Wedding

I had planned on having the guys (10 in total) come over this evening in order to try everything on and make sure that everything fit and was sent. So it was important that the kilts make it before the guys arrive. While waiting around for the kilt delivery my necklaces were delivered. I had them custom-made by a friend from dogoforum.com (Gigi) with materials that I had picked out over the last year. They looked fantastic!

Since I now had all of the pieces for my attendants’ gifts, I assembled them while I waited. I made them t-shirts (that I gave to them at the bridal shower and they wore for the bachelorette party) and monogram tote bags. In the bags I put the necklaces (and a pair of earrings if they had pierced ears), some handmade soap (from Behle at dogoforum.com), and some bath salts. The flower girls also received a My Little Pony and my Junior Bridesmaid received a journal.

I then sat around and waited. I constantly checked the weather forecast (it was kind of cloudy all day), fretted about not getting everything done, thought about what I was possibly forgetting, but most of all, I worried about when the kilts would arrive. Finally Chris came home and eased my mind by calling the rental place (www.kiltrentalusa.com) himself and he actually got a hold of the owner.

The kilts had been sent the Thursday before, but since the owner was out of the office, we had to wait for him to get back into the office to send us the tracking number (I really wish they had done that in the first place, so I would have known exactly when they’d be arriving). So then I waited some more. I finally got sick of waiting and called him myself (over an hour later and he was supposedly “on his way” to his office). I got the tracking number only to find out that the kilts wouldn’t be arriving until the next day. Dangit! We called everyone and told them not to worry about coming over that night.

The rest of the evening we spent relaxing together. I watched the fall TV premieres and went online looking for photographs that I wanted to show my first photographer.

Later as I folded laundry, Janelle (Chris’ mom) called and told me that my dress was done! I was so excited that as soon as I was finished folding the laundry I went over to try it on. The dress fit perfectly. It looked fantastic and was exactly what I was hoping for. I’m not going to lie, I was a little worried about how it would look in pictures, but at this point I was just glad the dress was done (for those who don’t know, the dress wasn’t started until the week before). I stuck around and helped put the eyelets in the attendant dresses and we chatted and she made the purse that I had pieced together. I had to pick up April, my Maid of Honor, from the train station at 4:00am so I wasn’t planning on going to bed until I picked her up, but I couldn’t find anything else to do so I headed home.

I woke up early this morning and noticed sun coming in the windows and that it is 7:30am. Panic! It should not be light out, why didn’t April call me? What happened?! No way did it take her train that long to arrive. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach as I picked up my cell phone and confirmed my suspicions, it was completely dead. Swell, fantastic, I felt like the biggest jerk in the entire world.

Once I got it plugged in I had two voicemail. The first was April telling me she’d be arriving in about 10 minutes and the second telling me that she got a hold of her mom for a ride and that she’d talk to me in the morning. At least she was nice enough to leave that second one. I know I probably would have been so pissed when my ride didn’t arrive, I’d let them sweat a little. I went back to bed for a while longer.

This was the first day where I knew I’d be running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I was too excited to sleep very late, so I got up and wandered around the house. I did some internet-ing (weather check-current: sunny and nice, Friday: rain, Saturday: rain in am), organized, cleaned, and figured out what I’d need to do during the day.

I was just about to sit down at my desk when I spotted the FedEx van out the window. My flowers had arrived! I didn’t even open the box to look at them because I had to bring them to Chris’ parents to work on them. I had to shower and get ready beforehand and by the time I was done with that it was about noon. I packed up my car and gave Chris strict instructions on what he was to do during the day (laundry and wait for the kilts. He got one of the things right at least but the laundry is still waiting).

When I got to Chris’ parents I took out all the flowers (200 roses in red, orange, and ivory), trimmed them in water and placed them in buckets. Then I opened the greenery box and got what I knew was coming but hoped wasn’t. I asked for four different kinds of greenery, well, they sent us two. Not only that, but they sent two kinds that I didn’t even ask for. Luckily they were nice (including green Hypericum berries) and my florist was able to work with them.

After doing all the trimming I went on a voyage to find 100 mini pumpkins. My first stop was a farmers market in Fargo where I found 18. Crap. I headed a few miles out of town to Glyndon, MN where I found 10. That isn’t even close! So I left with a suggestion and 72 pumpkins less than I wanted. I headed down the street to a landscape place and thankfully they had an entire bucket of mini pumpkins! The gentleman came outside and I asked him what he’d take for the entire bucket. He gave me one for free out of 30. I still need to learn how to barter apparently. He was a nice guy and gave me a gift also, not to mention a bucket to carry them all in, and me, satisfied with my 50 mini pumpkins, I headed back into town.

On the way I remembered that my aunt had told me the evening before that my cloak was ready to go, so I quickly stopped to try it on and pick it up (it looked AWESOME!). Then my cell rang and it was Chris. The kilts had arrived! He was going through them as we spoke. I told him I’d be home very soon and hung up. I still had to stop at Target to get cards to go in my attendants gifts, which I did, and then finally headed home.

I arrived at home to find Chris knee deep in kilts, ghillies, and various other kilt wearing accessories. Immediately we begin calling all the men to see if they can come over a little early (they were already planning on coming over for Chris’ bachelor party) and we began the process of getting everything on Chris. I had a sinking feeling as we found his complete outfit. I was planning on purchasing everything for Chris, but we never ended up finding shoes (Ghille Brougues) or a belt and buckle to purchase. I had talked to the rental place and mentioned we’d need both, but forgot to confirm that we truly did need a belt and buckle, though the shoes were sent. Chris doesn’t have a belt or buckle! We called up Justin (groomsman) who wears kilts and plays bagpipes to see if he has any extra, which he does, but none that will match well.

Soon all the guys began arriving and all hell broke loose. I went over exactly what to do and Justin (AKA Resident Kilt Expert) helped them put them all on properly. We hit a few minor snags, like Richard, the Best Man, didn’t get any flashes for his outfit (the little flags of fabric that attach to the socks) and some of the guys were a little snug in the socks area, but that is about it. We decided to just switch flashes and Richard could wear Chris’ dad’s for pictures and the ceremony.

