Tuesday, August 18, 2015

A WEDDING

 
I gave my advice to the newlyweds-to-be and I know I'm not supposed to do that.  From here on I will keep all my thoughts, opinions and advice to myself.  I told them. "All of the planning and fretting and frustration will end once you say those vows.  You will no longer be getting married, you will be married, and that's a wondrous moment."  I felt that myself, did you?
 
Calm myself?  Hmmmm...  I don't think I was as tightly wound as I sounded.  This was my third child getting married and all of the weddings took place in the last five years.  I've become absolutely tired of the stress.  If something goes wrong, there's not much you can do.  Still, I hope Abigail elopes. 
 
I arrived at the hair salon bright and early bearing goodies.  Fresh croissants, butter, sliced fruit, orange juice and chilled champagne.  I added cute napkins, melamine plates and bright purple cups.  The five of us gals had a great time, we had never been to this salon and I think I have a good idea that this is where I'll go when Katie no longer does my hair (after she has her baby in December).  Later my sister in law and a few of the teens and tweens popped in---we had a great party!
 
I know I'm running on here and I promise this post won't be too long.  I went in to the salon with no idea how I wanted to have my hair and that's a big deal these days.  I looked at every conceivable option on Pinterest and finally told the girl, chop some off, style it smooth and straight and let's call it a day.  A half hour later I was smooth and straight and looking at three inches of blonde curls all around on the floor.  No regrets.
 
 
 
Both Emily and Abby were bridesmaids.  Aren't these dresses gorgeous?  Mary Clare wore a beautiful mint colored dress that went so well with her green eyes (that sometimes turn blue---magical, eh?)  And little Elsie stold the show.  MC brought her up to the alter as we took communion.  Son Kevin was best man and when he saw MC and Elsie, he hopped down the steps to the line to give his girls a hug.  The look on his face was priceless. 
 
There were so many precious moments in the church.  Jeff and his groomsmen didn't enter from the side as in most ceremonies, they walked right up the aisle and my son, so full of personality, not too mention great manners, paused to shake hands with many of the family and friends seated in the pews. 
 
And finally, the look on his face when he saw Deirdre with her father.  And the smile of sheer joy and love on her face...she never took her eyes off him as she walked up the aisle so gracefully and then kissed her father and joined arms with her husband to be.
 
Sorry---no pictures were taken in the church out of courtesy.  That's okay, I have plenty for you!
 
 
 
Two trolleys awaited to take as many of the guests that chose to off to the country club for the reception.  Traditionally this is known as partaaaay time!  Here's Abby and Kevin.
 
 
 
And Emily and Mike.
 
 
 
Kevin and MC.

 
And finally Abby and her longtime boyfriend, Tom.
 
It was so cool because we have so many young nieces and nephews, etc., and riding in the trolley was such a thrill for them. 
 
The Husband and I chose to drive, mostly because the trolley was going to drop everyone off home by home after the reception.  We weren't looking forward to that ride at midnight.  I was having a problem with my contact lenses at the church (as per usual it seems if you remember the debacle in my last post), so we stopped at home where I could fix the problem.  In doing so I managed to pull off one of my faux eyelashes that are such a big deal (and expense) when you have your make up professionally done for an occasion.  I totally freaked out.   No way was I going to go to the reception eyelash-less!  So I did the best I could do and grabbed a bottle of Elmer's Glue All and repaired the damage.  Thank goodness I had that on hand because I'm sure I would have used The Husband's wood glue in his toolbox if I had to.  Vanity.  Sigh.
 
 
 
 
 
The veranda outside the banquet room...so pretty.
 
 
 
I knew you guys would want to see my dress and I really don't like to post a lot of pictures of myself so this is a stretch.  And you can see my shorter hair.  I was a bit unhappy that the rainy, humid weather made it curl up a lot as the evening wore on.  Only someone with unruly hair like this can appreciate what I'm saying.  My sleek look was short lived.  Doesn't Emily look fantastic? :)  And look at the view of the golf course.  Pictures of the wedding party were taken there in front of a huge fountain that was later lit up in the darkness.
 
