Disclosure – This is just my experience of the wedding – I am sure you would hear 35 different stories if you polled the group. If you attended and would like to add your experience or thoughts in the comment section of my blog – feel free – I would love to hear other perspectives. Cheers – I hope you enjoy the blog!!
The wedding
Pulling into the parking lot of New Brighton beach, brought an unexpected turn of events – there were people there – lots of them – carrying their beach towels, coolers, and various items that people bring to the beach on a beautiful summer Saturday. “Oh goodness” I say to myself, “this will never do” - for some reason this had never occurred to me (I know – people at the beach – crazy Jenn – duh!) I walk quickly over to the edge and gaze down the wooden stairs to shoreline, where it appears the people have quite literally multiplied and spread out like gremlins or chicken pox. The Park City boys and Keaton standing slightly behind, and I hear Keaton’s thoughts –“We will just ask them nicely to leave. “ – I turn to Keaton, “Let’s get to work” and with that we are down the stairs walking quickly and with purpose – He heads to the first group, and I take the next – Apologizing giving them 20 minutes to clear out and thank them for their understanding - the assumed close. Some smile and are happy to leave, some get angry “It’s a free country, I can be where I want” angry, some try to hint at an invitation to stay, but in the end they all gather their chairs, umbrella’s and sun screen and move southernly down the beach.
After this task has been completed to my satisfaction it’s time to head back up the stairs and wait in the parking lot for the bride – Travis and Dan standing with me, at the ready to catch her as she arrives and makes her way down to the wedding. Talking to me about all the funny thoughts that pass through their heads sensing my nervousness at wanting everything to go “just right”, Travis knowing me well enough to try and save me from myself, and the constant chatter in my brain - as the minutes tick by, 10 minutes after 3:00, 15 minutes after – I scan each and every car looking for the faces I met the night before at the rehearsal dinner, and then at 18 minutes after 3:00 a glimmer of hope comes striding across the parking lot with her bright pink bangs blowing in the wind, like a happy smoke signal, I breathe a sigh of relief; Deborah is here, Kirsten’s kindred spirit aunt, whom I have spent a whopping 15 minutes talking to in my whole life, but in an instant we had recognized each other’s energy. This is a woman on a mission, first - don’t panic she is coming and secondly – I am not a woman who likes to be late – I thank her, and redeploy her off with the first message to calm the troops who I am sensing now, are starting to get concerned, despite Patcee’s efforts to keep them busy with tasks of preparation. There are only so many shells you can place in the circle, and so many pieces of drift wood to place in the appropriate places in the sand to create a wedding aisle by which the bride will enter her new life.
I continue to scan the cars entering the parking lot – another reprieve comes 10 minutes later, by way of Kirsten’s two remaining aunts cheerfully walking up with news that yes, the rumors are true, the bride is coming “should be here any minute” I thank Marie and Ann and send them along as well. – Seth and Ben (Kirsten’s brothers) approach looking like Hollywood hipsters, so cool, so calm - auburn versions of Elvis Costello - I get the courage to ask the unthinkable question – “Has she had a change of heart?” Seth is the first respond, the cool attitude gives way to incredible warmth as he assures me – “She is coming, there is nothing to worry about, she just wants to be perfect” – although this is my 3rd confirmation – it is the first that really assures me, Seth, Ben and Kirsten are close. I ask Seth to please go down to the beach and tell Keaton specifically, because although I am 300 yards away, I can feel him, and Keaton is now officially scared to death that Kirsten is not coming. Ben and Seth jump at a chance to be helpful, and head down to the beach to assure the groom he will not be left at the alter or in this case the circle of rocks, shells and chosen loved ones. Travis now abandons his post at the fence near the stairs, and heads down to the beach area where the ceremony is to take place to take some photos of the wedding party, leaving Dan to baby sit me. Dan is sweet and funny, making comments about the folks leaving the beach to pass the time, I hear him somewhere in the way back of my head – what feels like forever passes, but in reality is only a few more minutes, and the van with the bride arrives. The doors open and out steps Kirsten – at once my breath is taken completely away.
