The day before the ceremony there was some concern because it was to be an outdoor ceremony, but the forecast was for scattered thundershowers off and on all weekend long. Needless to say, many people were hoping that the weather forecasters were as wrong as they usually are. The morning of the wedding, it was gray and very overcast. My son didnt want any help getting into his tuxedo. He was one of the ring bearers. My wife and I drove down to the park, the whole time watching the occasional teardrop of rain hitting the windshield. We found the park and found it to be a really scenic spot there. As we sat the rain clouds appeared to move off a little bit, although the sky remained gray and overcast for the most part. Members of the wedding then started to arrive. I got out my camera and took several pics that I hope turn out. When I get them back and scanned in, they will be added to a photo page linked to from the bottom of this page. Finally, the ceremony was about to begin. The flutist began playing "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" as the sky quickly cleared up and the sun shone brightly down on the gathering. It couldnt have been scripted any better in a movie. The ceremony itself was fairly short. From my seat, I could see the bride often looking over at my brother during the ceremony and smiling broadly or commenting happily on a private joke between them. It was nice to see so many people whose faces I recognized from the past there in the park to witness this occasion. I saw old neighbors that I hadnt seen in decades previously, as well as family members that only seem to be found for weddings or funerals. Right after they were pronounced "Man and Wife" they came over to each of their parents for a hug and I noticed my father sitting there. He suddenly looked old. His eyes were tearing and his breathing was in short breaths to keep from crying outright, but his red, moist eyes betrayed him. I hadnt thought about what it must be like for my mom and dad to be down to just one of their four sons now living at home. I cant help but wonder if they see it as time moving on as I do or something else. The imgage of my dad quietly crying as he hugged my brother was one of the more powerful images that I will remember. Especially knowing how trying at times any of us boys could be, these last two at home could at times take the cake.
Soon the ceremony was completed and it was time to head to the reception. While there, my wife remarked to me that I basically bore her. Ahhhhhh one honeymoon begins and another one ends. I have made no secret that I cant dance. I wish I could have learned growing up, but in a house of four boys, I never found the opportunity. I'm hoping that her remarks were based more on the few drinks that she had. I may be many things in life and yes, boring at times is an appropriate term I would use. But at the same time, I am sincere especially in my feelings for her and my loved ones. If being able to dance decently is more important right now then that, then I gladly accept that designation. I hope as time goes on she doesnt find me to be TOO boring. I did get a little nervous at one point during the reception when the dj asked for what turned out to be basically all of the members of the previous week's bachelor party to come up in front of the assembled group at the hall. As we all walked up all that we could think about is what did we do wrong last week that we're being singled out for...and lastly double checking with each other that there no pictures taken either! It turns out we were each given a hat and we basically stood in for the Village People to lead everyone in "YMCA". Now everyone that may have just suspected that I cant dance knows it for fact.
Overall, it turned out to be a really nice ceremony and great reception as well. I wish them both all the best that the world has to offer. I hope that they realize that I'll be here to do what I can for them if they ever need anything. If anything, its nice to have another sister-in-law in the family and I dont think that Brian could have picked anyone better for him. Here's to wishing them a life filled with health, happiness, love, peace and prosperity.