The Weddin' :: Part Two

Ready for more memorializing of matrimonial moments?

Me too.

My friend Mari was clamoring in a comment to see the MotB. Here she is I am along with the FotB, in a shot taken a few minutes before the ceremony commenced.

We were pretty excited. I mainly because I was actually wearing a dress. I acquired it one week before the wedding. Long story. For another time.

Newlyweds Andrew and Brittany were on hand and on board and in fine shape for the happy day as well.

Such sweetness and loveliness. And they sing together too. As you will see.

The pews were beginning to populate with our guests.

Brittany took her seat and waited for Andrew to complete his duties of escorting his mother and grandmother down the aisle before joining her.

Doesn't that dress look pretty on Brittany? She got it on sale for a ridiculously low price. Well done, Britt.

Meanwhile, the handsome groom waited patiently behind the scenes along with his best man and our pastor.

Our dear friend Alan -- imported from Atlanta for the occasion along with his wife Anna, who served as a bridesmaid -- sang John Denver's For You at the conclusion of the prelude.

Trivia: Alan's late grandfather officiated at TG's and my wedding thirty-nine years ago.

That's me giving a last-minute hug to Chad's grandmother, Jane's mother, who I call Miss Claudia. Because I love her.

(I gave her a hug because I love her. I call her Miss Claudia because it's her name.)

Things got underway as Andrew seated his grandmother.

Eventually it was Jane's turn. Son Wade did the honors before joining the other groomsmen.

I love sons walking their mothers down aisles at weddings.

It's charming.

Finally it was time for the bridesmaids.

Here's what was playing as they walked:

Melanie led off, accompanied by her father, to provide reassurance and moral support. She was wonderful and so was he. 

Allissa revels in life's celebratory moments more than anyone else I know.

She did an excellent job, as did all the lovelies. Next came Anna.

Then it was our Stephanie's turn.

And finally Audrey, the maid of honor.

Sometimes I must do a swift double take in order to tell my own girls apart.

Especially when they're dressed alike.

Andrew and Dagny, ring pillow and flower basket held carefully in their hands, went through the big doors.

Remember when Dagny dumped all of her petals out at Andrew and Brittany's wedding, before she even made it twelve inches down the aisle?

She nearly did it again. In her defense, the tiny basket held about fifteen petals. We'd cautioned Andrew not to mention any sudden jettisoning of petals on his cousin's part, lest she stop and attempt to pick them all up and start over.

She's conscientious. I like that. But at such a time, better to just roll with it, whatever transpires. Because petal-strewing is awesome but symbolic, and the placement of petals affects no outcome.

So sweet and so serious.

Then the momentous moment had arrived for dad and daughter.

The bride was being prepped for her entrance.

All was ready at the altar.

At zero hour, a flower decided it no longer wanted to be part of the bride's bouquet. She tossed it behind her. Who needs you? I can almost hear her thinking, as TG kindly offers to take it from her and stuff it into his pocket, if need be.

Well played, Erica.

Chad seemed pleased with the sight of his bride adorned to meet and marry him.

Smiles mingled with happy tears, all around the big room.

The bride was flanked by her father and her husband-to-be as Joel gave the charge to the couple.

Then TG kissed Erica on the cheek. Joel went to sit beside Melanie on the front pew, and TG took his place beside me.

Showtime, Sugar.

I asked Erica later how she managed those stairs without picking her dress up. She said she didn't know. I don't know either.

But she made it and pretty soon, there were vows and rings being exchanged.

A bird's eye view of the proceedings.

The kiss.

They signed their marriage license, Erica using her new legal name.

Andrew and Brittany sang A Love Until the End of Time.

And then the thing we'd all assembled to witness, was done.

This may be my favorite picture of the whole day. If I had to pick one. Which I don't.

Give me a little kiss, and I'll give it right back to you.

Everyone is so happy that the knot was tied and they're off the hook.

Audrey and Chris:

Stephanie and Wade:

Anna and Josh:

Joel and Melanie:

Allissa:

Dagny and Andrew:

Andrew and me:

Always be yourself, unless you can be a pirate. Then always be a pirate.

