I realized that I haven’t blogged (or recorded in any way, really) a couple weddings I went to this summer. One being my little sister’s and the other was one of my best friends. Shame on me.
In July Caitlin married a boy she met in her ward last autumn and had a lovely wedding and reception down in Manti where Neil (her husband
) is from. The whole family was there, except for my brother-in-law Matt and his and Michelle’s kiddos. They were able to come out the next week though to Kentucky where we had an open house for Caitlin and Neil.
It was so good to be around family for awhile. And to visit Kentucky again. I absolutely love that place.
From Kentucky, I flew to Alabama and drove my little rental car down to Au
burn where I was the “best man*” for one of my best friends ever, Chris, who married a girl he met in his ward (also last autumn, fancy that!). I was so glad I could make it. He has been such a constant in my life, more like the brother I should’ve had (I always day dreamed about having a twin brother and I think he could’ve been it) than a mere friend. I also got to see his family again. Which was weird and awesome. I haven’t seen them since I was fifteen (10 years ago!) and it was fun to catch up. His grandma, who I’d never met before, made it her personal duty to introduce me to every single person in the reception hall, whether she knew them herself or not. She also made me perform a mini photo shoot for her out on the patio (because she wanted to remember me) which had me cracking up for a half hour. Also, she has a glass eye that she named Gladys. I think I love her.
I was seated at the groom’s family table for the reception. Chris’s dad also insisted on my being in the family photo’s. It was so thoughtful of him but made me feel a bit out of place. Mostly since the photographer wasn’t thrilled about the idea for some reason. It seemed she couldn’t wait to tell me to get me out of the shots. She must be a very by the book person…
While in Auburn I had some time to myself to explore the campus, which is gorgeous, and learned that a person could very well drown just by walking outside (that is SERIOUS humidity, guys), and ate some incredibly delicious southern food, including the best red beans and rice I’ve ever had the privilege of stuffing in my face.
It was a great summer.
*The only thing that really designated me as the “best man” was that I helped Chris set up his hotel room before the reception (they didn’t have an official bridal party). Chris said that by helping him it made me his “de facto best man.” I’ll take it. For the hotel room, we got the usual bubbly drink and chocolates, as well as some rose petals and a few Asian fruits and treats Chris loves from Malaysia where he served his mission. A few days later, he told me that the rose petals had stained the sheets and carpet red… Whoops. I guess that’s a tidbit of information I’ll need to log away for any other future weddings I help out with. Sorry Marriott!