All the guys were really excited to be wearing kilts, I was amazed. Then it happened, Justin asked about the sgian dubh (skeean-doo, dagger) that they are supposed to wear in their socks. I had told the rental place we wouldn’t need them because, unbeknownst to the guys, they were getting swords for their gifts. Well, I couldn’t exactly tell them that, since they wouldn’t be getting them until the rehearsal dinner, but yeah, they were all pretty darn disappointed they didn’t get the daggers.

Then my dad came up with the idea that he should wear the sword that belonged to my great great great grandfather, and of course, he is really excited about this idea. I totally wasn’t expecting my dad to want a sword so I didn’t get him one! Crap crap, he was so excited that I had to think of a way to get him one. A little back-story: Chris had spent the last three months pouting because he wasn’t getting the one thing that he really wanted, yet all the groomsmen were. Well, he didn’t realize that I had one hiding at my office (I even made him clean up the ones for the guys, and he was pouting and he said “Come on, you really did get me one right?” I made him count them and yes, there was only enough for the guys.) I decided to give the sword in hiding to my dad if the place I bought the belt and buckle had a sword in stock, but I’d have to wait until later to call.

We figured everything with the kilts out and the boys began planning the evening for Chris’ bachelor party. They started out with dinner at Hooter’s and then had a rented limo pick them up at 9:00pm and bar hopped until the wee morning hours.

Typical Chris, he has hot sauce all over his face and hands

Of course he needs one with all the girls!

I don’t know if he drank the entire thing by himself, but he did drink most!

Chris can’t hula hoop sober, try it after a few beers, that’s a good idea!

My dad and little brother Joe (groomsman) hung around for a little bit. Joe was nice enough to then drop my dad off and go pick up my other brother Ryan (groomsmen) who hadn’t made it yet to try on his kilt. While Joe went to do that I went to pick up April (you know, the Maid of Honor I left stranded at the train station?). During the drive I called the kilt place in Minneapolis and left a message for them explaining what I needed and to please call me as soon as they got in.

It was raining by this time, quite a bit in fact. I picked her up and we went back to my house. Ryan and Joe came over and Ryan tried his kilt on without any trouble and then they both left. Soon another bridesmaid, Lindsey, came over and April and Lindsey went to work on carving the 50 mini pumpkins while I made veggie chili for April and I. I also had to finish tying programs, which only took a few minutes.

Once we were all done, we decided to take my dad up on his offer of going to Karaoke with him at the VFW. We sang Simon and Garfunkle “Mrs. Robinson” (I blame Lindsey, it’s the only one she knew enough. I wanted to sing Cecilia), Beastie Boys “Fight for Your Right”, Nancy Sinatra “These Boots are Made for Walkin’”, and Queen “Bohemian Rhapsody”. It was a good time.

We left at about 1:00 am only to discover that I had a voicemail from Heath, one of Chris’ friends and bachelor party attendees.

“Jaci this is Heath. I just wanted to let you know that we have Chris and he’s, well, he’s in a shape. He’s asking about you. Just wondering when you would be home, if you could, call Richard or my cell phone.” So I called him back with a laugh and told him I’d be home in about a half an hour. Heath: “But he’s asking about you.” Again, laugh, “I imagine he would be, but I didn’t put him in that state so you guys can take care of him.” We stopped at another place to visit April’s mom before heading home. Once there, boy was Chris in a state (over the toilet). To spare his embarrassment, I won’t go into details, but we were in that bathroom until 3:30 am or so.

Richard had tried walking home (he doesn’t drive at all) but got all the way there to discover that he had left his keys at our house (so he hoped). He got back to our house dripping wet and couldn’t find them, so he ended up sleeping on our loveseat. Poor Richard, he isn’t exactly a short guy, so I don’t imagine he was very comfortable, but my Maid of Honor was already crashed on the couch.

Rehearsal day!

After such a long night we all took our time waking up. I was woken up around 9:30 by a phone call from the kilt shop in Minneapolis. He wasn’t sure they had anything in stock, but he was going to call me back after he found out what was on the truck (they had just gotten back from a Renaissance Festival). Suffice to say, after Chris’ exciting night; he stayed in bed for a bit longer than I. What made it even worse is that he asked me to find his cell phone. Well, I searched and searched and it was nowhere to be found. Chris thought it might be in the limo, but he wasn’t sure, nor did he know the company they rented the limo from. Richard was about as incoherent as Chris was the night before, and he spouted out two different limo companies. I called them both, the first told me it wouldn’t have been their company, and the second didn’t answer the phone.

I spent the greater part of that morning fretting about where Chris’s cell phone was, not to mention the fact that Richard hadn’t located his keys yet. One good thing came out of the morning, the kilt shop called me back and while they didn’t have anything new in stock, they had a display model Claymore Highland Sword that had a little rust and no scabbard. The best thing was that he’d sell me it for half off. Thank goodness, because the original price was $325! So with that taken care of, I sat in bed and wrote all my thank yous to my attendants. At this point Chris was moving around and becoming coherent. I finally made him get up to find his own darn cell phone, and after about an hour he was able to locate the limo company and confirm that yes, Chris’s phone was in the limo (along with some of his stomach contents) but sadly, no keys.

After that both April and Richard woke up (ironic that our Maid of Honor and Best Man both ended up staying with us that night?) and we began to get ready for the day. Sarah, my bridesmaid, also showed up very soon after, and Andrea, my florist, called and told me she was on the way. Sarah, April, and I began to gather things up and organize them according to the site the stuff would be going to. At this point it is raining and dreary out, so I knew the rehearsal would for sure be indoors (I actually knew that from the get-go, the weather for Friday had been forecasted for ten days to have a 70% chance of rain all day).

