Going to the chapel, er, White Horse (part 3).

WARNING: This blog is VERY picture-heavy!

FINALLY! 8.1.08 was here, and we were ready! Abbey tried all day to break the old wives’ tale that it’s bad luck to see the groom on your wedding day, but we girls did our best to keep them apart. We’re not a superstitious lot, but you know, just in case.

Friday morning, my aunt and I went for pedicures at Heaven, a day spa in town. I’d only had one before, but heck if I wouldn’t mind one once a week -- I inherited my dad’s skinny but on-their-way-to gnarly feet, and it was perfect timing, since my toes were about to be on display in strappy heels in front of a hundred people (who were all coming to look at my feet, of course). After the wonderful soak and massage and color, we picked up my car from the mechanic and headed home.

At some point between Thursday and Friday, Abbey gave me a bridesmaid gift -- a book by Louie Giglio, a dark chocolate truffle bar, and the coolest tea kettle ever! (Major plug here: http://www.wishingfish.com)

Love!


Friday was actually the quickest day of the week. Once I got home, I readied my dress and necessities, made sure Abbey was ready as well, loaded the car, and it was basically time to go. A group of Exeter girls trekked up with myself and the Anderson girls to help set up. When we arrived, there wasn’t much we could actually do for various reasons (sun, setup, etc.) so the girls went wading the river, I checked on the boys (upstairs in the “treehouse”), and took some time to relax in a bedroom while people starting getting ready.

Abbey had a hair appointment in Exeter and arrived around 330p, and the magic began. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her dress. The bridesmaids were a vision in yellow. The flowers were stunning. And everyone had an amazing time. My camera batteries started to die while we were getting ready so any pictures after that are courtesy of Erica M. (as are some others). Can’t wait to see the professionals.

Erica and Abbey.


Abbey and Emily.


Bridesmaids: The Yellow Girls (our DJ was so insightful).


Abbey and Dad.


Mom and Dad.


The cake.


Picture tables before a beautiful view.


Before the ceremony.


The ceremony was beautiful. Abbey was radiant; Matt was beaming. I thought I would cry (we had tissue, just in case), but they looked so happy that I couldn’t stop smiling. From the vows to Josh’s mini-sermon to the Unity candle and communion -- it was all perfect.

And just like that, they went from Matthew Ingalls and Abigail Cochran to Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Ingalls. Time flies.

But to make up for it J, we had a reception! Cake and dancing and the toasts (where I did cry, but not too much) and Jack, who is the life of a party, and, just like that, they were off to a hotel for the night before heading east toward a Colorado cabin and, ultimately, Indiana. The perfect end to a perfect night.

The happy couple.


Decorations.


Emily and Erica shaking a leg.


Gwen and Derek.


Jack, my partner in dance and crime (aka, bubble wars).


Yummy lemon and raspberry cake.


Head table happiness. Or weird chewing, whatever.


Saturday was a quiet day, almost a lonely day after the week’s activity. The girls and what boys were left went to Sequoia National Park to enjoy the trails and redwoods. After Travis and Veronica headed home, Mom, Dad, and I hung around the house doing not much until we went to Grammie and Papa‘s for cupcakes and ice cream to celebrate Grammie‘s birthday (next week but she and Papa will be in Oregon!). The three of us had dinner at Vallarta’s then watched Big Fish (Gwen’s excellent choice) with the girls and Derek before retiring early. It was weird to sleep in my sister’s bed, knowing she would never live in that room again.

Sunday morning, I went to church with Mom and Dad, who picked up Jim and Sonya (Matt’s parents) on their way. Afterward, we had Vallarta’s for lunch (any Exeterite will tell you that there is no such thing as too much Vallarta’s!) that could only be described as leisurely. I guess delicious would work, too. J It was especially fun for me because, while I’d been visiting with Jim and Sonya over the past several days, I hadn’t had the chance to really get to know them, and they are such wonderful people in their own right (beyond having an amazing son).

And then it was time to go home. The kitty was glad to see me, as I was her, and I was especially glad I’d scoured the apartment before I’d left. It was an idyllic, exhausting, amazing weekend of fun, love, laughter, and fellowship. I feel so blessed to have been a part of what God is doing in the lives of my sister and my brother-in-law, whom I consider my brother because, while Abbey is now an Ingalls, Matt is also a Cochran. Welcome to the family!

An aside:
Things I Learned (or Learned Again)
1. Always bake at least four dozen cupcakes before a wedding. You never know how many situations will call for cake.
2. Spiky high heels may make your legs look fabulous, but they will sink in soft grass, making you a bit of a fidgety maid of honor.
3. No matter what, EVERYONE sweats in California in July. Embrace it and call it glow!
4. (Male of any age x 10) + open space = wiffle ball.
5. God is love.

End of the line but you missed the train? Chug along to Part 1! Then Part 2!