The Event of The Year

There’s so much to say, and it’s my fault that I let it get that way…

My oldest sister Kelsey came to visit; Mike was home and away (times about six); my friend from college and her sister came to visit for a day; I’ve been hiking; we spent an off day as kids (we went to a miniature train world museum and miniature golfing… a mini kind of day!); Mike and I have watched 2.5 seasons of Pretty Little Liars, I turned 26 (yikes!); and I’m sure so much more… That’s you being caught up in a very long run-on sentence.

Now:

I just got back from what I like to call “The Event of the Year”- my oldest sister’s wedding!! I call it this because it seems like it’s been the only thing my family, or at least Kelsey and my mother, have talked about and the reason craft projects have been scattered around the house for the past year (plus!). My mom would be talking about something and without knowing what it was I’d ask, “Oh, is this for The Event?” Probably.

So, I flew into my hometown regional airport with a sign for my drivers that read: I’M HERE FOR THE EVENT OF THE YEAR. I was greeted by my mom, Kelsey and two aunts where they took me home and we worked on wedding favors. I then slept on the couch after watching two episodes of PLL.

Friday morning, everyone woke up much earlier than the time I’ve been in the habit of waking up. My two sisters and I went to get our nails done- delightful! Then she picked up her dress (!!!), we packed the car up and went to the hotel. Then unpacked and spent some time getting sun! The weather the entire weekend was just perfect- sunny and breezy… but way humid! After only two months away from FL, it was hard to get used to the brutal humidity.

That night, we had the rehearsal dinner. Dinner was delicious, the drinks were strong, and the wedding party all spoke about how we knew the bride and groom. “Um, I have my parents to thank for introducing us.”

We headed to the hotel bar that night for another drink (or two) and headed to bed- me, the middle sister and the bride-to-be. I’m sure some of us slept better than others, out of nerves and excitement!

The next morning, the three of us headed down to get coffee and sip it by the water… a really wonderful way to start the day! Then hair and makeup started soon after. I loved having fake eyelashes! Everyone looked even more beautiful than normal.

Kelsey was giddy (and other things only a bridesmaid can understand about a bride…) and got a note from her groom before the ceremony. Us gals arrived at the venue before the boys of course to take pictures and have some champagne.

The most sentimental part to me was when my dad saw Kelsey in her dress for the first time. With his hands across his eyes, the big reveal left him teary-eyed and emotional with the reality of his first little girl growing up, changing her name, and another man officially in her life. At least he wasn’t raising the roof in excitement to get her outta there!

The ceremony was beautiful. Again the weather was perfect and the vows were heartful. I may have shed a tear or a bucket… The whole thing was quick, then off to the beach for more pictures with the whole wedding party. The reception was fun and full of pink, and we sent the couple off with sparklers.

I was really sad that I had to leave the next day instead of staying until Monday to spend more time with family. Most of the family came over for brunch the next day and then off I was to Asheville, where I left my car at the airport. I went to bed early and slept about 12 hours, only to be awoken by my Michael when he got home around 11. I think he ended up watching 6 episodes of Pretty Little Liars without me anyway!

#home #family