Once Andrea arrived we began loading everything into three cars, mine, Sarah’s, and Andrea. Andrea had agreed to be my ceremony site coordinator, so she took everything we’d need for the ceremony site in her car, I put the kilts and my attire, along with gifts for the wedding party and family into mine, and the reception stuff went into Sarah’s. Finally, at around 1:00pm we left for Chris’ parent’s house, after a quick pit-stop at Taco Bell for lunch.

At his parent’s house, we unloaded all the flowers (the centerpieces weren’t done due to not having the Styrofoam balls needed) and other flower paraphernalia, all the attire, and a few odds and ends, and the ladies set to work on flowers and centerpieces. I had Chris’ dad try on his kilt (perfect fit!) and then I had to RUN (okay, drive really fast) home in order to shower, shave, and change before my manicure and pedicure appointment. How I managed to do all of that in 45 minutes I will never know, but my shower, even though I shaved, only took 15 minutes.

My manicure and pedicure was at 3:00pm at my gym/spa which is about 10 minutes from where I live. I arrived on time and while I waited for her to prep the room, I made a few phone calls. I still needed to stop at my office to pick up the my camera for the photo guest book and sword for my dad and I realized I’d have absolutely no time to do this between my spa time and the rehearsal (scheduled at 5:00pm). I called my mom originally to see if she could come and pick it all up for me (she was already picking up Chris’ surprise groom’s cake) but she wasn’t sure she’d have time since she still needed to buy some shoes. I’m then ushered into the room and while the manicurist begins my manicure I’m on the phone with Sarah (have I mentioned she’s an awesome bridesmaid?). The girls were done with centerpieces and Sarah was working on stripping roses, so she would be able to come and pick up my keys and then stop at my office.

Trying to work out my ribbon bouquet.

I don’t know what we are laughing at.

After the rehearsal we all headed to the Dilworth Train Depot (Dilworth is the town I grew up in, it began due to the railroad. Yes, there is a train engine and caboose on main street in Dilworth, complete with a depot) for the dinner. Chris’ mom (and grandma who was in the Ukraine during the wedding) had made foods traditional to their family. The menu was Pigs in a Blanket (ground beef wrapped in cabbage with tomato sauce), perogies (with some vegetarian ones for Justin, Matt, and I), Swedish Meatballs, Jell-O salads (four kinds!), fleischkuekle, and strawberry rhubarb punch.

The first thing we did when we arrived is I presented Chris with his Darth Vader cake.

His reaction:

The cake:

He loved it and the baker did a pretty good job on it.

Then, when everyone arrived, Janelle (Chris’ mom) explained all the food and we began to eat. The food was really good, but I had gifts in my car waiting to be brought in, and I was too excited to eat much. After everyone had a good start, I went to my car and started carrying things in. I tell you, it’s not easy carrying in eight swords (one was already inside) wrapped in a poncho! I did eventually make it, and then finished assembling the last few gifts and cards (parents and my grandma). We presented the grandparents gifts first (necklace, book, and an engagement print), then the parents gifts (necklaces, gun cleaning kit, and woodworking books), then I gave out my ladies their tote bags with necklaces and Chris presented the swords. After all the guys got theirs I went and gave my dad his (Chris was oblivious to the fact that there were nine swords and not eight, like I made him count.) Once the gifts were all given out and people were admiring their stuff, I went to Sara’s car with her to get Chris’s belt, buckle, and sword.

Now, keep in mind, I hadn’t seen this sword yet. I had no idea what it looked like other than what I saw on the website. So when Sara had to get the sword out of the trunk in order to open the trunk, I was completely surprised. The sword was almost as tall as me. I propped that thing behind my back and sent Sara in before me to turn Chris around. I walked up to him and presented him it and I can’t tell you how excited and surprised he was!

Together, you can see how big it is! (Chris is 6′ for comparison):

With Lily, our flower girl

Everybody was really impressed, and Chris couldn’t quite understand how I made it happen. I told him about getting it from the place in Minneapolis. He didn’t realize that I had a sword for him the entire time until I told him my original plan, then he was really happy knowing that I had a sword for him the entire time and I kept the secret for so long. Chris was mighty pleased.

My mom and little brother:

My dad and I:

After the unveiling we planned what was to occur that night. All of my ladies were spending the night at Sarah’s apartment (originally I wanted this at my house, but her teeny apartment had two bedrooms and two baths with plenty of sleeping space) but April and I needed to pick up some groceries still, her for snacks for the evening, and me for the Sunday Brunch, which my dad was paying for. When the guys were done cleaning up the room we all left, I picked up my dad, and we headed to the grocery store.

Grocery shopping was relatively uneventful, though we did go to the store by where I used to live, so I ended up seeing some people from high school that I really had no interest in talking to (as awful as I am, I tried my best to ignore her, and she didn’t say anything, thank goodness, or I never would have gotten out of there). We dropped my dad and all the food off at my grandparent’s house, and after checking the weather (Saturday’s forecast changed so much over the course of the two days beforehand, it was ridiculous, now it just said “Rain”) April and I headed to my house. I was originally planning on packing my overnights bag (I needed it for Friday night and THEE night) before the mani/pedi but ran out of time. Finally, once that was over and done with, we headed to Sarah’s apartment.

Not everyone was there when we arrived, but we got our sleeping arrangements situated and got comfortable. We had a lot of fun that night, we put in The Wedding Singer, ate some snacks, painted toe and fingernails, and had girl talk. It was a nice way to say good bye to my single days. I of course, had forgotten some things (particularly the 911 kit for us) so I had Sadia (junior bridesmaid) call Chris and tell him to have some things ready for Jess (personal attendant) to pick up the next morning. Everyone was beginning to slow down by about midnight, but we stayed up and watched the Pop Culture trivia show on VH1 while some girls showered and I printed off some signs that I never got around to doing (and checked the weather again, now with wind in the forecast).

Sadia, me, and Selia

Goofing around with Chris’ kilt (since I almost forgot it!)