 
 
And Abigail and I.  The first hour was so wonderful.  Waiters made the rounds with trays of bubbly and hors d' oeuvres.   A great time to take family pictures but I'm clearly lacking some.  We were all spread out. 
 
 
 
These were the arrangements on all of the tables.  The roses were spectacular and most had Bells of Ireland to pay homage to Deirdre's homeland.  In fact, at the church and right after the "I do's", a bagpiper came up the aisle to serenade the couple.  Ahhhhh, the sound of bagpipes makes me tear up!
 
 

The cutting of the cake...and the happy couple.
 
 
 
...and the couple's first dance. 
 
 
 
As the night was nearing its end word went around that we were to gather on the veranda for an announcement.  That piqued every one's curiosity.  But there was no announcement, just a spectacular fireworks display that Jeffrey secretly arranged for.  The perfect ending to a magical day.  I think none of us will forget it...especially the bride and groom.  They are relaxing in Lake Tahoe now with plans for a tropical honeymoon in December. 
 
All of you have been so great in looking forward to this event almost as much as I was.  I appreciate all your kind words and support when I was stressed out or fretting, but I think I kept that under control.  I had many more heartbreaking and terrible things to worry about, and I thank you for all the condolences and uplifting words for our losses. 
 
I have to do another post soon about all the craziness that has happened in the past three days.  Yes, I can devote a whole post to it.  Possibly re-setting the broken arm, two sick doggies, breaking the law and why I love police officers, surviving never ending heat and humidity and tomatoes rotting on the vine.  Just to name a few things. 
 
See you soon! :)
 
Jane x


57 comments:

Stacey said...

Oh Jane, there's never a boring day in your world. I can just picture you there trying to Elmer's Glue your eyelash!! Did it come off when you wanted it to? The wedding looks like it was spectacular and your family is beautiful. :)

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

You and your entire family look stunning! Family weddings are the best!!! Your gown is stunning and the girls dresses are beautiful, and yes, the baby is the show stealer - so cute & sweet!

We are having a New Year's Eve wedding! My 1st of 5 nieces is getting married!!!

Jenny S. said...

Jane, girl you deserve a getaway yourself! Your dress looked very nice on you - eyelashes and all. Lol... Please take care of yourself and take time for YOU each day. Lord have mercy...I simply cannot wait to hear about rotting tomatoes on the vine and acts of unlawfullness. Whatever have you done now?????

Linda said...

I loved reading every word and seeing every photo! Since I am totally invested in YOU - the pics of YOU were my very favorite!!! WHAT a glorious wedding! NOW you get to relax!!!

sweetbriardreams said...

Oh Jane, I have been waiting for this post! You look divine (and yes I sympathize with the unruly hair - mine's the same!). Your family look so happy and relaxed (must be all the planning :-) ). And the happy couple, just perfect! Looking forward to hearing all about the mishaps!! xx

Laura @ duke manor farm said...

Oh...i think with all my craziness around here imissed your beautiful event and beautuful self. Everyonde..including proud and happy mana looked stunning. Look forward to seeing more pictures and hearing about the. Caziness. Best wishes to the bride and groom for a lifetime of beautiful memories and never ending love.

Sonny G said...


oh wow.. everyone looks so elegant. congrats to the happy couple and to all your family..

its done:) take a deep cleansing breath and relax...

podso said...

It looks like it all went well…what a beautiful wedding! Nice touch at the end too.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Everyone looked beautiful, but especially you, Jane. Love your dress - great color and style on you, and so well coordinated with the wedding party's. But, oh my gosh - Elmer's glue, really??, lol, and your contact survived that too?
Your kids will look back on you and how you handled everything and wonder how you did it all, trust me. We say that about my mom all the time.
Here's to long love to the newly wedded couple. May their fireworks last a lifetime!
Rita

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Annoyances (some worse than others - frizzy hair and rotting tomatoes) will always occur but to celebrate such a wonderful family celebration trumps them all. Everyone looked beautiful (you looked marvelous) and all the smiles told the story of great happiness.

Theresa said...