Stay tuned for more photographs of love, marriage, romance, relatives, and festive celebration, in a few days.

And that is all for now.

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Happy Wednesday

The Weddin' :: Part One

Dagny consistently called both weddings which took place in our family's extended matrimonial season this year -- each at the appropriate time -- The Weddin'.

When it was about Andrew and Brittany's nuptials, she referred to the various activities surrounding the event as simply The Weddin'.

Later, when it was Chad and Erica's turn, Dag's catch-all term was again (still) ... The Weddin'.

(This despite the fact that any time there is even a whiff of cake accompanied by an object encased in gift wrap, she really thinks it's a birthday.)

(Tonight we are attending a cookout at the lovely home of Chad's parents, to celebrate Chad's finishing his master's degree.)

(Dagny has heard there will likely, in addition to burgers and baked beans, be cake and presents. Chad's birthday is a month away but to Dagny, it's tonight.)

Ah well. One could make a worse mistake.

At any rate, here I give you the first wave of pictures of The Weddin' -- specifically, our most recent weddin'.

It was difficult to choose and yes, there are a lot. I'll keep commentary to a minimum. 

I will thank you not to snicker.

Here's how our church looked on the day. Clear and cloudless, warm and lovely it was. Click to embiggen, if you feel the need:

Here's how it looked inside the sanctuary:

Someday when I tell you the story of the few things that went wrong with Erica's wedding, I'll remind you of those hang-down lights.

But that's a blog for another day.

Here it is from the other direction, several hours pre-ceremony:

I made every pew decoration. Each one features more than two yards of tulle as well as several yards of pale-pink velvet ribbon, pink pearl trim, and green "ribbon" that looks like leaves on a vine.

With additional fluffy bows of pink and gold tulle, to tie the elements together.

Similar, but more elaborate, decorations were applied to the lampposts on either side of the gothic arch.

The lampposts each contained two gaslight-look bulbs that flickered like the real thing. The picture in no way does them justice. You'll have to take my word for it: The effect was stunning. Understated and mysterious.

There was symmetry -- the sine qua non of beauty -- and didn't our photographer capture that like a boss? Kudos and respect to the estimable Charlie Mather.

Our eldest granddaughter Melanie -- who along with her sister was a junior bridesmaid -- needed some visuals on her pew. I made five-by-sevens of each of the four children similar to the one you see on the left, with their names over a picture, to mark where they were to sit after proceeding down the aisle.

Melanie got some extra four-by-sixes of herself with Rambo, because he is a born therapy dog and his photographic presence comforted Melly.

She did astoundingly well in every aspect of her role in the wedding. We were so proud of her because no one knows what it's like for her in new, big situations among crowds of folks with whom she's not acquainted.

Side view:

At church each week, our family sit way over by that far window. I like to be near windows.

On the lobby table, I had put a few things I'd brought from home, to decorate the area where the "guest book" was situated.

These chunky glass flower-shaped tea light holders were purchased many years ago at Dollar Tree, to adorn the table at one of Erica's birthday parties. She loves the color green and she likes purple with green. I grabbed these out of the cupboard last-minute and I'm glad I did.

I put the words guest book in quotes above because it wasn't a book. It consisted of a sign (instructions), a small chest of vintage postcards, and a metal basket in which to place your postcard once you'd signed it.

The pens were Sharpies that Chad gave me last Christmas along with some stationery Erica had helped him to pick out for me.

Allissa helped Charlie by spraying water as he photographed the rings:

Isn't he a clever clogs?

Petals for Dagny and Allissa's bouquet (handmade by me):

The soon-to-be Mrs. Porter, putting the finishing touches on her bridal ensemble in a room where littles have Sunday School:

For her something old, something borrowed, and something blue -- that's three birds with a single stone, mate -- Erica wore a ring given to me by my mother when I was a teenager:

We're all about economy of effort.

Back in the ready-room, Dagny was getting antsy in anticipation of the weddin' action:

She loves her Aunt Erica beyond all capability of expression, and the adoration is reciprocated.

Once the ladies were primped to perfection, Charlie took it outside:

Left to right that's our dear friend Anna, maid-of-honor Audrey, Erica, and our eldest daughter Stephanie.

