Wedding Weekend

We're BAAACCCKKKKKKK!

Exactly 24 hours ago, I was traipsing around downtown Annapolis (Maryland) negotiating the cobblestone streets in some strappy black heels on the way to my cousins wedding. The scene was amazing: Annapolis has a ton of romantic history to it, not the least of which is a stunning Naval Academy campus right on the water. My feet complained dearly for the 30 minute walk to the Naval Chapel, but my spirits were high. Nothing could compare to going to a romantic wedding on a divinely perfect, 70-degree day. Plus, I had a hearty throng with me: nine other family members, dressed to the nines, sans children.

We were instructed to go to the Naval Chapel. I was picturing a little white chapel on the hill kind of structure. I was mistaken. Think "cathedral" with all the pomp of royalty. Breathtaking.

The ceremony was beautiful. It was simple and relaxed. The bride laughed gentiley to her father as she was escorted down the very long aisle. I had to look TWICE to see my cousin Tom dressed in his naval formals. He looked so grown up. As he should. As they gave their vows, I was transported to seven years earlier when I had offered my own vows to my loving husband. I wanted dearly to cry, but I held back the tears because earlier that day I had persuaded myself to endure false eyelashes. It was a mistake, I admit. I feared eyelash bombs blurring my already cloudy vision. *sigh* No matter. I still enjoyed a beautiful moment. (Side note: I found out later that evening that my Aunt Margie, mother of the groom, had had a traumatic morning at the salon. She was sitting under some very hot lights getting makeup applied much more heavily than she liked and promptly passed out. She came home, redid her hair and makeup and looked stunning in her tailored gown. In light of that, false eyelashes weren't so bad.)

After the ceremony, we were directed to wait outside for the arch of swords. The newly married couple was introduced and went through. After the couple processed, the bride was spanked by the flat end of the last sword and told "Welcome to the Navy."

After the ceremony, we were lead to a yacht they hired for the occasion. Truthfully, I could have been on a pontoon boat and had just as much fun. The medium sized crowd was very enjoyable and friendly. We were served a variety of hors d'oeuvres as we milled about the deck, waiting for the wedding party. My favorite appetizer was the miniature Maryland crab cake. I confess to coercing several of my male relatives to snag extra crab cakes on my behalf. They were that good.

I won't give a play-by-play of the evening, except to say that there was dinner, laughter, cake cutting and uninhibited dancing. I've never seen a dance floor so crowded at a wedding. What a crowd.

After the lovely evening, Dan and I crashed into four hours of sleep and then caught a flight home to Chicago. Morgan has been watching approximately 4 hours of television here at home while we doze in and out of sleep. Our insides feel like someone took an eggbeater to them, but it was worth it. The laughter, the romance, the food.

Congrats, Tom and Nicole! We truly enjoyed the celebration and wish you all the best.