Early Friday morning we flew to Dallas to prepare for the much-anticipated wedding celebrations for Laura and Scott. Adam got to hang out and read a lot, while I joined the rest of the bridal party for all manner jobs like sorting programs and filling sachets with lavender. We did take some time for manicures and lunch at PF Chiangs before the big day:
Saturday night we had our rehearsal at PHPC before a wonderful dinner at the Iron Cactus downtown. Adam took this one for me while I was up being told where to go:
Scott's parents fed us a marvelous dinner of fajitas and enchiladas, with an endless supply of frozen margaritas to quench any thirst we might have after all that rehearsing. There were lots of speeches and a lot of laughter as stories were told and retold. I surprised even myself by giving a short toast!
The wedding was Sunday night, but Ellen, Laura, and I met up at the church after noon to get our makeup done and get some early pictures taken. Aside from the ceremony itself, one of my favorite memories is spending those last few hours with all the women congregating in the bride's room as everyone's anticipation grew.
The ceremony was everything I had hoped for Laura - she looked beautiful and happy, and of course Scott looked over the moon the whole night! Elizabeth McLean, who presided over the ceremony, tipped us off on rehearsal night that one of the best people to watch during the wedding march (we couldn't see Laura at all because of where we were standing) is the groom's face because he's usually looking pretty thunderstruck. Another memorable part of the ceremony came when Elizabeth had Laura and Scott (and all of us on stage) turn towards the pews so that the congregation could recite a dedication. It was a powerful moment for me, looking out on everyone gathered there, so obviously filled with love and hope for these two people.
And then we were done! Another reason Presbyterians rock - the entire ceremony clocked in at under 30 minutes. We gathered all of our stuff, and rushed downtown to Union Station for the reception. We had some funny moments in the waiting room, trying to figure out the various ties for the bustle of Laura's dress, but ultimately we get it all sorted out and it was time to party!
I didn't get to see the two of them much after that, but I did get to dance with everyone from PHPC and a few people I knew from my earlier years at Preston Hollow and Franklin. The band was playing some great music. When it came time to leave, we all lined up on the DART platform outside of the station, and then threw lavender at Laura and Scott as they ran towards their very own train car that carried them to their hotel! As far as wedding exits go, it was pretty darn cool.
And right now they're probably still in the air en route to Thailand for their honeymoon! I guess I'll have to wait until they get back for pictures, but I have some great memories for now.