It was a wee bit big on Sadia

I finally fell into bed around 1:00am but I was sleeping with April so we stayed up giggling for another hour before she drifted off. I was too excited to sleep so I didn’t actually fall asleep until probably around 3:00am, and when I did, it wasn’t very good sleep. I kept listening to the wind and hoping it would die down, since the rain had actually stopped.

The Big Day!

I woke up around 7:00am and looked out the window. The good news was that it wasn’t raining, the bad was that it had recently stopped and now it was a bit windy and quite overcast. I lay back down and tried to sleep again with only minor success, until April woke up and asked me how I slept. We stayed in bed for a little bit, until my phone’s alarm went off at a little after 8:00am. I could hear Sarah out in the living room moving around so I decided it was time for me to get up. Of course the first thing I did was check the weather, rain was forecasted for a few hours throughout the afternoon. Sarah got on the phone with the local radio station to see what their forecast was and all they could say was 50/50 chance of rain and wind gusts up to 25mph. Great Grand Wonderful. Chris and I had decided the night before that if it wasn’t raining by 11:00am that we would stick it out and keep it outside, but wind would bring us inside very fast. The radio station said that they’d have an updated weather forecast at 10:30 so I decided to wait until then to make a decision.

Everyone was beginning to stir at this point (Courtney had no choice, as Sarah and I jumped on her because we are evil) and I hopped in the shower just to clean off and shave the part on my leg that I missed (it was a big part). I tried to not get my hair wet, but it didn’t work completely, because whoever used the shower before didn’t push the shower thing down (April!) so the first thing I got was water all over my head. Ooops!

Once the showers were done everyone kind of started to run around. Okay, actually, there wasn’t a whole lot of running around, it was pretty relaxed. We were doing fine for time, the one thing that was forgotten was being taken care of by Jess (personal attendant) so it was a relatively inactive morning. Some of the ladies had to run home for forgotten things of their own, but those of us scheduled at 10:00am were out the door by 9:45am. We walked into the salon (MJ Capelli) at 10:02am approximately and they immediately whisked us away.

Soon my photographer arrived and began snapping pictures. It was so good to see her; she’s expecting her second child now!

I spent most of the time on the phone:

Sarah

Because Sarah has short hair, she was the first one done, and since the radio station’s number was on her phone, she was in charge of calling them to find out the updated forecast. She did and it wasn’t pretty. They told her exactly what they said earlier, 50/50 chance of rain and windy. Now I had to make my decision. I always said we’d stick it out for the rain; rain wouldn’t bother us, but wind; now wind would bring us indoors. Wind does not make for pretty pictures. That combined with the fact that the ground was probably all muddy from the two days prior of rain, I made the decision to move indoors.

The Decision is made:

Sarah getting ready to make the phone calls:

I called Chris to see if he was okay with it, and though he was definitely disappointed (and rightly so) he agreed it was probably for the best (he also then called all the rest of the vendors, since I didn’t have any of their contact numbers with me). I called the Avalon (reception location) to let the coordinator know we had decided to move it indoors, and Chris’ mom (since his dad was setting up the PA), and finally my mom. After that I gave my guest list to Sarah (again, awesome bridesmaid!) and she began calling the guests that I had numbers for (most of them) and since my girls were prepared (way more than I!) they had made a sign the night before at the slumber party to put up at Trollwood to direct guests to the Avalon, just in case. Once April was done with her hair, Sarah and she went to put the signs up and drop some of April’s stuff off at her boyfriend’s parents.

I went through my phone and called more people whose numbers weren’t on my guest list while I waited for the rest of the ladies to get their hair finished. Hair took a bit longer than I was expecting. For whatever reason Chris’s sister Sara was there the entire time waiting, and even though Courtney walked in way after them (Sara was there with us!), she went before Sara, so Sara was done last, along with Sadia. I’m completely satisfied with the job the stylists did though, everyone’s hair looked fantastic!

My finished product:

Taco Johns on the salon floor?

Jess (personal attendant) stopped by Taco Johns on the way to the salon, so the flower girls ate on the floor of the salon, and the rest of us headed down to Subway (about two doors down) to grab some subs. I had to go to the hotel to drop off my car (they couldn’t check me in because they didn’t have a room with a queen bed yet) and Jess and I headed to the Avalon where we were to get ready. Now, Chris was under strict instructions that he was not to see me before the “first glance” photos, and I told him we were on our way. So who do I see standing outside the door when we pull into the parking lot? That’s right, Chris! As soon as he saw me he covered his eyes very quickly. He was helping his dad carry stuff in (later I asked him about it and he said his dad asked him for help. Well come on honey, you have eight guys upstairs, why couldn’t they have helped?!). We made him wait around with his eyes covered while we carried in the one box we had.

Once upstairs I ate my sub far too quickly (I felt really gross afterward) and everyone started organizing makeup. We had to jump back and forth between our dressing room and the bathroom, because there were no mirrors in the dressing room, so someone was always on the lookout for Chris. All the ladies squeezed into the three stall bathroom (really nice, but only two mirrors!) and we did our make up. I did mine first, and then Jess helped both Sarah and Sara do theirs. It reminded me a bit of the scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, just not as hectic.

Sadia

Me

Helping Lindsey

Sara, me, and Sadia

Once the makeup was applied it was time for dressing! The ladies put their dresses on while I put my undergarments on and then we moved into a room with more room and better lighting and all my ladies helped me put my dress on. This was the first time any of them had seen the dress, and for the first time, I was wearing it and I felt incredibly beautiful and comfortable, like a princess bride! My dress was perfect.

Undergarments

Flower girls

Jewelry

Dress!

All on!

Having issues with the undergarment

When all the ladies were in their dresses, we got out the ribbon and they formed a train and laced each other up. I cannot put into words how fantastic everyone looked. The dresses were perfect, they flattered each and every figure, and everyone just looked beautiful! Chris’ mom came in around this time and I got to see the dress she made for herself (she made mine and all the ladies’ dresses also). She told me she had been up until 4:00am finishing it because she had to restart it.