Oh dear Jane, you are beautiful with your shorter hair and that gorgeous dress! I LOVE weddings, the bridesmaids, bride in her beautiful gown, that precious little Elsie... OMG! Your SON is so handsome and pulled off quite a surprise with the fireworks! WOW, I wish I had been there! Have a blessed day, hope the arm heals without resetting:( HUGS!

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Jane - you look so pretty and I love the shorter hair!

Debbie said...

Beautiful photos of the blessed event.
Jane, you are a remarkable woman...so lovely, and full of life, and love for your family. You can sense the pride as you speak of them. They are so lucky to have you in their lives.
I am happy you enjoyed your day.
Love to you.
Debbie
xo

Carla from The River said...

Hi Jane,
You look beautiful.
Your family is beautiful. Emily has the best smile.

Wow, fireworks. How amazing that had to be.

Sending a hug!
Carla

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jane, Such beautiful photos from the wedding. Congrats to the beautiful newly weds. They are adorable. Best wishes to them for a happy, healthy and blessed life together.
You looked gorgeous and I love your dress. Your hair is so pretty. Best wishes to your wonderful family and hopefully less stress your way going forward. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings and hugs, cm

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It looks and sounds like it was a wonderful day. Your dress is beautiful!

Barb said...

Your pictures are wonderful and Janie, you look beautiful. You truly do.

Get some rest.

xo
Barb

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane,
The smiles in these photos convey a beautiful blessed wedding day. You look pretty with your shorter hair and your dress was stunning in a unique color that really complimented you. From the salon viist to the fireworks precious memories were made and will grace your family with love. Congrats to the newly weds who truly are a beautiful couple.
You and me with contact lens problems ... What gives? My problem usually is one will just for no apparent reason tear in my eye! I will say one of the things I love most about you is your sharing personality telling stories with humor.
xoxo,
Vera

Kim said...

Weddings area always full of craziness, that's what makes them memorable! ;-) You look gorgeous, I love the hair! I am waiting with baited breath for the rest of your tale. I hope all those teasers have a happy ending!!

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

This was such a fun post to read. You all look so beautiful and happy and fireworks at the end!! What a great surprise! :)

Melanie said...

What a beautiful wedding! Thank you for sharing the pictures and telling us about it. Love your dress - you looked so elegant. I am so sorry to hear about your latest woes. All was going well here in my little world until this morning. I pulled a muscle in my lower back. In lots of pain right now. And Brian has colonoscopy prep tonight. Aren't we going to make for a lovely couple this evening? ;-)

Vel Criste said...

What a wonderful wedding and you all look so fabulous Jane! You have a very beautiful family, and the best part about it? Their all HAPPY! Elsie have to admit, stole the show, super cute indeed! Best wishes to the newly-weds and I'm hoping your not really wishing that Abby elope - not with all this fun!;-)

bj said...

O, what a lovely post. The wedding looks perfect...you were a knockout in your pretty dress and shorter hair...it sounds like it was all so wonderful. I simply adore weddings...loved our son's wedding and then our daughter's......then, 2 of the grands, so far.
Happy for all of you.
oxox

Decor To Adore said...

Best wishes to the bride and groom. Blondie you are such a KNOCKOUT!
I hope you are enjoying every inch of summer. I truly treasure your friendship. It means so much to me.

Sarah said...

Jane, the mother of the groom looks absolutely stunning! I love the look. I'm impressed with your courage to just say, cut it. ;-)

Loved seeing the photos from the wedding. The last one with the bride and groom looking towards the fireworks is a special one. Thanks for sharing the highlights. Hope you can enjoy some leisure time and recharge. To say you've had a stressful summer doesn't begin to cover it, Jane.

Unknown said...

Lovely wedding! Your dress is gorgeous. Beautiful family.

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I have been trying to catch up with friends tonight since school has started and I will have more time on my hands after a busy summer. You look so pretty in your wedding finery. Congratulations to the happy couple and your grand daughter is so precious and adorable. I prayed for a dry weekend for all of us after we have had so much rain. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Susie said...

