PRE -WEDDING --Working on last minute details for the wedding. Did not know it was going to be that hard locating - red vase, fire lighters, 8 1/2"x 11" decorated letterhead and certificate holders which by the way so-called stationary stores (think Hallmark) do not know what a certificate holder, portfolio or business size letterhead are. I keep getting that "deer in the headlights" look this week. I also got the blank stare and total confusion at the bank when I asked for some blank check registers. Ok the people at these places are young, but come on. I am requesting "paper" at a stationary store and bank documents at a bank. The bank teller literally did not know what a checkbook was and thought I wanted a spreadsheet. Huh? Yes, I know that office supply stores have the "paper" but they always want to sell you a bundle rather than just one. I now have the bundle.
The fire lighters story is a whole other adventure. I needed something to light the unity candle with as I am utterly hopeless using those "lighter-thingees". I can light the outer candles (with matches), but the Bride and Groom need the long sticks to light the middle candle in a more elegant manner. The OH suggested a fireplace shop would have fire-lighters which they did. But first I wanted to check out the "Rosary Shop" as I also was looking for a cross necklace. The friendly proprietor said "Good news, I have the sticks. Bad news they come in boxes of 500." I said I would have to hustle up a heck of a lot more business.
His suggestion, though, was I liberate a couple from a church. Aside: in Catholic churches there is always a corner with candles that folks can light for a special intentions, with lighting sticks. "What? Rip off a church". He said no, no, make a donation. Oh yeah, they have little boxes with the candles for a good faith donation. Long story short-St Gerards got a couple of bucks and I got my fire sticks (I did wear my mask to be a little more discreet-LOL). Another interesting happening at the Rosary shop after the proprietor ascertained what church I attended. His phone rang while I was there and, not making this up, it was the priest from my church! My little liberation plan was not divulged however.
Scripts are written and rewritten as humorous ideas keep popping in my head but I am mindful of the 4:15 bar opening. My thought is, if I keep it interesting they will forgive any time overruns. Along with the polka DJ the VP of Brunswick is now attending so maybe a bowling reference is in order...
POST WEDDING -- Well we all suvived the wedding and Mr and Mrs Schmeling are an established unit though it was touch and go for awhile. Not sure I can report it all without writing a book, so I will relay a couple of thoughts and continue on next week's blog. It's been a long weekend and I am very behind on my step count not to mention feeling all of my 69 years. Suffice it to say, I was not only minister but also dubbed wedding planner, which meant all questions and actions fell on my head. Others helped. Music was thankfully in the capable hands of my son-in-law, the cupcake table was magnificent, Sister K took care of the bride after I delivered her coiffed and beautiful, the OH and daughter relayed my orders calmly; but the crown of responsibility weighs heavy - LOL. My five minutes of quiet time to prep my thoughts for the service went by the wayside as I ended up having to tap-dance and improvise for 10 minutes due to a snafu with a key player.
Quick thoughts --- lovely, touching, frantic, heartfelt, oopsie moments and a whole lotta' shakin' going on. With no microphone I had to actually SPEAK UP which shocked the OH as he is always saying "What?" & claiming I mumble-not Saturday however. Several people danced their shoes off, literally and grown up people were following my grandson Joe's dance move directions -see pic.
In my "little" speech for the couple I mentioned all marriages are different and the rules are written for and by that couple regardless of what the rest of the world says. For instance going to bed angry IS an option so you can get enough sleep to continue the argument or.... make up. I advised the bride to throw a frozen burrito in the microwave & make dinner once in a while and to the groom I said everytime we are talking to our sister it is not all about him, well sometimes.
For some reason people totally missed the table RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DOOR that held the guest book and the elaborate programs I had put together. I don't know about you, but I like a playbook at an event so I can get the gist of how long and how many pieces and parts are in play before it's over.
The memorial for the parents (thanks for the idea Sue W) went very well, with a few minor "oh snaps" . I think I managed both respect and humor in memory of the Sweet and Schmeling families. My daughter lit the candles to invite them into the celebration and grandsons came up as a name was read and a little anecdote was shared for each. No tears as we are about to celebrate a wedding! I think we hit the right note.
Coming attractions -- shoe failure, missing flowers, best man snafu, cutest ring-bearer, unity candle miscalculations, fun with photos, near disaster on the dock, name game, license challenge. Hopefully you can't wait until I explain all that. I always say it's the flaws that make the wedding and also the best and most unique memories-we had our share.
Notwithstanding the importance of the bride and groom at the event, Joe turned out to be the belle of the ball nixing heading back to video games at the hotel with the other kids to hanging out with, and dancing with, all the ladies. He's going to be trouble....
No comments:
Post a Comment