ANATOMY OF A WEDDING - Part 8 of I think 12

THE PROCESSION BEGINS

WE HAVE LIFT-OFF: Have you ever watched one of those NASA rocket launches on TV? You know, where the preliminary stuff seems interminable, and you wonder if they’ll EVER get to the countdown, but you sit through it just to finally see that glorious launch and hear them say "we have lift-off"? Well I feel like it’s been a similar journey throughout this wedding series, but now I’m happy to report that we’re through with the preliminaries ...and moving on to the glorious main event! And I’m also happy to report that the wedding was NOT scuttled...like some launches are. And I would like to take this time to thank you for your patience and perseverance...and for not waiting in hopes that an abridged version of this wedding series would be released.

MEET THE PARENTS: So first off, and as usual, came the seating of the grandparents and parents. I think Courtney’s brother Grant escorted his mom down the aisle and of course Ben escorted his parents. Then there had to be so much hugging before everyone either sat down or took their places. And it wouldn’t have been so bad but I think that’s when they were playing that Matthew West song When I Say I Do. You can listen to this beautiful song on YouTube, and picture those proud parents and grandparents coming down the aisle looking oh so happy, but maybe a bit reflective too. But this might make you cry. So if you would rather not cry, you can just make up a tune and sing the song yourself (lyrics below) and chances are this will NOT make you cry. Unless of course, you have a decent voice AND know the song...and in that case you might make yourself cry. But that won’t be my fault (Luke).

WHEN I SAY I DO

There must be a God, I believe it’s true
cause I can see his love when I look at you.
And he must have a plan
for this crazy life
cause he brought you here
and placed you by my side.

CHORUS:
Cause I have never been so sure of anything before
Like I am in this moment here with you.
Now for better or for worse
are so much more than only words.
And I pray everyday will be the proof
that I mean what I say when I say I do,
yeah I mean what I say when I say I do.

You see these hands you hold will always hold you up
When the strength you have just ain’t strong enough.
And what tomorrow brings only time will tell
But I will stand by you in sickness and in health.

CHORUS

BRIDGE:
Take my hand and take this ring
and know that I will always love you through anything

As the years march on
like a beating heart
I will live these words
‘til death do us part.

CHORUS

PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW: Next came the bridesmaids and groomsmen down the aisle...two by two. And I wish I had some drama to relate here but everyone looked good and seemed happy and no one tripped so I’ve got nothing.

THE LITTLE ONES: Then came Nora in a sweet little lavender dress with white trim and Bennett in a purple striped button-down shirt and his Converse tennis shoes. They held hands and Bennett was clearly leading Nora along, but he had his free hand over his face at all times...so of course we couldn’t see him. Clearly the most comical moment of the procession...and one of the sweetest.

And here comes the bride will have to wait until next time...because I have to go home and greet David who just got home from camp. Well, really, I’m not going to greet him so much as lecture him because he went straight to a friend’s house and hung out for awhile before we made him come home. Poor guy.

And I had a turkey sandwich and chips for lunch.