She has accomplished her goal, she looks perfect! Her beautiful dress hugging her curves in all the right places. Her face is lightly accented, but not over done, and her hair is done to frame her expressive face which is open, honest, and full of love – although, as she steps out of the van and into the parking lot, there is a look of determination, and stress on her face. My heart lights up as I realize that she is wearing the earrings I had chosen for her a few days earlier. She owns the moment.
Catherine, her mother, parks the van and hurry’s over to join us. She is beaming from head to toe – her own beautiful face emitting calm and positive energy, her daughter, her pride and joy is about to marry a man she approves of – and she is doing her best to take in this experience as big as it is. Kirsten stands surrounded by her girlfriends, who have traveled from out of town and are attending her as a bride should be attended too; fussing over her dress, and handing sunglasses, etc. Somehow her brothers’ notice that their baby sister has arrived, and they are there, quickly, ready to do their job – for today, they are giving their sister away. I am suddenly aware of a box that I have been holding with a death grip in my hands, it is the rings – and I need the engagement ring to add to the set. I retrieve it, and make a bee-line for the wedding group. I want to be there when she makes her way down the beach to us.
My father, Tim, is performing the ceremony. This is something that pleases Keaton with his whole heart; his grandfather, his hero, means the world to him. It is all coming together perfectly - the group who up until this point has been enjoying the sunshine and sand, catching up, reminiscing, spontaneously starts to pull together forming a tight and intimate circle around the groom who is transfixed by his love as she walks with both of her arms gathering up her skirt, as Ben and Seth do their best to guide her forward. The energy is palpable, as Kirsten walks down the aisle applause and joyful laughter break out. Jackson standing tall in the circle slightly behind his brother, he is the best man, and he is doing his job with all the “grown up” he has in him, holding the ring box, and waiting for his cue. Kirsten is now in the circle placed across from Keaton and, frankly, is doing her best to look at him. We have messed up, and placed her looking directly into the sun. Had we shifted them slightly what she would have seen is a man completely undone by his love for her, tears in his eyes, feeling like the luckiest man in the whole world, and doing his best to hold it together.
Tim begins the ceremony, and welcomes the group, and then immediately turns the floor or sand in this case over to Catherine who has a poem to share with the group, the poem is by a poet who was one of Kirsten’s father’s favorites, and is a fitting tribute to a man who is no longer with us, as well as a family who values poetry. It describes love and marriage – and gives the bride and groom a moment to get comfortable in the circle while a lovely tone is set. Tim takes it from there and wastes no time talking about marriage, and what it means – the circle tightening as we lean in to take in the couple and his words over the sound of the waves and surf. There are agreements made, vows recited, and rings exchanged the feelings building as the group basks in the moment. I lean into to James holding his hand squeezing it as they say “I do” – we are all re-affirming our love, participating in this new union. With that, Tim pronounces them husband and wife, and tells them that they may now have their first kiss as married couple. They do kiss – leaning in and taking their time, they are now completely and totally in their own little world, amazed at how much deeper their love is after just a moment in time. The circle thrills in the kiss and some giggle that is takes a little longer than most. And then it is hugging all around and congratulations before they are pressed into 45 minutes or so of servitude for pictures.
After the ceremony we all head to the reception/after party. I think after party is the best way to describe it, for this has been a production and the select group who attended now all feel closer to each other – people who 24 hours previously were strangers are now gathering, exploring and finding each other. We feel remarkably comfortable, like we have known each other for years – amazed at our collective experiences and shared interests. There is wonderful food prepared by the aunts, who remind me of 3 guardian angels or fairy godmothers, such love and care put into everything. Ben and Seth are acting as both D.J’s (with help from Kristi) and bartenders – making sure the vibe is flowing along with the drinks. Catherine is hosting and taking a moment to enjoy each of her guests, learning as much as she can from each about her new son-in-law, or maybe a story about Kirsten she didn’t know. Travis is everywhere capturing not only the moments but the spirit of the event. Joy fills the room and spills out onto the deck as the sun and ocean sounds stream in.
By the end of the evening there would be toasts, cutting of the cake (so yummy from Gayle’s Bakery) and eventually a swim in the ocean, The party continues the next morning with a nice long visit back at the brides beach house with Jorri picking up some musical mentors (Ben and Seth), and James making a date with Ann to go to a Rockies game in Denver and a lovely invitation to visit from Marie. Keaton may have gained a wife – but we truly feel like we gained an entire family. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to all. I feel like I have hit the lottery of love!!! Cheers – and I promise I will get back to the regular Bliss on a Budget in the near future.
