The Early Bird ;)

Another wonderful weekend has come and gone.  WIMP and Oscar are officially "Mr. & Mrs."!!  They tied the knot on Saturday at 4:30 pm in a beautiful Lutheran church in Smalltown, VA.  I haven't uploaded my pictures yet, but bunches of friends have...and some of the photographer's pictures are up as well, so I get to share them.  Yay!

I realized something this weekend.  Wedding planners/coordinators don't like me.  I'm not sure why, but it's a common theme.  Even though I've got a bit of bridesmaid experience under my belt, every wedding is different.  It's not like I parade in saying "I know how all of this works, don't you try to tell me....".  Really.  I don't.  I'm just quiet and listen to their directions like everyone else.  BUT...they always single me out.  It happened again at WIMP's wedding. 

Now I'm not saying that it was intentional, but at the ceremony she sent me down the aisle (I was the first bridesmaid to walk) before Canon in D started and before the groomsmen were even up front.  She said "go T, go...it's time, walk slowly, go!".  So.  I went.  Well, I did day "ummm..it isn't the right music and the guys aren't up there yet".  She gave me the stink eye and said "GO!".  So then I did go.....

When I walked up the aisle, turned to the left, rotated to my left so my back was never to the guests and took my place.....I realized bridesmaid #2 had not been sent down behind me.  I was all alone.  The priest wasn't even present and accounted for.  I had walked down the aisle to the song the mothers were seated to and had the floor.  I started giggling.  Not out loud.  But my shoulders were shaking.  I kept a big smile on my face, but all of my friends were looking at me from the pews and shaking their heads.  One of them has since dubbed me "the early bird".  I was proud of myself for holding it together....but I am now, and will forever be, afraid of wedding planners/coordinators.  They do not like me.

Finally bridesmaid #2 walked down the aisle after Cannon in D started, and she was giggling as well.  I really don't think most people even noticed, but you know how it is when it's you.  It's terrible.  Oh well! 

The ceremony was beautiful.  The bride was GORGEOUS.  I will block out her face, because I always do, but I wish you could see her.  Her smile.  The twinkle in her eyes.  She was one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen.  WIMP....congrats....you looked amazing...just like we knew you would :)

(lacing up the back of WIMP's dress)

(that's me, placing the veil on WIMP's head)

(absolutely beautiful)

(waiting to walk down the aisle)

(YAY!  she did it!)

(WIMP and her bridesmaids)

(at every wedding I have a favorite picture.  this is my fave from WIMP's wedding.  just precious!)

(at the reception, with a cocktail of course!)

(first dance)

(garter removal...if you will!)

(sneaking a kiss:)

(the requisite photo of me and TEN)

(GOODNIGHT!!)

From WIMP's wedding website:

" 'The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes "Awww!" '

- Jack Kerouac

Thank you for sharing in our madness together."

I love you WIMP!  My life would not be as wonderful without your madness.  CONGRATS to you and Oscar.  I am so honored to be a part of both of your lives :)

T