It is amazing to think of the billions, no trillions, of decisions, twists and turns in our lives that led Hans and me and our 15 friends to be together last night celebrating a wedding. All the relocations, the marriages, the job changes, very single second had to unfold just so for us to be on the lawn of the Palmetto Riverside B&B last night, yet there we were. Simply Amazing!

The day was all I had hoped it to be. I dropped Delilah off at Bishop early and after an expert hair styling by the lovely and talented, Sondra, picked Judith up, and was home by 10 am. To my delight, Dollface make up artist, Felicia, was already set up in the master bathroom, the tools of her trade spread out and organized like a beauty buffet.

Felicia worked her magic, I set my sister’s hair and cut her bangs (she was a brave gal to let me snip), Aimee straightened Grisel’s hair and so it went. As the song says, “I enjoy being a girl.” By two pm, having enjoyed a lovely lunch, orchestrated flawlessly by Bunny, we were all well fed and of course, beautiful.

By 4 pm, Hans and I were heading to the wedding venue. Ron, our videographer, and Chelsea, our photographer, were there, busily recording images of the grounds. The next 1/2 hour flew by with Hans and I hamming it up for the camera..us together on the lawn, just one of us on the lawn, us together on the pier, just one of us on the pier, me pushing Hans on the swing…you get the idea and I’ll be sure to share the photos…. Guests began to arrive just as we were finishing up the photography, We handed each of the male guests a rose boutonniere and each woman received a white peony wristlet held on by 2 strands of pearls. Every one looked spectacular.

By 5:15 pm, our guests were seated by the beautiful Banyan tree and Etta James began to belt out her iconic version of “At Last.” Hans and I walked together down the steps of the Inn and on to solid ground, me being extra carefully not to trip on my mermaid train…Hans twirled me while the guests literally “Oohed” and loudly whopped. Ron, the videographer, was not able to capture it though. Ever obliging, we backed up, Rich started the music again, and we replicated our entrance. Take Two was a success!

Once I get the professional pics back, I’ll share them, but it is nice to have these shots in the meantime, don’t you think?

The ceremony was beautifully delivered by Bob and then it was time for Hans and I to speak to each other. We had realized that our biggest challenge would be to get through our self-composed vows without getting choked up. As I contemplated what I wanted to say and could say without blubbering, I asked myself what I really could say that hadn’t been said so many times before. I arrived at the following which I was able to deliver with a minimum of tears…..

Hans,  What can I say to you that hasn’t been said My best friend who completes my life We have lived together and cried together And today I’ll become your wife. The legality is mere formality Yet  it fills my heart it’s true Our families are glued together Just like me and you.  I know how much you love me And how much  I love you  Let’s move this ceremony right along So I can say “I DO”

After the ceremony, we all went to the outdoor patio where Hans and I formally welcomed our guests. The pre-dinner gathering unfolded just I had hoped it would. Each guests shared a moving, usually funny anecdote. Ever practical Pam had lamented photos to go along with her story. (She’s a thinker and had realized that they would get wrinkled otherwise on their trip from Wisconsin to Florida). Stories were sometime interactive with comments from the “peanut galley” tossed in. Everyone spoke from their hearts and the intimacy and love flowed as freely as all the champagne and wine we were enjoying.

Before we knew it, it was time for dinner…..which was divine!

Seriously, the food was SO good. I especially loved the grouper and the duck and the dessert was perfect. Between courses, Aimee and Harry shared a marriage cup tradition they picked up on a trip to Africa. The cup is shaped like a princess who is holding up a large cup with a small version below her feet. The trick is for the groom to drink from the large cup while the bride drinks from the small one — happily and thankfully, Hans and I nailed it!

I am sure you are getting the sense of just how perfect and wonderful the day/night was. We both took time to call family and our friends who were not able to be with us. The reach out extended to the Netherlands when Hans quickly excused himself from dinner to call his Mom. Although it was 1 am her time, she was happy to hear from him in “real time.”

I am truly grateful to be able to share these wondrous memories and truly grateful to have time to look forward to creating more. And that I felt no pain and had no limitations on my wedding day!

I still feel strong this morning and full! Becky and Tom brought brunch over…Quiches, fruit and more. Our out of towners joined us for yet another toast and delicious meal and kittens!

Now we are down to just Bunny and Rich. As I write this, Bunny is drawing, Rich is reading and Hans is answering some emails. It’s nice to allow ourselves time apart. The old me was always looking for the next thing to do. The new me knows how to chill!