This past Saturday, August 16th, 2014, found me an the now former TheEx remarry. A friend posted a then-and-now picture of our 1996 wedding kiss with the 2014 kiss.
Obviously I need a new moniker for TheEx. Without getting overly fancy, I'm going with TheMan until I think of something better.
I think our wedding is not only representative of the miracle of reconciliation but also of the support system God set up around me. Let me show you how:
My wonderful mom went with me to the church to figure out the placement of tables and chairs. It's not a regular shaped venue. I just couldn't picture the placement of the 18-20 rectangular tables in the space. She had a vision and was able to show me. It worked perfectly.
TheEngineer (hubby to the fabulous C.Beth/C.BethCrochet) showed up and helped set up all of the ginormous tables for me and mom. On his day off. He rocks.
The lovely Trish and Gwen flew in to represent my Boston church small group from back in 2005. They stayed with my fabulous mom because I knew the three would instantly bond. Which they did. Gwen is also a tiny tornado of assistance. If you've even thought you might need something done, she somehow senses it and is instantly doing! They helped mom and me set up and decorate the tables for the wedding. They also came into the bride dressing room and prayed over me.
The fabulous ladies from my small group worked with our friend Calli Cupcake to make and ice 200 cupcakes in three amazing flavors.
A last minute discovery at the church was that my skirt (which had to be hiked up under my armpits because it's made for some statuesque Amazonian) now had front slits up to a very not ok region. So when I walked, way more was going to show than anyone wanted! Mom retrieved needle and thread from her car and went to work. At the same time, my friend Heather ran to the local Walmart to grab some white leggins - just in case! So modesty was restored and I could show off my fancy wedding shoes without making anyone blush!
Our wedding plans were all about simplicity. And not spending money on stuff we would just throw away after the wedding. I didn't want flowers for that reason. My cupcake brigade ladies weren't ok with that and all chipped in to get me the most gorgeous bouquet and a boutonniere for TheMan. They surprised me back in the bridal room! What sweet love from my friends.
The ceremony was performed by our pastor and friend Shayne. He's been part of our story since we joined this church. So it was special to have him seal the deal!
Our wonderful boys, TheBoy and LilBro walked me down the aisle to their dad.
They had worked out a little skit when Shayne asked them who gave this woman to be married to this man. They conferred behind me as to the worthiness of their dad for this honor. They said things like:
LilBro: "I don't know...he smells kind of funny!"
TheBoy: "Yah, he smells like onions and disappointment!"
and
LilBro: "I think Liam Neeson would be a better choice..."
The finished by coming forward and TheBoy saying, "I'm sorry to say but we can't..." TheMan interrupted them by stepping forward, pulling a $50 bill from his pocket and asking if that could change their minds. TheBoy quickly snatched the money and said "Yes! Yes it does!" We were all dying!
The afore mentioned TheEngineer stood up with TheMan. My BigSis stood with me. The boys flanked us. At one point, Shayne invited our friends to step up and say something about our relationship. TheEngineer started. His vulnerable statements and clear emotion had us all choked up. He spoke of how something had always made him stand up for and love TheMan - even during the very rough years. His love of TheMan and never wavering friendship is something I will never forget. I suspect it is a major reason why TheMan really believed in God's love - seeing it lived out in this friendship.
Then his wife C.Beth was next. She spoke of our friendship. She got me when she said the reason so many people love and support me is because I love and support so many people. I have to remember that because I tend to only thing of my snarky side.
Our worship leader and friend Adam (one half of the supremely talented Stone & Crow) handled the video (soft lights flickering on the 3 video screens), playing our wedding playlist, and cuing up the entrance and exit songs. It's so generous when a friend who is invited to the wedding volunteers to also work that wedding. He gave us one more thing to not worry about.
During the ceremony, during the 100+ degree heat, the caterer arrived. Our friend BBQDave left the fun to go help him lug in the food and drinks. It was not fun or glamorous work but he volunteered and handled it all. I love him! When we queued up for the receiving line in front of the catered dinner line, a friend informed us that the caterer had forgotten plates and cups. Three church friends, PJ, Derek and Kaydean, jumped behind the cafe. PJ immediately grabbed plates and coffee cups and the three of them got the food line going! Again - I had dropped the ball on the little detail of getting volunteers to serve. And my friends just jumped in. I love them so much! PJ also later announced to everyone that there was plenty of food and everyone who wanted could have seconds. Or thirds!!! A bunch of us took a lot of food home. Yum!
