As my daughter says "it's the little (and big) snafus that occur that make one's wedding memorable" and we all want that! My sister's celebration had it's share of challenges but it all went beautifully and everyone had a great time. First lttle glitch was when I was in the process of transporting the bride and matron of honor to their hair/makeup appointments in Grand Rapids when I had an unexpected shoe blowup. Old sandals decided this was the opportune moment for the sole to come apart. Trying not to upset the proverbial apple cart for the ladies I surreptitiously shuffled to keep the remaining piece intact as I escorted them back to the car. So far so good - drop them off at the hotel and remove the offending foot cover. However, snafu number two interrrupted my plan.
As we entered Muskegon proper I got a frantic call from the OH, who along with the groom, were picking up the flowers. Though I gave them a detailed list of items in the order I neglected to note the four white roses for the memorial and, of course, that is what the floral shop forgot to pack! My shoe was becoming more and more contrary but I had to stop at the flower shop to assure the entire Memorial did not have to be scrapped. Comically, I shuffled into the store praying the barely there shoe would not give up the ghost entirely. Apparently my anxiety was evident (I blamed it on a nervous bride) as the owner immediately replaced the roses, no questions asked. Though I teased the ladies by saying "sure glad I keep my handgun handy on my belt"- dead silence. People will believe anything when stressed. I was happy to turn the bride over to big Sis K to dress and entertain until the big event.
By the time I got to the party room, decorating was proceeding nicely according to my schematics, the cupcake display was being set up and a podium was draped and ready for action. Good lots of time to finish up, get dressed and head back for a few moments of peace before I start the proceedings. However, the photographer was at my elbow wanting to know where to set up and what shots I wanted, huh? What was further jarring is the fact that she said "I've never photographed people before". Those are words to ponder. Friend of the groom who was not terribly helpful at that point. Another funny thing. That evening there was a spectacular sunset out the windows that I wanted to frame the bridal couple in front of and was rounding up the photographer. However, apparently everyone lives on the east side of the State and had never seen a sunset before as there was a massive stampede to the dock to take pictures. I feared for the bride making it in one piece down the steps so I bellowed for clearance so she could land first. All the pictures people took were beautiful though.
As I was fussing so much with details and questions I barely had time to go back to the hotel and change, necessitating going back to the room twice for forgotten items. Again big Sis K took over the boutonnaire decorating on our nervous little ring bearer. With both hands full going back to the hall, I caught my high heel in a crack in the dock and almost took a header. Thank goodness for all the walking I do.Though I was clumsily flailing to the amusement of the folks having dinner on the dock, a crash was avoided.
The ceremony had its moments. Lined up and ready to go, we realized we were missing someone - the best man. I admit I ran out of tap dance routines trying to kill time before he showed. I actually asked the groom (who was sweating bullets) if he was going to be a no-show. I heard several theories on why he was late, but he got there and I led a thunderous round of applause to be sure he knew we knew. The ring bearer, my grandson, was so solemn coming down the aisle holding the box with the rings out in front of him. He had done research and rehearsed with Nana, so he was good to go, but very nervous. That moment was forgotten as he spent the rest of the evening on the dance floor leading the entertainment.
When it was time to light the unity candle, my little speech about the meaning went by-by as I was trying to be discreet in helping the trembling bride light her fire stick. The groom's burned out and had to be lit again to much hilarity. Then when both held their fires towards the middle candle, same issue so as soon as it caught, we went with it. After the "kiss for the ages" I introduced the couple as Marcia and Greg, last name unknown. The bride had not made up her mind yet or at least let me know.
The final faux pas was totally mine. The two things my ministerial training emphasized was 1) be sure the bridal couple clearly state their intentions (the I do's) and 2) be sure the license is duly signed and witnessed. Well poop. At 9:00 I realized I had not done number 2! (see the intentional pun there?) Fortunately the best man was still there though "not feeling any pain". I dragged him over and had him sign the license just in time as he left in the morning before the rest of us were up and around. Second close call the next morning with the Matron of Honor. I was going to wait until breakfast, but something told me to have her sign it before we left the hotel. Good thing as they got lost following our convoy to the restaurant and we never saw them again LOL. So I saved myself trips to Alabama and Indianapolis respectively.
All and all a memorable day and unmistakably Marcie and Greg's unique wedding story.
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