Wedding

It's done and dusted. What a weekend! 

Love and connection and amazing memories. Having the hotel as the venue meant we were with "our people" for every minute of the stay. 

We were spread thin -- but we filled every waking moment being with our friends and family. It's such a beautiful reminder of the people in our lives and we have so many incredible people that span decades. Having them in one space, sharing time together -- it's the best feeling.

There were "moments" though, but I won't give them more attention. Stress does stuff to people and that was a disappointing that it continued for the weekend. And the bride's mother is a handful to say the least. She was in full bloom for the weekend. The bride's father and his younger, professional model wife (hah) were a delight though and we had the best time with them. 

Anyway -- picture time. I'll be selective because of the bots, but here are a few.

Morning after. Girls from MY wedding party.
My aunt and uncle who did the photography
for MY wedding. All in one space, 32 years later. 

Our lifetime friends -- our table at the wedding.

Incredible fun dancing

Me and hubs, my eyes closed
though - bummer

Me and MY wedding girls
back together again.

We're ready for pictures.
I did fake eyelashes for the
first time.

Ran into my boys stopping for coffee
on the way to our hair appointment -- groom on left.

Rehearsal dinner set up.
The event just as we planned.
Speech was a success too.

Our DIL looked AMAZING. It was one of the most beautiful gowns I've seen -- no pictures because of bots (dang). Their first dance was elegant, romantic, and so special. They had smiles all night long. I can't wait to see their formal pictures. 

We were boots-on-the-ground parents so we had SO MUCH cleanup, pack up duties post wedding. We have vendor returns today too. Car was packed with not an inch to spare. We thought we might need to make 2 trips.

The universe gave me a little thank-you though. Found a last slice of wedding cake in the freezer of the bridal sweet when we were cleaning up (I love wedding cake) and got the bride's bouquet to bring home. My bouquet for the wedding was leftover scraps that were mostly dead (not wilted, DEAD) while the mother's was big and lush (one of many examples of her "kindness" to me). Seriously, no exaggeration. But I got flowers to enjoy for days -- bride didn't want it preserved and she can't eat cake with gluten. (I'm not being an evil MIL lol.)

I love them

I can't believe they are still
so fresh.

Couldn't wait for a fork.
I didn't share lol.

Now it's time to start closing week for the new house as I recover from gluten filled cake, little sleep, tons of socializing, and blood blisters from dancing in heels. All worth it though. Later gators.