Tying up loose ends:

The ribbon line:

Garter

My fears were realized. While dressing we had heard some honking and voices outside below us (we were on the second floor) so I had a feeling the guys were outside and for a fleeting second I wondered if they were walking somewhere. I. Was. Pissed.

So I’m in the room ranting and raving (my only bridezilla moment, I swear!), trying to sit down, and just waiting for the guys to come back. FINALLY there is news that they will be back in a few minutes. So I waited. And waited. And waited. I got sick of waiting so I told Courtney (bridesmaid) to go get Chris and tell him he has to get to the front of the room in two seconds or else. I knew Courtney would be the one to take care of it. I took the time to explain to my photographer what I wanted. I wanted him facing the front of the room so that when I tapped him on the shoulder he would turn around and see me, and I wanted the room cleared. She left for the room; I’m nervous but excited.

This is what the guys did while we were getting ready:

Dad and brothers

Justing, a GM

Coming back from the bar

I got the “go ahead” so I grabbed my bouquet and headed out of the room. All of the guys were standing in the lobby area looking so handsome in their outfits, but I’m just concentrating on not looking pissed so the photos turn out. By the time I see Chris standing there with his back to me I totally forget everything and everyone. I just grab him and turn him around and we gave each other a great big hug and a kiss (was that alcohol on your breath, sweetie?). We chat about where they went (yes, to a bar!) because they wanted to show off their kilts. I can’t be too mad at him, he felt really bad, he thought pictures didn’t start until 3:00pm (what can I say, he is a boy, but honestly, why would I tell everyone to arrive two hours prior to pictures starting?) and they had a shot and took pictures with some kids for a lady.

We spent another few minutes together and then began taking pictures with Kelsey indoors before we moved outside. We gathered up my cloak and personal attendant and left all of the guys to get their flowers pinned on. Outside we took a few more before the rest of the group joined us and we took some fun group pictures. Once everyone was dismissed for a few minutes, we stood around outside and my “professional” photographer showed up, so we began the trek upstairs.

As I’m standing around waiting for photos to start, I noticed the guys disappeared, and Chris came up and said “Come on, I have something to show you.” I was really nervous by this time; I asked him “Somebody didn’t get stabbed did they?” because Matt had already been a victim of the swords (a tiny scratch on his face) and he reassured me that they hadn’t. Chris led me into the guys’ dressing room and there stands the guys in a circle with a dozen highball classes and a bottle of Glen Livet. I burst out laughing and we ushered all the ladies into the room. I did the first swig and then we toasted (Slainte!) and everybody did one. Thankfully my photographer followed us into the room; I’m excited to see the photos from it. I actually drank two I think, which made the photos go really nicely after that. I only hope I was able to keep my eyes from looking droopy! I was also worried that some of the guys planned on finishing off the bottle before the ceremony.

Photos went pretty smoothly, though they did go a little long. For that I blame my mom. Of course, she didn’t show up until exactly the MINUTE before we needed her (only a half an hour late, which is good for my mom) but someone had to run after her and tell her to get her butt in gear (for whatever reason, I’m not sure why, she didn’t feel she needed to be around for her daughters wedding day, just for the pictures and ceremony and reception? I guess I kind of expected it, but it would have been nice to have her there to help get ready). When we were finally done with pictures people had already began to arrive, so we hurried into the room so no one else would see us.

Chris goofing off

Courtney, a BM

The guys, who were supposed to usher also, were very confused and not very organized, but oh well. I did have to shoo them back out there because some of them went into the room where they had gotten ready, and Richard came in several times wondering exactly how to usher people.

I think waiting in that room for the ceremony to begin was one of the longest half-hours of my life. Actually, it may have been closer to an hour, since we wanted to give people some time to get to the new site, if they did go all the way up to Trollwood. While waiting we just chatted. I hardly remember about what, the officiant was in there, we talked with her, my aunt stopped in because she heard me talking, I went and talked with Chris and my dad who were waiting in the dressing room, otherwise we were all just really excited. Janelle came in the room to ask who still needed flowers, and Marlowe came in to see who was supposed to be seated in the chairs and to ask about water (yes, the wait staff at the site filled the water BEFORE the ceremony. Hello?!).

Finally, someone came in (my mom I think) and told me that most people are seated and the ceremony can start soon. Once we hear this, the girls all lined up like they are supposed to and we just sat and giggled until someone told us to come out.

We lined up in the hallway with my dad and I in the very back, and I’m trying to hide so no one can see me, when I noticed my dad was chewing gum. Typical dad, but he found a place for it and got rid of it. Then the bagpipers began and out went the wedding party. I hardly remember the music, but bagpipes always make me tear up, so I know I had to hold some back. I was really nervous and shaking. Finally the flower girls and my little brother go and when they are two steps out, the piper and drummer stopped! They had to continue on down the very long aisle with no music.

Then my dad and I stepped into the doorway and the pipers start up again and we walked. I remember not being able to stop smiling. I saw many familiar faces and many more unfamiliar faces. I hardly remember what I looked at but once I saw Chris up there, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. I hugged my dad and he shook Chris’ hand and the ceremony began, though my dad didn’t realize where he was supposed to sit, so he had to be pointed back to his chair (again, my fault.)

Hand-Fasting Ceremony (May be used as a substitute for the Declaration of Intent)

[Officiant] This is the time that you have chosen to become husband and wife. We are here not only to witness your commitment to each other, but to wish you every happiness in your future life together. Marriage is founded on sincerity and understanding which leads to tolerance, confidence and trust. We believe that those qualities which have attracted you both to each other, can be best developed during a life spent together. A happy marriage will enable you to establish a home with love and stability where your family and friends will always be welcome.

