Wedding Weekend Take 2

If I didn't know any better I may be convinced that I'd been thrown into the first scene of 27 Dresses, with a few small adjustments. No, I didn't have two weddings on the same night, and I was only involved in one by association, and even more unfortunate is the lack of any James Marsden character in my whirlwind weekend. No dashing, events columnist to despise while he sweeps me off my feet. But, there was plenty of dashing and running about; Chesterfield to Weldon Spring, Weldon Spring to Chesterfield for the marathon errand runs, Chesterfield to St Louis, St Louis to Webster Groves , a minor detour down 44 East on the way to Webster Groves; which, if you are at all familiar with St Louis County, you would know is the wrong direction to be going if you wish to be in Webster Groves from St Louis. Especially if you happen to be traveling southbound down Kings Highway from Lindell towards 44, (first of all you can't turn right onto 44 E from that direction in the first place, and secondly you need to get on 44 West to get to Webster Groves from St Louis anyways.) It's amazing what one small typo in the directions can do to your travel time. You can't expect the brides family to get everything right, there's far too many other things to be concerned about. In all honesty I can't complain, it gave me a chance to learn my way around the city more. Then from Webster Groves, finally home only to be up and at it again the next day. After a noble attempt to clean up the disaster, resembling the aftermath of a tornado's direct hit, that I happen to call my apartment; the sad result of single parenthood and a tragically chaotic schedule, I inevitably lost track of time and end up racing through a frigid shower, a habit I've become far too acquainted with during this heat, as my apartment is still minus any air conditioning, run the usual indecisive battle with my pitiful excuse for a wardrobe, slap on a bit of makeup, order my exhausted and starving children into the car and rush off to Creve Coeur for the second ceremony of the weekend.

Missing a chunk of one of my closest friends wedding ceremony is not something I had planned on, but was unfortunately unavoidable. Nevertheless, what I did get to see was beautiful, as was the bride, both Friday and Saturday. The kids and I found a space at the back available and ducked in a slight 15 minutes late, during the ministers brief and appropriate speech on the duties of each spouse to the commitment of marriage. A few jokes even brought giggles from the over 100 guests. The bride was radiant, had she been any more brilliant, rays of sunlight would have shot from her finger tips and each elegantly placed strand of hair. Not to be outdone the groom appeared as if he would be capable of flight at any moment. Cloud 9 appeared much closer to earth in any case. The reception held at the charming Landings at Spirit of St Louis Golf Course was delightful. A bit short of extra space but it suited the happy couple perfectly. A conversation with a woman who serves as a teacher with my friend asked if the bride could look any happier, and noted that the smile which seemed at risk of splitting her face in two could be any bigger. I smiled and replied that she deserved every moment of happiness. Unfortunately I was not to share in the festivities of the rest of the evening. After a very full and active previous afternoon the kids were a bit antsy and found it hard to stay calm. My plan to drive them the short two minutes home and return to the party was crushed once I discovered that the road home was closed and the detour took me past a mile of traffic that I would have to sit in to return. Not how I had intended on spending my afternoon. Ditching the torture instruments, disguised as the shoes I had chosen to wear sealed the deal, and I remained home with the kids.

 The late arrival was only a challenge at Saturday's ceremony. As the mother of the flower girl and ring bearer at Friday's wedding, I had a bit of a responsibility to be at the church on time, and we barely made it. But, make it we did, and the elegant ceremony that unfolded before the many guests was a treat beyond measure for me. Watching my two gorgeous children dressed in their finest, behaving as a lady and gentleman ought to, couldn't have made me more proud. I never knew two children to be so still or quiet for so long. If you are at all familiar with my kids you know that as dear as they are, they are not ones to sit still long or stay quiet. Not rambunctious or out of control but their energy supply seems to slowly increase through the course of the day rather than diminish. A feat I wish I could chemically duplicate and bottle for sale.

Friday's wedding found me perched on a square of pew half the size of a hallmark card, because the ushers neglected to save my seat in the front row, while I watched my angels perform their wedding duties beautifully. Despite the poor seating arrangement, it was impossible not to enjoy the setting. The church, very tastefully chosen, was truly elegant. Complete with graceful stained glass windows and flying buttresses, it was Swiss chocolate for the eyes. The service paralleled the setting in grace, sophistication and elegance. But, I wouldn't have expected any less from my friend who has earned maturity beyond her years. My precarious perch was eagerly abandoned as soon as was politely possible to be replaced by a more adequate piece of seat for the hour following the service, while my children surprised me again by patiently waiting through one family portrait after another until their turn in front of the lens arrived. I even managed to squeeze into two pictures myself with the bride, groom and smaller members of the bridal party. The reception following was a taste of the traditional, with the brides personal touch. Sinatra, Buble, Martin and Crosby provided the appropriate atmosphere during a fine dinner, while the upbeat mix following our meal kept guests movin' and groovin' on the dance floor for several hours. The bride was glowing, and her new husband looked the picture of pride and joy. The family couldn't have been happier either.

Watching someone who has become more of a sister rather than a friend marry a man she adores and makes her happier with every passing day, is one of life's greatest joys. A man you know will do everything in his power to make her happy, and wants to see your friend and sister thrive as an individual. A man who will love her with every fiber of his being forever after. So can be said for both of my dear friends this weekend. I couldn't have chosen better men for either of them, upright, supportive, understanding, respectful, honest, and loving to no end.

Okay, so really there wasn't much about my weekend that resembled the movie, except for the running about, and that was done by me without any mad dress swaps en route. What I did get was the opportunity to watch two of my best friends start down the road on the exciting journey of marriage. I couldn't have been more pleased to be a part of this precious moment in their lives, mad dashing and all