Photo Credit: Maddi Randolph Photography – maddirandolphphotography.com

There is an unspoken code. One should not share certain things online until the proper time. You don’t announce the birth of a baby till the parents have. And…you definitely don’t share photos of the bride and groom until they have had a chance to catch their breath and share some photos themselves. You don’t want to step on toes or steal someone’s thunder.

I was so honored to have a “Grandmother Corsage!”

That being said, I made a promise. No photos on social media till I got the go ahead from our granddaughter. We didn’t have to wait long as they posted their first photo yesterday morning so I’m free to post a few…one from their amazing photographer and some of my own. Plus…Mr. FixIt took me out for dinner last night at Olive Garden. We felt like grownups! AND…I stayed under my calorie budget and that included splitting a Tiramisu with my sweetheart.

Birthday Dinner at Olive Garden: Unlimited Soup + Salad + Tiramisu

But first…the wedding. The bridal party got started with their day at 9:00 yesterday morning with the girls breakfast. Then hair and makeup and lunch and fun in the Bride’s Suite. In the meantime, the guys slept till 11:00 and hung out in the Groom’s Suite till it was time for photos.

We arrived at 2:15 and family photos started around 2:45. We sat around on the porch overlooking fields and woods. There was a lovely breeze and unfortunately, I didn’t spray my hair so I had that windswept look all day. I didn’t really care and I don’t think anyone else was sitting around pointing it out. (Our younger selves might have been eaten up with that little nugget in our brains, right?)

This was one of the biggest weddings I’ve ever been to. And our granddaughter did a wonderful job working out a complete time table. The immediate family members had their own copy and if you weren’t where you were supposed to be at the designated time, you just might not have been in the picture. Everything went like clockwork and there was no time to sit around and fret and be nervous. It was great!

At the appointed time, we all walked down through a meadow to an area in front of the lake. There was a fountain out in the water that was framed by a unique hexagon shaped arbor adorned with a plethora of cabbage roses and peonies in soft shades from creamy white to deep pink. At a point to the left, a bridge went out to a pavilion on an island in the lake and a dock went out further still. There were so many photo worthy spots on this gorgeous property and we got our steps in checking them all out.

The DJ had a sound system discreetly set up and soft, dreamy music entertained us as the guests arrived. Folks waved to family and friends as they found their seats and there were many who mouthed, “Isn’t this gorgeous?” Bridal rituals change like fashions and we were surprised to see each member of the bridal party come down the aisle alone. The groomsmen in tuxedos of royal blue and the bridesmaids in the softest shell pink. The dresses were all the same color and lovely flowing material, but each dress was a different style. This gave each of them their moment to shine and it didn’t add but a minute or two to the service.

We all rose and watched my bonus son walk his first born down the aisle. They were walking right into the sun but they did their best not to squint too much. The actual ceremony was short and sweet…five minutes at the most. Which is perfectly fine, really. Five-thirty is the hottest time of the day and we were in the low 80’s at that point. There was a small table with folding fans and iced water just before you went down the aisle to your seat…a thoughtful touch.

Photo Credit: Mr. FixIt

After the ceremony, there were more group photos to include the newlyweds then off we went to the big building for the reception. This was definitely a social milieu with little conversation areas. There was a directory at the front of the hall with seated arrangements. Each row of long rustic farm tables were dressed with a runner of creamy white chiffon and a vine of simple greenery. Tucked in were candles and small vases with a single pink peony or a small cluster of white flowers. At the aisle of each row was a clear acrylic sign with your table number so you could easily find your seat.

Photo Credit: The Farmer’s Daughter and Son, LTD

There was an opening prayer by the officiant. There were the usual toasts and stories. There was a cocktail hour with a bar and finger foods. Between cocktail hour and dinner, here was a brief interruption while we went outside to catch the Golden hour…that magical hour just before the sun sets and the air turns…well…golden! Everything looks perfect in that golden light of dusk.

Photo Credit: Mr. FixIt

Then the dinner was served buffet style. Carved Roast Sirloin with Au Jus, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Buttered Parsley Potatoes, Caribbean Vegetables, and Greek Pasta with Roasted Vegetables. OMGosh! Everything was SO good. They cut the cake and were sweet with it…no smearing cake all over each other at this wedding.

As soon as the cake was served, the DJ started the music and called up the bride and groom for their first dance, then father of the bride and bride, then mother of the groom and groom. Then they did the sweetest thing. They asked all married couples to come up for a special dance. After a bit, the DJ asked all who were married five years and less to be seated. Then ten, fifteen, etc. until there was one couple standing till he finally hit fifty-five and they threw their arms up in the air and laughed. Everyone cheered and they got a special picture taken with the bride and groom. 

Photo Credit: Curt Plummer

After that it was a free for all and everyone was dancing with everyone else. They had “bump sticks” that twinkled in the dark and glasses made of glow sticks. The music was loud and no one could hear anyone talking but who cared? I loved how they took the great songs of my generation that all us well seasoned folks would know and remixed them with the club beats that these kids were into. It was great fun and I literally danced till I couldn’t dance anymore. I thought for sure I’d have trouble walking when I got up, but I did ok. And that was the end of a beautiful storybook weekend…a day that we will remember forever and ever!

Photo Credit: The Bride + Groom

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““Your forest-drenched garments are fragrant with mountain breeze. Chamber music—from the throne room— makes you want to dance. Kings’ daughters are maids in your court, the Bride glittering with golden jewelry. * * *”

Psalms 45:8-9 MSG

#Wedding, #LoveIsInTheAirhart, #PerfectDay

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It’s summer and you know what that means…the mermaids are out and about, splashing here and there. Better be safe and warn drivers to watch out for them at the “Mermaid Crossing!”

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