[Jimmy][Poem]

Robert Burns-My Luve

O my luve is like a red, red rose,
That`s newly sprung in June:
O my luve is like the melodie,
That`s sweetly played in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a` the seas gang dry.
Till a` the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi` the sun;
And I will luve thee still my dear,
While the sands o` life shall run.
And fare thee weel, my only luve!
And fare thee weel a while!
And I will come again, my luve,
Tho` it were ten thousand mile

[Officiant] Chris and Jaci, know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life, you have formed eternal and sacred bonds. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real the ideals that give meaning to this ceremony and to the institution of marriage. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union and will cross the years and lives of each soul’s growth.

[Officiant] Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?

[Chris and Jaci]Yes

[Officiant] Chris and Jaci, please look into each others eyes.

*Hold hands – Bride’s right hand, Groom’s left hand*

[Officiant] Will you honor and respect one another, and seek to never break that honor?

[Chris and Jaci]We will

[April]*The first cord is draped over the couples’ hands*

[Officiant] Will you share each other’s pain and seek to ease it?

[Chris and Jaci]We will

[Richard]*Second cord is draped over the couples’ hands*

[Officiant] Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?

[Chris and Jaci] We will

[April]*Third cord is draped over the couples’ hands*

[Officiant] Will you share each other’s laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?

[Chris and Jaci] We will

[Richard]*Fourth cord is draped over the couples’ hands* [Tie cords together]

[Officiant] Chris and Jaci, as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. The knots of this binding are not formed by these cords but, rather by the vows you have made. For always you hold in your own hands the fate of this union. Above you are the stars and below you is the earth. Like the stars your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.

[Officiant] May these hands be blessed that we see before us this day. May they always be held by one another. May they have the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. May these hands continue building a relationship founded in love, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for perfection. May Chris and Jaci see their hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.

[Gladys][Poem]

Irish Blessing

May the blessing of light,
Be with you always,
Light without and light within.
And may the sun shine
Upon you and warm your heart
Until it glows
Like a great fire
So that others may feel
The warmth of your love
For one another.

[Chris] I Chris, take you Jaci to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.

[Jaci] I Jaci, take you Chris to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.

[Dan][Soloist]”Now It’s Just Me” by George Julien

Well I stopped by your place today, you weren’t at home.
I called all last night, but you never answered your phone.
I kept on just a thinking, about how it used to be,
when I needed you, when you still needed me

Now it’s just a me, heyeyhey…..
and my old pal Lonely.
Now it’s just a me, heyheyhey….
One eight hundred lonely.

I tried to play a different lead and look the other way.
I know you have another man because I met him yesterday,
And he said “Sorry friend she just ain’t yours no more.”
Then I think I hear old Lonely just a knockin’ at my door.

Now it’s just a me, heyehey….
And my old pal Lonely.
Now it’s just a me, eyeyhey…
One eight hundred lonely.

[Solo Section]

Well it’s over now I understand, I finally know we’re through.
You may not wanna remember me, but I’ll sure as hell remember you.
I think about you on weekends, there is something that I’ve got to say:
The rest of the time that I spent with you I was lonely anyway.

Now it’s just a me, heyehey….
And my old pal Lonely
Now it’s just a me, heyehey….
One eight hundred lonely.

[outro]
I’m talking lonely…

[Chris]Jaci, this ring I give you, my personal gift and my personal promise, of love and trust, and pride that you are my wife.

[Jaci]Chris, this ring I give you, my personal gift and my personal promise, of love and trust, and pride that you are my husband.

[Officiant] These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness. May these two find in each other, the love for which all men and women long. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home that they establish be such a place of sanctuary that man will find there a friend. And may these two rings symbolize the spirit of undying love in the hearts of both of them. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss.

We did do a receiving line, and I noticed some missing persons (namely the one photographer who would be covering the reception…still haven’t heard from her) and I met a lot of other people that I didn’t know. That was all great fun.

Once the receiving line was finished I found my new father-in-law and told him we’d be leaving and we’d be back by 7:00pm. I also told the head waiter that we’d be back by 7:00pm and we’d be cutting the cake as soon as we got back. The venue does all of the cake cutting and serving, so they like to get it done right away because it takes awhile. Well, as I’m up there talking to my father-in-law the evening coordinator came up and asked if we could cut the cake before we go. Now, I’ve had an issue with this person before when I was just the photographer, so I gave it to her straight (I’m quite thankful that it happened before, because I knew exactly what I was going to say).

“Well, since there is no one in here right now to even watch it, and since originally we were not going to be arriving until 7:15, I’ve decided that we are going to cut the cake as soon as we get back.”
“Well, we’ll do what we can,” she responded, and with attitude I might add.
“You aren’t cutting the cake before we get back.” I flat out told her.
<< Now, this may be construed as rude to some, but there is more to the story that I don’t want to litter this with. >>
After she walked away, I turned to Marlowe and said “Keep her away from me for the rest of the night” and he laughed.

Then I grabbed Chris and pulled him onto the elevator with me and we headed down to our horse-drawn carriage. I was pleasantly surprised to see many of my ladies and even more guests out there with the bubbles (I figured they’d gotten thrown by the wayside since we weren’t outdoors). We posed with the carriage and headed out for our very expensive half-hour ride (where I put on my black and white striped socks and my tossing garter).

The ride was just beautiful, and did I mention? The weather was just glorious. It began to clear up around 2:00pm and was perfect with fluffy clouds and beautiful sunshine. In the carriage Chris and I just told each other that for the rest of our lives we’ll have to always remember that the ground was really muddy and it was completely windy out in the open where the ceremony would have been (the entire wedding party would occasionally chime in about how a tornado was coming close). The ride was just wonderful. We waved to people, got honked at, and enjoyed each other’s company.

As soon as we got back we were announced into the reception (I think many people enjoyed the Star Wars theme, though the DJ didn’t turn the music off for the bagpiper, who was supposed to pipe us in to the Imperial Theme…which I’m pretty sure they didn’t) and the DJ also got the names in the wrong order, but I’m pretty sure that was my fault. It all worked out and everyone laughed (here again, my dad was waiting with us so I had to tell him that he didn’t have to be announced, he could go sit and relax and watch now). Once we were announced we went to the head table, took some pictures, everyone but us sat down, and we went to do the cake cutting.

