Weekend Re-cap

This weekend might have been the most I have ever been stressed about a wedding. I have never played so many parts in the planning and executing of a wedding. But it was such a blessing to be a part of. Everything turned out perfect. Alyssa was pleased with every aspect of her wedding. Here is how the celebrations started:

Thursday - We (the family and I) had manicures and pedicures. Then we had lunch at the country club. We received only half the flowers in the mail that day. We start panicking. My evening ends early. I go home and get laundry done.

Friday - I got a call from Kim (Mother of the Groom) that she would be at my house at 10:30 to pick me up for shopping. We were gonna replace the flowers that didn't arrive. That time got pushed back to 11, then 11:30, so I decided to ride my bike out there. After I got there, the rest of the flowers arrived. We continued to work on flowers, luminaires, etc. Then we all broke apart to get ready for the rehearsal. It was supposed to start at 7, however, I didn't get picked up until 7:20. We were late. The rehearsal was a typical rehearsal. Then we went to Manny's for the dinner. It was a fabulous mexican buffet. My friend Lynzie joined us after the eating. It was fun. We went back to the reception site(The groom's parents' home). We all visited for a while, then Lynzie and I went back to my house for a bit. I got in bed at 3 in the morning.

Saturday - The wedding day was frantic. I got over to the house to start working on the flowers. We worked until about 3 on the flowers. Then I started on the mother of the bride's hair. Then at 4:30 Danielle and I went over to the house where the bride, her sister and all the girls in the wedding were waiting for me to arrive and do their hair. I finished everyone at 6:20. I then had to get back to my house and shower, shave, and put my suit on. Needless to say, I was late. I spent too much time getting everyone else ready that I didn't have enough time to get ready. I got to the church at 7:05. It was supposed to start at 7. I walked into the back of the church. Had enough time to pose for a pic with the bride, then walked out to the piano and started playing. It all turned out perfect. It was hot though. The church was packed and the air conditioner couldn't keep up. It was a beautiful Episcopal service. After the wedding, we went to the reception where we had the best time. It was such a special celebration of two wonderful people. The bride and groom left at 1 in the morning, then the party dwindled until there were about 10 of us left at 5 in the morning. I went home and crashed.

Sunday - I woke up by 9, but wished I had been able to sleep a lot more. I had decided that I was not going to the "Day After Brunch." However, I went. They opened all their presents. We then went back to the groom's parents house and swam until 11 that night. It was fun.

It was so nice being a part of this weekend. I loved the feeling of the family being so close. My heart ached a little as I wished that I my family was just as close. I loved being a part of the weekend, but at the same time, I had a sense of jealousy, too! I will post some pics when I get them.

Last night I finally had the emotional melt-down that I was in dire need of for the last few weeks. My brother, Eric, called me. He made sure that I knew that I had his support in my life. We always shared a room growing up. But, it hasn't been until the last few years that Eric and I have built a friendship. His encouragement was received at the most perfect time! I cried and cried all evening long. I went to bed by 9. When I woke this morning, my eyes were so swollen from crying. But, the emotional relief is fantastic.

I have a meeting with the pastor of my parents' church today. Last Tuesday, he came into my office to speak with me. He wants me to start going to church. However, I have great reservations about going to church where my parents attend. I don't think we are able to. Their beliefs and mine are different. So I don't want to attend somewhere if I can't be my honest self. And, I don't think that is a possibility if I go to church where my parents go. I realize the importance of church to them, so I had rather just step away. So, needless to say, I am nervous about the meeting.

Well, I better get some work done! Hope everyone has a fantastic day!