The wedding
Pulling into the parking lot of New Brighton beach, brought an unexpected turn of events – there were people there – lots of them – carrying their beach towels, coolers, and various items that people bring to the beach on a beautiful summer Saturday. “Oh goodness” I say to myself, “this will never do” - for some reason this had never occurred to me (I know – people at the beach – crazy Jenn – duh!) I walk quickly over to the edge and gaze down the wooden stairs to shoreline, where it appears the people have quite literally multiplied and spread out like gremlins or chicken pox. The Park City boys and Keaton standing slightly behind, and I hear Keaton’s thoughts –“We will just ask them nicely to leave. “ – I turn to Keaton, “Let’s get to work” and with that we are down the stairs walking quickly and with purpose – He heads to the first group, and I take the next – Apologizing giving them 20 minutes to clear out and thank them for their understanding - the assumed close. Some smile and are happy to leave, some get angry “It’s a free country, I can be where I want” angry, some try to hint at an invitation to stay, but in the end they all gather their chairs, umbrella’s and sun screen and move southernly down the beach.
After this task has been completed to my satisfaction it’s time to head back up the stairs and wait in the parking lot for the bride – Travis and Dan standing with me, at the ready to catch her as she arrives and makes her way down to the wedding. Talking to me about all the funny thoughts that pass through their heads sensing my nervousness at wanting everything to go “just right”, Travis knowing me well enough to try and save me from myself, and the constant chatter in my brain - as the minutes tick by, 10 minutes after 3:00, 15 minutes after – I scan each and every car looking for the faces I met the night before at the rehearsal dinner, and then at 18 minutes after 3:00 a glimmer of hope comes striding across the parking lot with her bright pink bangs blowing in the wind, like a happy smoke signal, I breathe a sigh of relief; Deborah is here, Kirsten’s kindred spirit aunt, whom I have spent a whopping 15 minutes talking to in my whole life, but in an instant we had recognized each other’s energy. This is a woman on a mission, first - don’t panic she is coming and secondly – I am not a woman who likes to be late – I thank her, and redeploy her off with the first message to calm the troops who I am sensing now, are starting to get concerned, despite Patcee’s efforts to keep them busy with tasks of preparation. There are only so many shells you can place in the circle, and so many pieces of drift wood to place in the appropriate places in the sand to create a wedding aisle by which the bride will enter her new life.
I continue to scan the cars entering the parking lot – another reprieve comes 10 minutes later, by way of Kirsten’s two remaining aunts cheerfully walking up with news that yes, the rumors are true, the bride is coming “should be here any minute” I thank Marie and Ann and send them along as well. – Seth and Ben (Kirsten’s brothers) approach looking like Hollywood hipsters, so cool, so calm - auburn versions of Elvis Costello - I get the courage to ask the unthinkable question – “Has she had a change of heart?” Seth is the first respond, the cool attitude gives way to incredible warmth as he assures me – “She is coming, there is nothing to worry about, she just wants to be perfect” – although this is my 3rd confirmation – it is the first that really assures me, Seth, Ben and Kirsten are close. I ask Seth to please go down to the beach and tell Keaton specifically, because although I am 300 yards away, I can feel him, and Keaton is now officially scared to death that Kirsten is not coming. Ben and Seth jump at a chance to be helpful, and head down to the beach to assure the groom he will not be left at the alter or in this case the circle of rocks, shells and chosen loved ones. Travis now abandons his post at the fence near the stairs, and heads down to the beach area where the ceremony is to take place to take some photos of the wedding party, leaving Dan to baby sit me. Dan is sweet and funny, making comments about the folks leaving the beach to pass the time, I hear him somewhere in the way back of my head – what feels like forever passes, but in reality is only a few more minutes, and the van with the bride arrives. The doors open and out steps Kirsten – at once my breath is taken completely away.
She has accomplished her goal, she looks perfect! Her beautiful dress hugging her curves in all the right places. Her face is lightly accented, but not over done, and her hair is done to frame her expressive face which is open, honest, and full of love – although, as she steps out of the van and into the parking lot, there is a look of determination, and stress on her face. My heart lights up as I realize that she is wearing the earrings I had chosen for her a few days earlier. She owns the moment.