Their shoes were pink velvet!

Bevy of beauties.

Giving Eureka the once-over:

Our second and third daughters, Audrey and Erica:

The bride with junior bridesmaid Allissa, our second-eldest granddaughter:

All the lovely ladies of the party:

And again:

Melly got through by holding fast to her mama's hand. Love to Melly, eight days a week. Good job, baby girl.

And then there were some handsome gentlemen:

Chad (second left) with best man Chris (far left), his brother (and only sibling) Wade, and friend Josh.

The Brothers Porter, known sometimes within the family as Chadwick and Wadewick (just a bit of silliness):

Wade is an American hero: He serves as a Maritime Enforcement Specialist with the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Wilmington, North Carolina.

It is not lost on me that someone named Wade went into the Coast Guard. Just saying.

Moving on, here is a shot of our Chad hamming it up with friend Josh.

What, was the young man happy or something?

With best man and all-around good guy Chris:

All the fellows gathered around the cream-white 1961 Chevrolet Impala Bubble Top used as the getaway car:

The car belongs to Chad's father, Greg Porter.

Every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man:

Worth a second, closer, and even longer look:

Speaking of cute -- we were, weren't we?

The charming groom, love of Erica's life:

Mr. Porter with his sons:

A close-up of the dreamboat creampuff classic auto:

Vintage Chevy and romance. 'Murca.

Chad on his wedding day with his lovely mother Jane, she who I am privileged and delighted to call my friend:

I leave you for now with another shot of Allissa's impromptu portraiture in the bridal ready-room on the day:

I'm pretty sure those alien shapes flanking the bride and groom are meant to represent the aforementioned lampposts. Not easy to render artistically but Lissy performed admirably.

I'll share more in a day or two. I promise.

But that is all for now.

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All Photos: Charlie Mather Photography

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Happy Friday :: Happy Memorial Day Weekend

One is inclined to wonder

You'll have to trust and believe me when I say, I don't post this to make fun of anyone.

However.

I saw this at Walmart. Yes; I surreptitiously took a picture. With the intent of posting it for all the world to see.

If that offends you, do feel free to click on out. No hard feelings.

Apols but I couldn't get a shot of the red-felt-triangles razorback feature of the cozy costume.

Every attempt was made to be discreet and I didn't want to literally follow the green guy around. I may be eccentric but I am not desperate.

But consider: Even if I had followed him to get a shot of the red razorback, I figure if you don't want to be gawked at, why would you -- a grown man -- wear a bright green dinosaur onesie with the hood up, to shop for supplies on a humid eighty-six-degree day?

I leave you temporarily to ruminate this and other mysteries of the universe.

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Happy Wednesday

It takes two

I'm too busy to put up a full post today (I think) but here are a few charming wedding shots to (I hope) whet your appetite to see more.

Because later in the week, I will share more. Many more. 

Until then, I wish you love.

And that is all for now.

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Photo Credits: Charlie Mather Photography

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Happy Monday

Oh for a short squat coffee pot

Before this soon-to-be-sweltering summer-in-spring day gets too much further underway, I must break from my wedding tales to tell you about yesterday.

First let me say:

I hope your Mother's Day was as interesting, fun, productive, and love-filled as mine.

Our pastor pointed out that not everyone gets a warm, fuzzy feeling when it comes to Mother's Day. I'd fall somewhere on that spectrum but I do enjoy the holiday.

Naturally we went to Sunday services in the morning. Our church treats the mothers (maybe all ladies) to breakfast during the Sunday School hour.

Also naturally, I don't go to that.

I'd rather have my elongated breakfast (mainly coffee) time at home, and show up for the worship hour. And who's to argue? Not TG. So that's what we did.

Afterwards we wended homeward in the already-boiling 95-degree heat. And it's not even especially humid yet. I'm happy to report that a break in the weather is due to occur tomorrow, along with some rain.

I am looking forward to that. More humidity, okay, but less heat, also okay.

Audrey had planned a light lunch of salads and sandwiches with chips and salsa washed down with cold soft drinks, together with pies and cookies and of course, coffee with the dessert course.

