We'd arrived in time for the rehearsal on Friday during which, as expected, I fumbled the words for giving her away. Oh well, plenty of time to repeat them over and over and over. I mean how hard could it be to say "Her Mother and I do"? I've dealt with Generals and Secretary's and Presidential Advisors. But, I fumble I did.
But, in true Tim Allen fashion, I perservered.
The rehearsal dinner at Thurman's Mansion at the Salt Lick was fabulous. Lot's of people present, and finally recovering my usually glib tongue, I wowed them with a story of losing and regaining my intellect. So, the day ended on an uptick.
Saturday dawns early (sleeping in a new bed in a strange house, with a wee bit on my mind is not conducive to sleeping late), and I prepare to meet the day.
I slip off to the grocery store to buy provisions for the bevy of beauties who will be descending on our B and B to get beautiful. Did I mention that MBD had 17 Bride's Maids? Fortunately the B and B had a large loft where the 3 beauticians could work. Realizing that nothing good could happen being present under those circumstances, Little Juvat and I tried to make ourselves scarce.
Finally the limo arrives and takes MBD and her cohort up to the venue. Were they are escorted to a secure area of the facility for final planning and preparation.
And, Oh, my Goodness, that phase when well! She went well off the scale in the beautiful category. When they opened the door to the Bride's room so I could begin to escort her to the ceremony, I'm pretty sure (and I hope the photographers captured it) that my jaw hit the floor. She looked drop-dead, stunningly, gorgeous. So much so that I forgot to push the camera button on the phone.
But...I know what you want to ask, so I'll answer the question that's on most of your folks mind.
No.
I did not get misty eyed at that point.
Nor as I escorted her down the aisle.
Nor as I gave her away.
(juvat, did you fumble the words? No, but somehow it morphed into "Her Mother and I....and this cast of thousands behind me, do". The crowd roared.) But...no misty eyes.
None as they exchanged vows.
Nor as the pastor pronounced them Man and Wife.
Nor as they proceeded out.
Nor as they proceeded to the reception.
Nor as they danced their first dance.
Nor as they cut the cake (and donuts, neither of them like cake so....donuts)
Nope... Not a drop.
However at the Father-daughter portion? Yeah, there might have been a tear or two shed.
Hey! If Heartland needs a fill-in singer, I'm there for them |
So, you're probably wondering how the dance lessons went. Well, the instructor never returned my calls. Mrs J stepped up and attempted to teach me to waltz.
No, luck. My rhythm sucks. Just couldn't master it. That having been said, whatever dance we did was wonderful.
So....They're married. We wish them the absolute best together.
But for now.....I'm going to go take a nap and then deal with the aftermath.
The aftermath |
Congrats, Juvat. May your tribe increase.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, we have high hopes.
DeleteCongrats, and all the best to the happy couple and your family Juvat.
ReplyDeleteThanks Aaron, I appreciate it.
DeleteCongrats to the newly weds, Juvat and for everyone surviving.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I just kept repeating, both in my head and to the person's beginning to hyperventilate, "all it takes is 7 words, everything else is overkill." That seemed to work. Well....it worked for me anyways.
DeleteI see why you call her MBD, she is very lovely. Must get her looks from Mom! ;)
ReplyDeleteThough truth be told, you look very debonair in those pics, Juvat.
What a wonderful day it must have been.
Congratulations to the happy couple. Long lives and much happiness be yours!
She has always been lovely, however, she outdid herself Saturday. She gets most of her best traits from her mom. However, she gets her quick wit and wicked sense of humor from yours truly. Which makes her a formidable person.
DeleteIt was a fabulous day.
Thanks
Happiness and good luck to all.
ReplyDeleteI am still a bit wide eyed at "17 Bride's Maids" the logistics must have been (deep breath and dramatic pause) interesting.
I'm going to recap this post to my wife and tell her I'm still mighty glad she said yes.
A very good and nice post.
Thanks John.
DeleteYeah. My wife and my military experience came in handy in the logistics of the operation. Fortunately, most everybody's personality was down to earth and so it went pretty smoothly.
I'm very glad my wife said yes also. None of this would have happened without her (both literally and figuratively).
Thanks
Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteDonuts, now that's cool.
Do I detect a Maroon & White theme in the Bride's color scheme? :) :)
/
L.J.