Lily, Joe, and Selia

Matt and Sadia

Ryan and Sara

Jeremiah and Courtney (I had forgotten that we switched the order from the program, so the DJ announced the wrong person for Courtney)

Justin and Lindsey (waiting for Tammy to figure out who Lindsey was)

Tyler and Sarah

Richard and April

US!

Lining up for dinner

For the record, I did end up buying a cheap (”thrifty”) serving set and decorated it with flowers, but for the longest time it had been Chris’ dream to cut the cake with a sword. He wasn’t expecting me to allow him, but when he stood up to come with me, I asked him “Aren’t you going to bring that?” and his face immediately lit up. We had to wait for the DJ to edit our song (”Grow Old with You” by Adam Sandler) but she finally announced what we were doing. I have to say, we wielded that huge thing pretty well, it was kind of ridiculous! The pieces were big enough that we made a mess without actually smashing it in each other’s face; it was a lot of fun.

Dinner was good, I still wasn’t feeling so hot, and Chris was too excited to eat much, so we didn’t eat a ton (I can’t say I was impressed with the food, sadly). People clinked their glasses and the last time I made everyone else stand up and kiss, Richard and April did toasts and we just enjoyed the dinner. It was pretty fun to be able to talk with everyone and see the hall all decorated nicely and packed with people.

Then cake was served (which was fabulous and perfect, by the way) and soon after they cleared tables and moved them off to the side to make room for the dance floor. We were about to start the first dance, but Chris wasn’t around. He apparently wasn’t paying attention because he was still sitting at the head table talking to his cousins, so I walked all the way up to get him, since he didn’t hear anyone else asking for him.

Neither of us is very good at dancing, so we just did the junior high sway for the first dance (Your Song by Elton John). It was nice to just talk and reflect on the day. I told him if he didn’t twirl me, my dad was going to show him up and he thought it would be appropriate for my dad to show him up.

Then we did the father/daughter dance with my dad (”Built to Last” by Tom Petty) and my dad did indeed show Chris up. It was very sweet, dancing with my dad. For the mother/son dance (”Simple Man” Shine down’s version) Janelle didn’t know she had to dance with Chris. She told him that she didn’t know how to dance, so Chris was like “Neither do I, we are just going to sway back and forth like in Junior High.” She’s so little, even with three-inch heals on she only went up to Chris’ chest.

For the bridal party song it started with “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen and “snowballed” from there (each person had to go find another person to dance with). Justin asked why Chris and I weren’t dancing and I said “Because we haven’t been asked yet!” so he grabbed me and his girlfriend grabbed Chris. It was nice dancing with Justin, he’s the only man I’ve ever danced with who could actually lead. I wasn’t complaining when I got to dance with him several more times (I think I danced with him more than Chris!).

Me being the bossy bride and telling people to get up there

I lobbed that thing!

April caught it!

I made him use his teeth, and Richard held his hands behind his back

Everyone is watching it!

Justing caught it!

When my DJ found out that I wasn’t doing the garter auction, she asked what I was doing with Chris’s garter…Chris’s garter? “Well, he’s wearing a dress isn’t he?” So, with my permission, she bought him a sexy red and white little number which we surprised Chris with at the reception and auctioned off. Chris was SO EMBARRASSED. He was a good sport but he felt really bad for whoever had to take it off, particularly if they used their teeth. Well, it was a good auction and in the end, guess who won it? MY DAD! Not only that, but he had been drinking a little (okay, more than a little) so what did my dad do? Yes, yes he did, he took it off with his teeth! He then wore the garter on his arm the rest of the night.

After a bit more dancing I caught wind of something the guys were planning to do, and I was excited! The running joke was that the guys had to all go “True Scottish” and much to my surprise, they all relented eventually, even my little brother (who, after coming out of the dressing room, told Sarah to her amazement “Well, that’s it, I’m “True Scottish” now”). I wanted some sort of proof (a picture or something), but nobody was budging on that one. Well, the ballroom that we were in had a balcony and I kept hearing the guys talk about using it. I told them it was only okay if the site coordinator said it was okay. Apparently they had her convinced. They finally told me what their plan was and that it was time, so they headed upstairs and I got my amateur photographer ready and told the DJ to draw attention to the guys on the balcony while at the same time I HERDED the flower girls out of the room (boy did they look confused!) and ran back to the ballroom.

I look up and see all the guys filing out, the DJ calls attention to them and then…Yes! Yes! They MOONED THE ENTIRE BALLROOM! Now, keep in mind, this was before people started leaving, so grandparents, aunts, uncles, everyone was there! Not only that, but Matt didn’t quite get the concept of the whole “Tuck” idea, so I definitely saw Matt’s balls. I cannot wait to see that picture (and yes, I will post it!). *actually, there is some discussion about whose balls were really in view now that I’ve seen the photo…I actually think they were Chris’s!*

Me with Justin

My mom likes champagne

TANGO!

See how much we look alike?

Chris can groove.

Conga Line!

With Kirsten and Zack, who came up for the wedding.

Dad and Joe goofing off

Joe and I!

The dance went on until 12:30am. I sang karaoke several times (Love Shack, Fight for Your Right, Bohemian Rhapsody (which I sang with all the guys) and Walk 1000 Miles). We did the dollar dance, the DJ asked for advice from the longest married couples; I handed out roses to the women who were left over. We danced, we made merry, and it was a ton of fun. I made my dad choose a song to sing for the last dance (I wanted him to sing the first dance, but then it didn’t work because of table setup…long story) and I felt terrible because he really wanted to sing for us. I think he was fine singing the last dance though, he sang “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton and it was a perfect end to a perfect evening.

