Part 1:
Diane, Sam and I had made plans to get manicures first thing this morning and then continue on with running errands in town. After being pampered at the nail salon, we switched gears and were in "get 'er done" mode. What a team we made! Divide and conquer was the name of the game at Wal-Mart and after a quick stop to pick up the kegs, we were blowing up balloons, and hanging signs all the way up the mountain! Back at the lodge, the table decorations were in place, the cake was displayed, the pig was roasting (since 6 am) and the bounce house was blown-up. Yes, folks. A bounce house. 'Cuz that's just how they roll...er, bounce, as it were. While everyone was doing what needed doing, I helped entertain McKenna. We got along just fine, that is, until she caught glimpse of her parents or grandparents! Zach helped out too, getting her to laugh and smile with his silly antics. She was such a joy to play with! At one point in the afternoon there was a calm that came over the lodge as everyone enjoyed some down-time before the wedding. Oh, and did I mention that the weather was absolutely PERFECT? Well, it was. Just perfect.
Part 2:
Just before 4:00, people began to arrive. Car after car made it's way up to the lodge delivering guests who greeted the family and each other in a kind of pre-ceremony reception. In true Allison and Richard style, the events of the day unfolded naturally, without being dictated or rushed by schedules. When they were ready to start, the guests were seated on a point overlooking the beautiful mountain backdrop. As soon as the music started, so did the tears. Despite the easy-going feel of the wedding, emotions still prevailed. How could they not? Allison was simply radiant in her mother's wedding gown, walking barefoot down the aisle with her dad to the music Diane had walked to at her own wedding. And there was Richard, waiting for his bride, handsome and smiling. Throughout the ceremony, Allison and Richard displayed sweet exchanges of emotion; it was hard to keep the tears from falling. Even with the tears, there was laughter. And with Allison and Richard, how could there not be? In his heartfelt vows to Allison, Richard added in that he "would always have granola bars" on their adventures together. Allison even chuckled at herself when she was caught up with emotion during her vows. At the moment that Allison and Richard were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Richard Brown, the guests cheered wildly and Richard picked Allison up, threw her over his shoulder and began running down the aisle, only to trip and fall to the ground...both of them...bride and groom, dust and dirt! The crowd gasped while they lay there slightly stunned but laughing. Not missing a beat, Richard helped Allison up, threw her over his shoulder a second time and proceeded to the reception tent. And that was that. The party started.
Part 3:
The food line formed quickly; the smell of roasted pig, chicken and baked beans filled the air. Nothing like a good 'ole western barbeque! Dinner was fabulous and Blake and I enjoyed talking with one of the men who had been tending the pig all day. The guests mingled and laughed, ate and drank. Kids and adults made their way to the bounce house while others signed the 'guest book' which was a custom-made wooden bench that guests signed with a wood-burning tool. The cake was cut and the bouquet was tossed. And the party carried on. The music and dancing continued. Memories were made. Pictures were taken. The older folks fizzled-out, the younger folks did not. Allison and Richard were married! What a perfect beginning to their "happily-ever-after." We were so happy to be a part of it.
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