Blondie, What a great wedding and setting. All of you looked fabulous. I absolutely love your dress. I like that color. Your hair is cute short...not too short. Hope things can smooth out and slow down some now. My step grands' weddings went very well. I'll have to post some pictures. I am praying you will not have to go thru much with your arm. Bless you, xoxo,Susie

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

I want to say you stole the show, but truly your granddaughter did! My goodness she's adorable!! Your dress complimented you so well...the color and the cut were perfect for you. Good Job!

Now about that glue. You've got cajones I must say. When Sarissa got married I had hair extensions and I had never worn them before and my hairdresser didn't tell me how to take them off. I was almost in tears at the end of the night as you can imagine trying to get them out. If you've ever worn them you know how easy it 'should' be, but if you just try to pull them out...ouch!

The bridesmaids dresses were lovely too. Very pretty color and love the lace detailing.

Now I have a good tomato tart recipe for the rest of those tomatoes if you're interested ;).

Elaine said...

That last paragraph, what a teaser! I want to hear about all of it.

What a lovely wedding and so many happy faces. You captured the joy of the wedding!

Elsie looked adorable. And so did you and your daughters. Love your dress. Very elegant and a lovely color. The new do is fantastic. You really look lovely in the photos. Great idea to hire a trolley. My cousin did that for her wedding on Cape Cod.

Lynne said...

Jane!

Gorgeous!

All of it!

[ Honestly . . . sometimes I think we could be sisters. Humidity and my hair hate each other.
#theflatironchangedmylife

Miss Elsie . . . you beautiful "pink bundle of joy", "gift from God", show stopper, instant healer, stress reliever!

A beautiful day for the precious "B's"!
Take care!
~Lynne
w/L


Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Oh, finally! The beautiful wedding! First of all you look beautiful in that gorgeous gown and I like your hair! Having straighter than a board hair, I like your little flip! :) The girls all look gorgeous too! Little Elsie is just a little doll too. I hope you can get some rest. I just have one daughter but do remember the stress up to the wedding and the falling apart and drop dead tired I was. Get some rest and I'll be looking forward to the little teasers! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Gypsy Heart said...

Well, aren't you even more beautiful in these photos! Love your hair and the dress is just stunning. Looks as though it was an occasion full of love, joy and even more come to come in the future.

I'm so sorry to read of your losses. I've been down lately and working to get back to a better place. Grief is a very strange process and unique to each individual. My heartfelt condolences and big Texas hugs for you!

xo
Pat

susan said...

And now you can take a deep breath! Everything looks beautiful and your dress and hair were perfect!
Now hopefully, you'll have a little down time to catch your breath.

An Oasis in the Desert said...

It looks you had a wonderful wedding, beautiful people, gorgeous newlyweds and a spectacular setting! I'm so happy for you all!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

absolutely beautiful everything!!... that includes you and your gorgeous gown... Congrats all -

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Oh Jane, it was a beautiful wedding! Everyone looks so happy and gorgeous and I love your dress! But do tell...did the Elmer's glue come off easily for you? It sounds a little painful. Lol! Can't wait to hear about you breaking the law, you rebel! Ha ha!

Barbara F. said...

Jane, you looked beautiful. So did the entire bridal party, and your granddaughter is so precious. Glad you enjoyed it and congrats to all.

Anonymous said...

you all look amazing and I nearly died laughing when you said you were getting the wood glue out to fix an eye lash, I have never worn false eyelashes but I would imagine they are tricky to put on with the proper stuff but wood glue, lol,
such a beautiful couple, oh my goodness, so elegant,,

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh Jane, what a beautiful wedding. The bride was so beautiful in her gown. You looked wonderful - loved your gown and hair. Everything looked perfect - now you can relax. I almost fell off my chair reading that you used Elmer's glue on your eye lashes.

Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful day with us - loved it.
Take care dear friend
Mary

Bluebird49 said...

What a gorgeous wedding, Jane! Everyone looks just great, and your dress was beautiful, as you were. Elsie was so very cute.
Everything just looked perfect. Jeff really did it up right, from beginning to end, didn't he?
You have a beautiful family!
Hope you're feeling okay.
Love you,
Trudy xxx

Beth said...