When the lights came on we all gathered up a bunch of crap, made arrangements for the alter, and headed to the bar, where we partied it up for about an hour. I chatted with Matt and Justin (who I never got along with in High School but I’m so glad they agreed to be in the bridal party). I actually think that Justin and I could be really good friends, we are so damn similar.

The room

Arch

Centerpiece with pumpkin votive and shortbread favor

Bouquets

Toasting glasses, celtic cross, and dirty napkin

Cake

Table

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Gift Opening Brunch and Minimoon

Arrival time was set between 12 and 1 so we had to get up around 10 to get showered and out of the hotel room. This worked out well because we also had to go home to let the dogs out and pack the gifts into my car. Andrea (florist) left her glasses on my sink so she picked those up, and Sarah came over and dropped the stuff off that she had in her car.

We arrived exactly at noon and amazingly the rest of the people who showed, actually showed on time. There was way more people than I expected, so I was pleasantly surprised. I also got two great big hugs from Justin and Matt before losing Justin completely to the Vikings game (I never even had my grandpa’s or cousin’s attention, they watched the game the entire time, only pausing to pick up food!)

We all reminisced on the evening, chatted about what was going to happen now, ate some food and some cake, and Chris and I opened presents (and Chris got decorated). I was just happy to see everyone one last time before the weekend ended.

Chris got to open one!

Not sure where to put this ribbon

Is there even a husband under there anymore?

Before leaving, we made arrangements to get the kilts back from the rest of the groomsmen and then Chris and I headed home to organize the kilts for shipping, and to pack for our minimoon. All in all, we ended up being short one kilt pin, which isn’t bad, and I hope they don’t expect us to pay for it, since they didn’t send us a set of flashes (plus there was the whole issue with shipping). Marlowe took the box of kilts to be shipped, and we packed up and went on our way.

Ultimately we were a few hours behind but the owner of Whitely Creek Bed and Breakfast was very sweet and understanding. We didn’t even have to check in, she said she’d leave a light on by our cabin and a note inside to tell us more about what to expect.

We stopped for gas and a few snacks on the way out of town and arrived in Brainerd at about 8:00pm and it was dark. So dark that we did miss our turn but noticed right away. Finding our cabin was another story, but luckily we followed our instincts and found it almost immediately.

The name of our cabin was “Out My Kitchen Window” and it was an old barn that they refurbished. Downstairs were two wicker chairs and a fireplace, along with a “For Decoration” old kitchen and washing machine, and upstairs the walls were finished in a light wood and there was a queen bed, a claw-footed bathtub, toilet, sink, and a small patio with two chairs.

Chris was quite hesitant about the place (“This is how scary movies start out”) but once inside both of us fell in love with the cabin. Upon finding the note Adrienne left us, I promptly went in search of the porch stove and our desert she left us. What a nice surprise to find seven layer bars, our favorite! The first night was fantastic, we filled the tub and had a nice romantic evening.

Chris soon after we got there

Together

This morning we went to breakfast at 8:30am (served at the lodge about 100 feet from our cabin in an old railroad car) and walked around the property for a little bit (Adrienne and her husband Dick, own 35 acres for us to explore) but we were both pretty tired so we went back to the cabin and napped until noon. We then headed up to Nisswa for some shopping and spent the day there. It was nice because there were not a lot of people so the shops weren’t packed like they normally are.

Chris at breakfast

Me at breakfast

Chris breaking something, like normal

My chai tea for breakfast

Our cabin

Shopping in Nisswa

Teaching Chris photography and goofing around

Heading out of town we stopped at an army tank that was set up on the property of an American Legion. Of course Chris had to take photos with it.

We headed back to the bed and breakfast but stopped at Target for a few things first. We needed a new Minnesota map because mine was from 1996. It was torn and we couldn’t exactly find where we were planning on going the next day (Itasca State Park) so we grabbed a laminated Minnesota map and picked up some of that car chalk. Since my car was at the hotel, it didn’t get decorated and I wanted everyone else to know why we were so deliriously happy. We decorated it right there in the parking lot.

The next morning we set our alarm for really early (I’m not kidding, mine was set for 5:47am) so we could go out and take advantage of the early morning light for photos. Well, we probably should have checked sunrise time because it was still pitch black at 5:47am. We went back to bed until about 7:00am and then woke up, bundled up, and headed out for some early morning pictures.

The property is really beautiful, I took a lot of pictures, and even though we did get a little rain the light was still really nice. We made our way back to the lodge for breakfast and talked to Adrienne (without realizing it, I had chosen a bed and breakfast run by someone who is into a lot of the stuff that I am, like sustainable farming, free range eggs from the hens that she owns, and all that good stuff, she was very interesting to chat with). After breakfast we headed back to our cabin and napped once again (Adrienne said check-out time could be whenever, she wasn’t going to be around until later in the evening). We were going to try to not sleep until noon again, but to no avail.

Deer footprint

By the car and general store cabin.

The Lodge

The train car where we ate breakfast each morning.

On the swing

Chris being my “model”

With the inn-keeper Adrienne

Our cabin

Since we slept for so long we didn’t get out on the road until 1:00pm or so, and we hadn’t eaten yet, so we stopped by the side of the road at a “Geographic Marker” and had a picnic, like a true thrifty Minnesotan.

The drive to Itasca was just beautiful. I’m pretty sure this is peak color time for central Minnesota, at least in Itasca, because all the reds were falling off the trees already. We gathered a bunch of leaves, both from Whitely Creek and Itasca, and we’ll use them somewhere. At Itasca we went to the Mississippi Headwaters and of course I had to walk across them (you can’t visit the headwaters of the Mississippi and not walk across!) but Chris didn’t, not through the water anyway, he walked across the rocks. We also went up the fire tower (I’m proud of Chris, he doesn’t like heights and he was really nervous, but he went all the way up) and then had dinner at Douglas Lodge, a restaurant in the park (Chris had steak and I had veggie lasagna plus some Minnesota Wild Rice).

scenic stops in the park

At the headwaters

Had to walk across!

On top of the Alton Heights fire tower

At Douglas Lodge