake, and makes the tarts.

MAR 24: Rehearsal dinner in downtown Athens.

MAR 25: Wedding day.