Hi Jane, You look beautiful, and so do your girls and d-i-ls and of course, little Elsie! The guys are handsome too. The fireworks was an amazing touch to a lovely wedding and reception! Thanks for sharing your joy.
Hugs, Beth

Dewena said...

How I love weddings! They never fail to fill my heart with happiness and your son's wedding to his lovely girl looks and sounds as if it was truly full of happiness. And you are beautiful in your dress, love the color! And all of your children are beautiful!

I'm so curious about the post coming up!

Nancy's Notes said...

Jane, what an exquisite wedding! You look gorgeous and your girls stunning! They all have your beautiful looks too! Your details and photographs of the wedding are perfection!
Hugs, dear one!
Nancy

Kathleen Grace said...

What a beautiful wedding! Everything looks perfect and you look radiant and beautiful. Thank you for sharing this lovely event. I never tire of looking at weddings :)

Lori said...

Love all the pictures ~ everyone looked beautiful!! I laughed when you said what you fixed your eyelash with ~ that is too funny but if it works ~ why not??!! Can't wait to hear what else has been happening in your world. It is stinking hot and humid here and has been for over a week and I am melting. Too bad the humidity would melt fat ~ I would be a size 5! Happy weekend xoxo

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Gorgeous wedding and the photos are icing on the cake. You look fabulous! Love the dress...Weddings do pull at my heart strings. Love seeing so many beautiful couples, friends and family. I never had a large wedding, so I can appreciate this. Your hair is so pretty. I do understand unruly hair, because my hair is naturally wavy. I hope you can relax now. Happy weekend. xo

Art and Sand said...

I am so glad you had a wonderful day! Watching a child get married is such a magical time.

Your dress was gorgeous and I like the shorter hair.

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Jane, I love all the wedding photos! You have such a beautiful family. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome day, lots of great memories! Your hair and dress looked just fantastic!!
Hugs,
Jody

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Oh, you know I just love weddings, and then when you mentioned bagpipes-tears starting rolling down my cheeks. I love youth and all of the magic they see and feel in this wonderful world of ours. The beginning of two lives melded together and all of the dreams that accompany this most sacred and precious union. You, my dearest are a lovely and beautiful woman and this dress was made for you right down to the color! Your goodness shines brightly from your pretty eyes!
xoxo

Cheryl @ TFD said...

The wedding was beautiful! It looks like a perfect day for the happy couple. Your family is beautiful and you looked as radiant as the bride in your gorgeous dress and new hair cut! Did you really use Elmer's glue on your false eyelashes? lol!

chateau chic said...

Gorgeous wedding, and you look stunning, Jane!!! Love the simplicity of your hair for the wedding. :-))
Mary Alice

Anonymous said...

oh you look so pretty! (and I know all about that hair business....with the high humidity we've had all summer, my hair has had kinks and bumps and frizzies)...It was so much fun reading about the wedding Jane.

Traci said...

You looked great! Your dress as so pretty. It looks like everyone had a great time & the wedding was gorgeous!

Scribbler said...

Blondie, honey! ELMER'S GLUE? Get yourself to your dermatologist or eye doc, and start using Latisse! You will never need the falsies again! I would do without food to have this stuff. It works out to about a dollar a day, so look at it that way and don't faint when they tell you how much it costs. At any rate, you and everyone else look fabulous in these photos, especially that precious baby.

Stonecropsister said...

Oh Jane, this made me tear up, I don't know why even. I know it sounds stupid, I'm actually sitting on a balcony in Mykonos, Greece, and on the way here on the ferry from Athens, I honestly was wondering how the wedding had gone, and what your dress looked like, and whether you all had wonderful weather. You are just beautiful Jane, your dress is stunning, but your hair and face, just glowing. I am so glad for you, that you had a wonderful day with everyone. I have just read the post after this one as well, and will comment there, but i must say, it is so great to read about your life. You are a wonderful writer. xx Nancy

Rue said...

You looked absolutely gorgeous and as Spencer tracy said in Father of the Bride "You look so beautiful it's not fair to the bride" Or something like that ;)

The wedding and all of your family looked fantastic.

I'm sorry you've had so much going on darlin' I hope it gets better.

(((hugs)))
rue