It’s been a while, but we actually remembered how to relax just a little. We didn’t have to be anywhere until 2:45, so we had a leisurely breakfast with … well, eventually with everyone we knew at the hotel. Cary and KayLynn first. Then I got a phone call from Ezra asking if we were at breakfast. Since we were, he and Noa jetted down in a heartbeat to join us. Bob and Linda came down next, and Kel and Christina followed soon after. Finally, just under the wire of when the kitchen closed on breakfast, Jachin and Josiah arrived.
After breakfast we had a pow-wow with Cary and KayLynn. She and Chris have both been researching places to go to see the northern lights. We left it with me emailing our faithful travel agent Belinda to see what insights she had.
As I mentioned, we had to be at the venue by 2:45. The reason? No. Not because I was the officiant. This time it was so Chris could get her cookies there on time. There were a few last minute things to be done, but for the most part, all was ready.
The pictures had already been taken of the wedding party. Zak and Lindsay did one of those “first look” photo things. That just left family photos for after the ceremony.
Finally the time came to begin. The grandparents lined themselves up in proper order, and the wedding coordinator fell into step and followed their lead. Unfortunately, about the time Josh and Christi headed down the aisle, I realized I didn’t have my wedding book in my hands. Uh oh.
Knowing I had mere moments before Zak and I were supposed to head down the aisle, I hurried up the side aisle to the front row to check the seat next to Chris. Nope. I hurried back to the back and outside where the wedding party waited. There it was. No problem. I grabbed it, Zak grabbed me, and we were back on track.
Lindsay’s dad, Lance, had asked if, in answer to the “Who presents this woman to be married to this man? question, he could say to Zak, “As long as you understand there are no takie-backies here, then her mother and I do.” I assured him he most certainly could. He didn’t. Left out the takie-backie” part altogether. Smart man, Lance.
The ceremony went off without a hitch. The room was packed. The mic was, well …. Very loud. But we made it work. In an interesting move (at the request of the photographer), after I pronounced them husband and wife, I had to duck behind a canopy post so I wouldn’t be in the kissing picture. Then I had to pop back out to present them to the crowd. Oh, and in a thrilling moment during their walk down the aisle as man and wife, Lindsey twirled into Zak’s arms and he dipped her for another flamboyant kisseroo. The celebration had begun.
The reception included a meal of some slow-cooked barbecue brisket and chicken. Good stuff.
Zak and Lindsay started things off with their first dance, then her dad danced with her, and Christi danced with Zak. Caleb continued things with a great best man speech. He took his duties seriously and carried them out admirably. Once the other formalities were completed (read here, cutting the cheesecake), and the food line was diminished, the dancing began.
This segment included quite a few different dance styles, from slow dances to upbeat free style to country two step to every line dance you can think of. There may or may not have been one of Zak’s grandparents gracing the dance floor on occasion. Rumor has it that he (or she) was rocking the joint away.
The cold, wet weather (and the semi-outdoor venue) led to a shortening of the festivities. The happy couple left around 7:30 to the cheers - and bubbles - of the crowd.
Lots of people stuck around to help reset the chairs and tables for the next event. Surprisingly, we were back at the hotel around 8:30. And what should await us there but …
The elevator was on the fritz. We were directed to the stairs at the ends of the building. Fortunately, we weren’t carrying anything heavy. As it turned out, they got it fixed before we ever settled into our room for the night (we had to make the rounds of Nathan’s and Kel’s suites).
Full day. A few twists. God was ever in control. Love you, Zak and Lindsay.
Isaiah 55:6 says, Seek the Lord while He may be found; call to Him while He is near.
Father, be with Zak and Lindsay as they get started together. There’s lots of learning and growing left to do. Amen.
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