The Wedding

Considering Jeff and Rachel returned from their honeymoon at 3:00 this morning, I'm officially late in posting about their wedding...

I arrived at Rachel's house Saturday morning, monkey bread fixings in hand. By the time the photographer arrived, everything was well in hand. Ryan (Melissa's friend and the ceremony's DJ) was making mimosas and had taken over watching out for the monkey bread. Renee (bless her, bless her) had altered my dress so professionally, I felt like I should be paying her. Becky had somehow reduced the frizz that usually resides on top my head into some semblance of order. Melissa was busy helping everyone apply last minute make up touches. And Rachel...Rachel was gorgeous and cool in her veil and gown.

We arrived at the Adobe a little late, but still in good time. It was hot. And humid. Very hot and very humid. At least to this preggo. Melissa kept looking at my make up in concern as it slowly started melting off my face. Joseph was having a rough time. He didn't want to walk with the flower girl. He wanted to walk with me. A couple of last minute changes and he held my hand as he walked me down the aisle.

Side note: I had a moment of bittersweet realization that the next time he "walks" me down the aisle will be when he escorts me to my seat at his own wedding. The thought almost made me cry before the ceremony had started.

Side, side note: For those of you wondering, yes I really did look like Violet Beauregarde. Either that or a grape. I pray that Kelli Jane was somehow able to work photoshop magic and make me look more like Angelina than Roseanne.

There were a few goof ups. What wedding doesn't have one or two?

I'd forgotten my reading on the kitchen table, so had to wing it. *buffs nails* Still made everyone cry. Damn, I'm good.

Benny wasn't happy leaving Jeff and Rachel at the alter. Fortunately, the baby sitter Rachel had hired for a couple of hours bribed him with crackers.

But overall, the ceremony was beautiful. Short and sweet as a summer wedding should be. The reception afterwards was catered by...you know...I actually forgot who catered. All I know is that the appetizers were amazing. There was a raisin compote on chevre that was to die for. I ate so much of it I wasn't that hungry for dinner.

After we ate, there was dancing, toasts and Jeff serenading Rachel. The cake was cut (again...AMAZING cake), the bouquet tossed - actually it was a pretty hard throw, and the garter caught.

Then...it was over and my baby sister left with her new husband.

Rachel Getting Married