Why yes you did! There were about 300 people there and easily 85% were graduates of that small school in College Station.
DeleteThis was the final song of the evening.
Re: Donuts. Not only did everybody think it was great, it probably saved us a grand. Wedding cakes are expensive!
Thanks
Whoop!
DeleteMy sister is a pastry chef in Los Angeles/Orange County, graduate of the CIA in Hyde Park, and she's commented several times about how the money is in the cake, but the labor is in all the little pastries that accompany the dinners and events.
/
L.J.
Yes, well...My credit cards have been well used over the past couple of months. That's for sure. But....solidly worth every cent to see her smile.
DeleteShe looks happy, you look relieved. Now all that left is paying the bills. I wish your daughter and new SIL nothing but happiness. And I hope that you and Mrs. Juvat are as happy and thrilled as we are to welcome SIL as a part of the family.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dave. We are very relieved and happy and think SIL is a fine addition to the family.
DeleteBest wishes for the newly weds! Lovely wedding.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, it was.
DeleteGave my daughter away a few years back. Heartland. Yeah. Congratulations, fair winds and following seas for all your tribe. And naps are good.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yeah, Saturday night was the first in quite a few weeks that I slept all the way through. That was just icing on the cake.
DeleteHoping the future is as great as the start.
ReplyDeleteA fighter pilot that can't dance?
Thanks
DeleteNever said I can't "dance", just that I can't dance when rhythm and fixed steps are required. Shakin' and stompin'? No problemo!
Oh, BIG Congrats, juvat!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ma'am. I appreciate it.
DeleteMuch happiness to the bride and groom, and congratulations to you and your wife.
ReplyDeleteOh, and kudos to the donuts 🍩
Thanks Skip, I appreciate it.
Delete"Deal with the aftermath..." Including the bills! Good luck with that. Hope it wasn't too painful.
ReplyDeletePainful? Yes. Too painful? TBD.
DeleteCongratulations!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sir!
DeleteBest wishes to MBD and SIL. Weddings can be exceptionally joyous celebrations or disasters. Looks like this was the former. BZ
ReplyDeleteIt definitely was joyous...and fun. Thanks
DeleteMy best wishes to the bride and groom; may their life together be long and loving.
ReplyDeleteMy best also to your and your bride.
Thanks for the post.
Paul L. Quandt
Thank you, Sir!
DeleteDo I detect that someone actually got a photo of a Texas girl going "Wooooooo" in that one where she and hubby are walking away?
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to bride and groom, and best wishes to the parents all.
As to the day after, you need... minions, or at least minion. That would be ever so helpful.
Well, Mrs J has a minion anyways. Whether or not I'm helpful is TBD
DeleteYep on the Whoop (the Aggie version of "Wooooooo"). I heard it from the front, brought a smile to my face it did.
Thanks.
If Mrs. J is anything like Mrs. Andrew, there is no question that you will be helpful. It just depends on how many times she calls you 'idiot' under her breath or says "If you want something done right, you need to do it yourself." (insert Gary Oldham from "5th Element" here.)
DeleteBut, in a few days or a week at most, the world will be back to normal, Uncle Bucks will start filling up your accounts again, and fall is just a few months away... Though you may have to restock on Vodka or Shiner Bock.
Yes...the aftermath picture didnt really show the cases of wine,beer,and alcohol, which we were charged with buying. The two weddings I’m familiar with planning were that of a fighter pilot to a beautiful, smart, sexy personnel officer and an Aggie Corps of Cadet.s wedding..
DeleteRunning out would have been “inconceivable”. So liquid carbs are not a factor for the near future.
Looks like a happy and joyous day!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to all, and just wait until the babies start coming.....
Thanks, that would be nice. Sarge keeps tormenting me with his grandkids posts. Can't wait to experience that.
DeleteOk, so I am late to the party, but in my defense I was thinking about you on the 14th. I had just spent a week at the beach with my folks, and my southern CA sisters, so I was headed up to the Adirondacks to go camping for a few days.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are lovely and so is your daughter. Many blessings and much happiness for them both.
I knew you would sail (fly?) through all the premlims, that it would hit when you did your dance. You are a Dad. That's what they do. :)
Many congratulations to all concerned. :)