Well, we got it done
You all knew of course, that I would comment on THE wedding in this column. It was wonderful. Yeah, I know — it rained. I was there. It wasn't the outdoor ceremony we envisioned, but it came off as if we had planned for a wedding in the rain. It was a perfect event.
Once we realized the showers were socked in for the evening, we gussied up the warehouse and the former Turkey Red restaurant. We made a tunnel of tents to keep the food and drinks dry, moved serving tables and electrical cords. We carried dripping tables and chairs into both buildings and created a meandering wedding aisle through the restaurant.
The absolute best part was that guests came early to see if they could help. They dried chairs and wiped off tables. They moved tents, plants, food tables, the stage, and the sound system. They spread the vintage tablecloths and added candles, lanterns, and wildflower bouquets. Someone finally convinced the father of the bride to go home and change.
Guests squeezed together and the string quartet adjusted to the indoor acoustics.
In the end it came down to two young people making a commitment. The rest was superfluous. But it went well; it went really well. The parents of the bride and groom were alternately beaming and teary-eyed. There were cheers and thunderous applause when the minister presented the couple to the assembled crowd.
And yes, the recessional was "Ease On Down the Road."
Thank you to all of you who pitched in to help. What a great bunch you are! It was a memorable evening for our family made more so by all of you.
Also, to the many farmers who told me that had we planned this event for 30 days ago we might have saved the bean crop — we do have another daughter. Just let me know when you need a downpour!
— SUSAN MARSHALL