Dagny has been feeling under the weather for several days. She had a mini-meltdown at the start of church, and TG had to take her out into the lobby to comfort her.

Upon returning to the family pew, she fell fast asleep on Uncle Andrew's shoulder. Audrey said she'd also fallen asleep that morning after being dressed for church and waiting for her mom to finish getting ready.

Audrey had been conflicted about whether to bring her to church at all, but her symptoms were more malaise-like than actual fever or upset-this-or-that or worse, so she came ahead, not wanting to miss Mother's Day.

When it was time for the little ones to go to Children's Church, Dagny woke up and said she was keen to attend. So she did, and she seemed fine an hour later when it was time to go home.

She rode with TG and me -- recently when she graduated into a bigger car seat, we bought one for our car when Audrey got a new one for her own -- and I heard her happily munching on goldfish crackers en route.

Normally we don't eat in Mamaw's car but I know she is careful, and I was glad that her appetite -- which has been AWOL for a few days -- was present enough to handle a snack.

When we got home however, and settled in, I got busy putting the finishing touches on an ambrosia pie and making fresh egg salad as part of our lunch spread.

When Audrey arrived, having gone home to change clothes, gather her supplies, and bring a change of outfit for Dagny, she wondered where the little one was.

I said I hadn't heard her voice in at least fifteen minutes, but as I'd been preoccupied, I assumed she was in the TV room playing with her toys.

Turns out she'd crawled up beside TG and fallen fast asleep on his shoulder. Three naps before lunchtime.

Hmmmm. Puzzling.

When lunch was served, however, she revived and seemed to feel better, and even ate a few bites. Child does love a get-together with presents. She thinks every other day is a birthday party.

At church again that night, Dagny's color was improved and her spirits appeared to be at near-normal Dagny-like levels. 

Even so, Audrey plans a wee trip to the pediatrician, just to be sure nothing major is amiss.

Meanwhile, we ate our salads and sandwiches and blue corn chips with chunky salsa, then had pie -- if you didn't want the homemade ambrosia, there was a Kenny's Key Lime -- and soft cookies brought by Chad and Erica, along with a fresh pot of coffee.

Then it was time for presents. Speaking of coffee, Erica got me the short, fat Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker I've been hankering after for a number of years.

I now have four, count them, four, Bodum Chambords in varying sizes from single-cup to make-a-pot-for-a-crowd. I love them all. The little rotund version is just so cute.

For the past few years I've been much enamored of a Secura double-walled stainless steel French Press that I found for a great price on Amazon.

But it's about to get a break because my new one is my new favorite. It will be pressed into service (pun intended) every morning for the foreseeable future.

Erica also gave me an oversized cake of scented soap (I love those) in gardenia fragrance, as she knows how partial I am to that flower.

Other gifts were just as charming. Audrey gave me a coffee table book about the department stores Goudchaux's and Maison Blanche, famous Baton Rouge retail establishments that I remember visiting with my own late Mamaw.

I can't wait to read it. Let it get as hot and humid as it wants; I have a reading spot in my sun room that's well-lit and cool.

Audrey and Dagny also gave me some dog stickers, with which to decorate my mail. I'm as partial to dogs as I am to gardenias and books and soaps and glass bottles and non-electric coffee pots.

Speaking of glass bottles, Andrew and Brittany gave me the darling Rae Dunn creation you see at the top of this post, and in the picture directly above. Brittany thought the decoration brought to mind a pirate tattoo. She is absolutely correct.

I have no ink but if I were ever tempted (to give you a vague idea of when that is likely to occur, pigs will fly first), that may be the design I'd choose.

But the kids know I love glass and isn't this cute with the bubbles still inside? I find it both awesome and awe-inspiring.

Stephanie had sent me some earrings tucked inside a card, along with a gift receipt because she worried that they were too big. Whaaaaat? I say, go big or go home.

The best thing I got was not presents but the presence of my children (three out of four is not bad) on Mother's Day, and the love of all four (plus my two handsome sons-in-law and my darling daughter-in-law) every day.

I hope that whatever Mother's Day brought you, you are well and happy and content as this new week begins.

And that is all for now.

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Happy Monday