Rehearsal and Rehearsal Party

We arrived back at the church a few minutes before 5:00. The preachers, Rev. Roger and Rev. Robin were there. Aunt Linda (wedding director) and Uncle George, Aunt Gwen (Pianist) and Uncle Pell, Mom Shirley, Dad, Brian and Elliott and Melissa had all arrived. Shortly, Greg, Uncle Bud, Barbara and Stephanie all arrived.

Aunt Linda whipped us all into shape in no time flat. With such a small wedding party, the rehearsal didn't take that long. We ran over the service a few times and then listened to Uncle Bud sing and Aunt Gwen play. Barbara and Stephanie were working diligently to get the decorations done while we rehearsed.

Then it was time to head to the rehearsal party. All of my Dad's side of the family graciously hosted the dinner for us. It was perfect. The weather cooperated fully - it was clear and cool enough for me not to be "glowing".

Everyone visited and had refreshing drinks until the ribs were done. Aunt Penny and Uncle Bill have converted the old shed behind their house into a fabulous open shelter perfect for entertaining. All the guests gushed over how neat it was and I heard several people making plans to do something similar at their own homes. Almost all of my cousins from both sides were there along with all of our wonderful friends who were graciously sharing their talents to make our day special.

Shortly it was time to chow down. The family had barbecued their delicious ribs and cooked baked beans and hash brown casserole and fixed cole slaw. Oh my! The food was outstanding. Dessert consisted of assorted cookies and brownies. I, however, had more ribs, hash browns, beans and slaw for dessert. Everyone laughed and ate and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was perfect and exactly as Dave and I had pictured it would be.

After the rehearsal party, Dave and I went back to the church to stay with Barbara and Stephanie while they continued decorating the church. The needed to get as much done as possible in order be able to spend Saturday arranging flowers. We had a good time singing and decorating together. We finished up shortly before midnight just in time for Dave and I to exchange our gifts and spend a few minutes together before midnight. Dave gave a pair of beautiful diamond earrings! I had not expected such an extravagant gift. I had found a special poem for Dave that Mom wrote out in calligraphy on pretty paper and we had it framed. A much less extravagant gift but just as heart-felt.

Dave took me back to Mom's house and then he headed home for the night. Mom had waited up for me to come home. She and I went over our schedule for the morning and then we both headed to bed. I slept relatively well. Dave said the cats kept him up a good bit. Before I could blink, it was 8:00 on our wedding day and time to get up.