The day of the wedding was many things. It was wonderful. It was chaotic. It was fun. But ultimately since it made us both happy, it was perfect.
It started out early. On Julia's side of things, it was fun that Kelly and Jayme brought snacks. They also brought coffee. Julia got her hair done and also ate yogurt parfait they brought because otherwise she wouldn't have had time to eat. It was also nice to get pedicures and manicures done before. On my side there was an early morning start. Putting on the extremely nice but expensive tux. I rode with Mom, Grandma and Skip to Julia's house. There was some confusion as to who was going to get there how, but it ultimately ended up there in there in the end but it worked well.
Upon arrival at Julia's house, it was obvious that they had done a fantastic job of decoration. There were flowers everywhere, and the front room had been rearranged into a perfect little chapel complete with a space for the wedding party. There were excellent refreshments and slowly people started to trickle in. From my side my friends Wayne and Helen, Andrew and Mel, Bill and Dawn came. Family also arrived from Dad and Vivian, Greg, Rachelle, Melanie, Benjamin, Samantha, Joshua, Christy, John, Randy, Jamie, Skyler, Mallory, Lydia, Julie, Todd and Elissa. On Julia's side there was, of course her immediate family, Alan, Diane and Phillip. Other members of Julia's family included Frank and Susan. Julia's friends included Kelly, Jon, Barbara, Jayme, Patrick, Ariel, James and Rachel. Her Parents friends included Elynne, Evan, Eric, John, Karen, Laura and Brian.
Berny was our Chaplin and helped finalize some last minute preparations I had forgotten regarding the vows. I used my smart phone and we printed out a small piece of paper for Julia. Randy and Jayme (Julia's friend as compared to his wife) agreed to be witnesses. The music was prepped and queued...all it needed was the starting signal. Which I had forgotten to plan. :D
So after about 65 seconds of confusion, things finally started. Berny was waiting at the alter. I walked up with Greg. Then Kelly came. Then Julia and her father. Then we started the ceremony. It was perfect. The sun was shining. Everyone was happy. Berny delivered an excellent consecration. We exchanged rings. The bands were gorgeous gifts from Mom and Skip. And then we were married and kissed on another.
After the wedding was a fun blur. We talked to everyone. We said goodbye to everyone. We ate. We laughed. Many spontaneous photos were taken. And then, just like that, people slowly began to peter off. There was a complete lack of uncomfortable drama, shouting or ill feelings. Just how we wanted it.
We all went to the family lunch afterwards, with my family and Julia's party to Pastis. We had an excellent selection of food and all talked with each other. At our table, me, Julia, Alan, Diane, Kelly, Jon and Barbara. We had many excellent conversations. The cake prepared by the waiters was fantastic. Kelly gave an excellent toast. Greg's toast was short and to the point, and after everyone else was leaving. "You are and shall ever be my best friend." The Star Trek reference was truly appropriate. It was raining outside as we left, and I got the car and picked Julia up.
We went back to her house, got the luggage for her honeymoon while she opened our presents and spent time with her family and friends. I took the luggage to the Ellis hotel and checked it in while making some last minute instructions on the preparation of the reception.
It started to rain heavily, but it didn't matter. I arrived in the pavilion at Glen Lake park and had several friends there. David and Edgar, friends of my parents, had arrived and gifted us with an immaculate steam punk groom's cake that had taken two days to prepare. All the decorations they put up were fantastic. I should have brought more lanterns but Skip said it was fine. Skip was playing bartender and Mom was spending time with her scions. Dad and Vivian were there, along with all of my family, Wayne and Helen and Andrew and Mel and Clint and Stephanie who had all helped decorate. A short time later, Julia and her friends and their families arrived. It was fun. We talked. We drank. We had a good time. A friend of Mom and Skip's did some fantastic catering.
Then there was the pinata. The nieces and nephews each took turns whacking it. Many mighty blows were struck. The rules were turn once for every year you had of age. Two rounds and while they got close it didn't quite burst. So I took a turn. After turning around 41 times. So...I fell to the ground and frightened everyone, but still hit the thing, smashing it to bits. There was much rejoicing and obtaining of loot.
So to wrap up the shared festivities we went to a bar called Church. Wayne and Helen took us in Wayne's car. It was where I celebrated my last freedom day celebration with the same bunch. They have fantastic sangria. Randy and Jamie arrived shortly thereafter. It was a wonderful discussion of all kinds of subjects including global politics, philosophy, business, religion and the nature of man. It was also just plain fun.
And then Julia and I went to the hotel. And...none of your business...;)