My sweet brother-in-law, TallGuy, had to run to Walmart to grab ice. Another forgotten detail by either me or the caterer. I don't really know or care. But he ran and did it. Goodness!!
So, only due to the quick thinking and willingness of my family and friends to jump in, we became Mr. and Mrs TheMan.
I think our wedding is not only representative of the miracle of reconciliation but also of the support system God set up around me. Let me show you how:
My wonderful mom went with me to the church to figure out the placement of tables and chairs. It's not a regular shaped venue. I just couldn't picture the placement of the 18-20 rectangular tables in the space. She had a vision and was able to show me. It worked perfectly.
TheEngineer (hubby to the fabulous C.Beth/C.BethCrochet) showed up and helped set up all of the ginormous tables for me and mom. On his day off. He rocks.
The lovely Trish and Gwen flew in to represent my Boston church small group from back in 2005. They stayed with my fabulous mom because I knew the three would instantly bond. Which they did. Gwen is also a tiny tornado of assistance. If you've even thought you might need something done, she somehow senses it and is instantly doing! They helped mom and me set up and decorate the tables for the wedding. They also came into the bride dressing room and prayed over me.
The fabulous ladies from my small group worked with our friend Calli Cupcake to make and ice 200 cupcakes in three amazing flavors.
A last minute discovery at the church was that my skirt (which had to be hiked up under my armpits because it's made for some statuesque Amazonian) now had front slits up to a very not ok region. So when I walked, way more was going to show than anyone wanted! Mom retrieved needle and thread from her car and went to work. At the same time, my friend Heather ran to the local Walmart to grab some white leggins - just in case! So modesty was restored and I could show off my fancy wedding shoes without making anyone blush!
Our wedding plans were all about simplicity. And not spending money on stuff we would just throw away after the wedding. I didn't want flowers for that reason. My cupcake brigade ladies weren't ok with that and all chipped in to get me the most gorgeous bouquet and a boutonniere for TheMan. They surprised me back in the bridal room! What sweet love from my friends.
The ceremony was performed by our pastor and friend Shayne. He's been part of our story since we joined this church. So it was special to have him seal the deal!
Our wonderful boys, TheBoy and LilBro walked me down the aisle to their dad.
They had worked out a little skit when Shayne asked them who gave this woman to be married to this man. They conferred behind me as to the worthiness of their dad for this honor. They said things like:
LilBro: "I don't know...he smells kind of funny!"
TheBoy: "Yah, he smells like onions and disappointment!"
and
LilBro: "I think Liam Neeson would be a better choice..."
The finished by coming forward and TheBoy saying, "I'm sorry to say but we can't..." TheMan interrupted them by stepping forward, pulling a $50 bill from his pocket and asking if that could change their minds. TheBoy quickly snatched the money and said "Yes! Yes it does!" We were all dying!
The afore mentioned TheEngineer stood up with TheMan. My BigSis stood with me. The boys flanked us. At one point, Shayne invited our friends to step up and say something about our relationship. TheEngineer started. His vulnerable statements and clear emotion had us all choked up. He spoke of how something had always made him stand up for and love TheMan - even during the very rough years. His love of TheMan and never wavering friendship is something I will never forget. I suspect it is a major reason why TheMan really believed in God's love - seeing it lived out in this friendship.
Our worship leader and friend Adam (one half of the supremely talented Stone & Crow) handled the video (soft lights flickering on the 3 video screens), playing our wedding playlist, and cuing up the entrance and exit songs. It's so generous when a friend who is invited to the wedding volunteers to also work that wedding. He gave us one more thing to not worry about.
During the ceremony, during the 100+ degree heat, the caterer arrived. Our friend BBQDave left the fun to go help him lug in the food and drinks. It was not fun or glamorous work but he volunteered and handled it all. I love him! When we queued up for the receiving line in front of the catered dinner line, a friend informed us that the caterer had forgotten plates and cups. Three church friends, PJ, Derek and Kaydean, jumped behind the cafe. PJ immediately grabbed plates and coffee cups and the three of them got the food line going! Again - I had dropped the ball on the little detail of getting volunteers to serve. And my friends just jumped in. I love them so much! PJ also later announced to everyone that there was plenty of food and everyone who wanted could have seconds. Or thirds!!! A bunch of us took a lot of food home. Yum!
So, only due to the quick thinking and willingness of my family and friends to jump in, we became Mr. and Mrs TheMan.