Catherine, her mother, parks the van and hurry’s over to join us. She is beaming from head to toe – her own beautiful face emitting calm and positive energy, her daughter, her pride and joy is about to marry a man she approves of – and she is doing her best to take in this experience as big as it is. Kirsten stands surrounded by her girlfriends, who have traveled from out of town and are attending her as a bride should be attended too; fussing over her dress, and handing sunglasses, etc. Somehow her brothers’ notice that their baby sister has arrived, and they are there, quickly, ready to do their job – for today, they are giving their sister away. I am suddenly aware of a box that I have been holding with a death grip in my hands, it is the rings – and I need the engagement ring to add to the set. I retrieve it, and make a bee-line for the wedding group. I want to be there when she makes her way down the beach to us.
My father, Tim, is performing the ceremony. This is something that pleases Keaton with his whole heart; his grandfather, his hero, means the world to him. It is all coming together perfectly - the group who up until this point has been enjoying the sunshine and sand, catching up, reminiscing, spontaneously starts to pull together forming a tight and intimate circle around the groom who is transfixed by his love as she walks with both of her arms gathering up her skirt, as Ben and Seth do their best to guide her forward. The energy is palpable, as Kirsten walks down the aisle applause and joyful laughter break out. Jackson standing tall in the circle slightly behind his brother, he is the best man, and he is doing his job with all the “grown up” he has in him, holding the ring box, and waiting for his cue. Kirsten is now in the circle placed across from Keaton and, frankly, is doing her best to look at him. We have messed up, and placed her looking directly into the sun. Had we shifted them slightly what she would have seen is a man completely undone by his love for her, tears in his eyes, feeling like the luckiest man in the whole world, and doing his best to hold it together.
Tim begins the ceremony, and welcomes the group, and then immediately turns the floor or sand in this case over to Catherine who has a poem to share with the group, the poem is by a poet who was one of Kirsten’s father’s favorites, and is a fitting tribute to a man who is no longer with us, as well as a family who values poetry. It describes love and marriage – and gives the bride and groom a moment to get comfortable in the circle while a lovely tone is set. Tim takes it from there and wastes no time talking about marriage, and what it means – the circle tightening as we lean in to take in the couple and his words over the sound of the waves and surf. There are agreements made, vows recited, and rings exchanged the feelings building as the group basks in the moment. I lean into to James holding his hand squeezing it as they say “I do” – we are all re-affirming our love, participating in this new union. With that, Tim pronounces them husband and wife, and tells them that they may now have their first kiss as married couple. They do kiss – leaning in and taking their time, they are now completely and totally in their own little world, amazed at how much deeper their love is after just a moment in time. The circle thrills in the kiss and some giggle that is takes a little longer than most. And then it is hugging all around and congratulations before they are pressed into 45 minutes or so of servitude for pictures.
After the ceremony we all head to the reception/after party. I think after party is the best way to describe it, for this has been a production and the select group who attended now all feel closer to each other – people who 24 hours previously were strangers are now gathering, exploring and finding each other. We feel remarkably comfortable, like we have known each other for years – amazed at our collective experiences and shared interests. There is wonderful food prepared by the aunts, who remind me of 3 guardian angels or fairy godmothers, such love and care put into everything. Ben and Seth are acting as both D.J’s (with help from Kristi) and bartenders – making sure the vibe is flowing along with the drinks. Catherine is hosting and taking a moment to enjoy each of her guests, learning as much as she can from each about her new son-in-law, or maybe a story about Kirsten she didn’t know. Travis is everywhere capturing not only the moments but the spirit of the event. Joy fills the room and spills out onto the deck as the sun and ocean sounds stream in.
By the end of the evening there would be toasts, cutting of the cake (so yummy from Gayle’s Bakery) and eventually a swim in the ocean, The party continues the next morning with a nice long visit back at the brides beach house with Jorri picking up some musical mentors (Ben and Seth), and James making a date with Ann to go to a Rockies game in Denver and a lovely invitation to visit from Marie. Keaton may have gained a wife – but we truly feel like we gained an entire family. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to all. I feel like I have hit the lottery of love!!! Cheers – and I promise I will get back to the regular Bliss on a Budget in the near future.
