A few weekends ago, we loaded up the car and headed on an adventure to Mississippi. Brandon's cousin Chad was getting married to his long-time and lovely girlfriend Courtney, and Brandon was in the wedding.
We left Thursday morning and headed first to Mobil, Alabama, to visit one of Brandon's best friends and his family. Jason is the kind of friend you bond with, get into trouble with, and stay friends with your whole life. He's the kind of friend your parents are glad you have, because they're so true--but are also afraid you have, because every late-night phone call that begins with, "Mom, everything's okay, BUT...." happens when you're with him.
He and his wife just had their second adorable child Nate, whose older brother Owen is just as cute. Of course, I have no photographic evidence of this, because we forgot to take pictures the entire time we were at their house! Carson made herself right at home and toddled around, playing with their toys. They took us to a great barbeque place nearby called The Shed, a chain that has been featured on both the Travel channel and Food Network. It was some of the best bbq we've had and had a great family-friendly atmosphere.
Friday, we departed for Mississippi--about a 3-hour drive from Jason's house. To help you get an idea of the setting of the wedding, the nearest hotel to the church was about an hour away. We were definitely in the country.
Chad and Courtney have been together for a decade already and are the kind of couple you just know belongs together. They're laid-back, generous, thoughtful, and easy to be around. After meeting all of their extended families, it's clear why they are the way they are.
Because they've been together for so long, it's safe to say Courtney had thought just a little bit about the wedding. She jokes that she started out with a "hope chest" where she put things to be used for her wedding and married life, and it grew into a "hope room" at her parents' house, after so much time to add to it. But all that planning and dreaming paid off big-time, because this was the sweetest wedding I have ever attended.
Friday night was the rehearsal, so after we checked into the hotel, put C down for a nap, and changed, we headed to the church. It was just what I'd hoped it would be--a small one-room church with a fellowship hall next door, filled to the brim with friends and family.
After the rehearsal, we headed next door for a catfish fry, which was perfectly decorated for the occasion and mood. There were fried catfish, hush puppies, french fries, and cole slaw. Anyone who didn't know you would just come up and introduce themselves, explain how they were related to the couple, and ask how you were doing. It was such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The next day, we spent some time at the hotel, Brandon left before lunch for pictures, and C and I ate at Cracker Barrel with Gram, Poppy, and Giddy. Then it was back to the hotel to get C a quick nap and then get ourselves ready for the ceremony--a task I almost accomplished well. I should mention that Carson was basically perfection on this trip. She handled the extensive car rides without complaining and was sweet to all the new people she met. She only had two meltdowns, both of which happened at the hotel--which is infinitely better than having one at the wedding or around all her new friends. One of those meltdowns happened after she was dressed for the wedding but before I was finished getting all our bags ready. Here, I was trying to get a picture of her all dressed up. She didn't appreciate it.
1. ask Gram to come give C a bottle while I pack up the car
2. walk and feed with Gram and a crying Carson, because Gram also had to help Giddy finish getting ready downstairs
3. realize a monsoon has begun outside--and my car is parked in the farthest possible parking place at the hotel
4. total chaos ensues, as there is a screaming baby, confusion about who's riding where and when and with whom, and last-minute adjustments to the master plan in order to get everyone into their vehicles, preferably not soaking wet
5. Poppy drives me to our car so I can load the bags--after which you could literally have rung out my hair and dress
6. re-enter the hotel to hear Carson SCREAMING from down the hall
7. load up the passengers--C, Giddy, and Grandad with me; Paula with Tommy
8. roll out, hoping to make the wedding on time but not looking promising
But we made it, with 10 minutes to spare before the wedding started, although since Giddy and Grandad were part of the procession, everyone at the church was getting pretty nervous.
We were also fairly stressed about the reception, which was supposed to be outside. We were just sure the monsoon would eventually head that direction. People were checking their phones for the radar reports, and there were showers all around our area. We figured it was only a matter of time before the reception was cancelled/cut short by storms.
In the meantime though, we had a wedding! It was beautiful. Brandon did a great job and looked quite handsome in his tuxedo. Carson thought it was a little odd for him to be standing up front rather than sitting with us, but mostly she just played in the pew.
Courtney was gorgeous--her dress was amazing, and she just glowed with joy and excitement. Chad was so handsome and happy and ready for the day they waited so long to have. The ceremony was beautiful, filled with smiles, tears, and love.
mason jars with candles hanging in the trees
a little kids area under a tree, with small tables & chairs, goody bags, and hay bales to sit on
cute little scenes with antique furniture
a bookshelf filled with pics of Chad and Court
Sunday morning, we got up bright and early and headed home--and then didn't put Carson into a car for about a week, after all the driving she endured so pleasantly over the weekend :)
Congratulations, Chad and Courtney! We love you and thank you for having us at your beautiful event! We look forward to our families growing together over the years.
