Susan and Brent's wedding

My sister got married on 7-8-09. (Yes, those crazy kids got married on a Wednesday.) As you can see, it has taken me awhile to write a post about it. It has not been because I have been busy; I think I have been processing everything. The week was a whirlwind of fun events, and at first, I thought about giving a play-by-play commentary, but decided against it.

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I could tell you about the early morning flight up there: a new first in my life, as I was able to use those handy little sick throw-up bags, not once, but twice, on one trip!

I could tell you about the cold weather we felt immediately after getting off the plane.

I could tell you about the awesome limo that picked us up from the airport or the weird hotel room we stayed in.

I could tell you about the beautiful new pool Brent and Susan put in their backyard. About the fun and crazy pool party. How fun it was to be with all my sisters at one place. The yummy virgin strawberry daiquiri's the bartender made just for me. Ryleigh swimming in the cold pool until her lips turned blue.


I could tell you about the fun morning at the spa, feeling pampered by spa pedicures and manicures, relaxing with the girls.

I could tell you about the yummy Bridesmaid Luncheon at the cute little tea house. How Susan was so sweet and showered us with fun and special gifts. How I thought every girl dressed so cute and was so excited to be there with Susan.

I could tell you about the traffic getting to rehearsal across town. Apparently 5:00 traffic happens during the week, whether there is a wedding or not.

I could tell you about the bus ride, where Ryleigh kept yelling to the front of the bus, trying to get her Gaga's attention.

I could tell you about the crazy rehearsal, with Ryleigh running all over the place, and the coordinator trying to squeeze all 10 bridesmaids and 9 groomsmen on the stage. How much fun the guys had joking around the whole time. How we all left, still not really knowing what was going to happen the next day.

I could tell you about how hungry we all were when we arrived at the rehearsal dinner. How delicious the food was- especially the appetizers. The nice atmosphere. The difficult and sentimental speeches given by Kori, Bradley, and myself. Ryleigh falling asleep in our booth. The excited bride and groom.


I could tell you about the late night lingerie shower, where we planned to eat dessert, but never did because everyone was still full from the late dinner. The fact that it was midnight before we even started the party! The funny (and wayyy TMI) games played. The laughs shared by all the girls. The fun and pretty lingerie Susan received.


I could tell you about the morning of the wedding- waking up to Susan being sick and needing medicine. All the girls loading up to go to the salon and get our hair done. Susan still sick. Coming back to the hotel to have makeup done and finish getting ready. Scarfing down Subway sandwiches. Susan still sick. Feeling big as a house. How beautiful the bridesmaids looked all done up. The relatively quiet ride to the church. Everyone praying Susan's stomach would calm down.


I could tell you about getting into our dresses at the church. Seeing the beautiful flowers. Watching as they finished decorating the church. Susan getting into her amazing dress and unbelievable veil. Taking the "girl" pictures before the wedding. Trying to get Ryleigh ready. Waiting for the ceremony to begin, and realizing that the bus full of most of the wedding guests had still not arrived.

I could tell you about gathering at the back of the church. Hearing the music begin. Ryleigh yelling "it's Baby Einstein, Mama!" The girls starting the parade inside the church. Ryleigh pitching an absolute fit, and me apologizing to Susan, thinking there was no way she would make it down that aisle. Walking down the aisle myself. Turning around to see that Ryleigh actually did make it down the aisle...

I could tell you about the minute Dad walked Susan into the church. The smiles on everyone's faces. Her face behind the veil. The quick hand off of Ryleigh to Jesse. Brent focusing only on Susan. Dad giving her away.



I could tell you about the sweat dripping off Brent's face, as the groomsmen continued to pass down Subway napkins for him to wipe his brow. The smile on Susan's face when she took Brent's hands. The giddiness we could all sense.


I could tell you about the ceremony. The laughter exchanged. The sand ceremony mix-up. The vows. The first kiss. The sheer joy when announced as husband and wife: Mr. and Mrs. Burns.
I could tell you about the Bride and Groom running through the rose petals. The pictures afterwards. Ryleigh running everywhere. The limo ride with the wedding party to the reception. The exhaustion from all the bridesmaids. The laughter and jokes from all the groomsmen.

I could tell you about the gorgeous reception. The tents. The flowers. The twinkle lights. The ice sculpture. The taste of the appetizers, as my stomach growled. The smile Jesse gave me when I walked into the room. The new relaxed state of the bride.

I could tell you about the grand entrance. Again, the announcement of Mr. and Mrs. Cutting the reversed Bride and Groom cakes.
I could tell you how happy everyone was at the party. Excited for Brent and Susan. Smiles everywhere. A tasty dinner. My daughter having a fit. Gorgeous people everywhere. Family and friends thrilled to share in the special day.

I could tell you about the first dance. Brent's classy and fun top hat. Susan's never-ceasing smile. Her dress swishing around the floor. The poofy party veil.

I could tell you about my emotional state. Watching Dad and Susan dance. Crying with Sarah and Julie in the bathroom. Dancing with my Dad. Watching the guys and girls "get down" on the dance floor. Laughing as Savannah stole the show, dancing in the middle of the group.

I could tell you about the fun band. Susan tossing the bouquet. Brent going after the garter. The fight to catch the garter (unheard of, right?) Getting tired. Feeling huge. Wishing Jesse was there with me. Hugging Susan and wishing she knew what I was thinking, since the words didn't come.

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There are several events I could tell you about.

But I don't want to do that. I want to share what I couldn't, when asked to give my speech at rehearsal dinner. Had I known I was supposed to speak, I would have been more prepared. I would have had a great speech, ready to go, though knowing me, still getting emotional.

Instead of event details, I want to share my heart and thoughts. So, Brent and Sus, here is what I would have (should have) said in my speech:

Brent, from the day my sister told me about you, I was nervous. Nervous because you were not anything like anyone else she liked. Nervous because she spoke about you in a serious and yet giddy way. When she told me about you, her smile seemed brighter. As you two continued dating, I saw her change. I watched her grow more dependent on you and the love you gave her. I could see her growing up and caring for someone else more than anyone else in the world. I recognized the signs. And I began to pray that you would love her as much as she loved you, so that I could learn to trust you with her heart. Now, five years later, I am so happy to be here and share in the joining of your hearts and lives. Thank you for caring for my sister. For loving her in a way that only you can. For building trust and relationship with my parents and family. We are excited to welcome you to the family, and I'm thankful to call you my brother.

Susan, the words still do not come easy for me. I try to tell you what you mean to me, but how do you describe the love you have for your sister? I am so proud of you. You might not always know what you want in life right away, but man, when you find it, you go for it! You are kind hearted and generous to everyone you meet. You give of yourself, of your time, your energy, your attention, without demanding it back in return. You love with your whole heart. You might be a twin by genetics, but there is no one quite like you. I have more memories than I can name, growing up with you down the hall. Happy times, frustrating times, laughter, and tears. And I think that is how it is supposed to be. The standard definition of a sister is, "a female who has common parents with another." But I dont necessarily agree. The definition I found that most suits what I think about with each of my sisters says, "Someone you can trust with your secrets; who will stand by you no matter what; who always loves and accepts you." I have been blessed to have three very different, but very special sisters in my life. Thank you for being such an intricate part of who I am. I love you more than I can say, and I am so excited that you have found your prince charming. I pray that as you and Brent begin your life together, you continue to dream big and make the most of this life. Tomorrow is your day, and I'm just thankful to be here to witness it and share in the joy of this momentous and life-changing occassion.

I love you both and wish you life's greatest blessings. Congratulations.