The next daughter is just 18. My oldest is now 22 and married--two months after announcing her engagement. We knew since Christmas that it was coming. I just didn't think it would come so fast. I wanted to do a lot of things--cake, decorations, cookies, reception. Working full time and mothering don't always go with planning a wedding. Was I tired after? You bet--so sick I couldn't go to work the following Monday. Was it worth it? You bet. It was a wonderful way to overwork. Are there things I would do different? Yep. Better to dwell on the good things.
1. Good Friends. I had several great ones that helped me set up for the reception two days before the wedding. One friend made three boutennieres and three corsages. On the day of the wedding reception, they went in early to finish decorating the Bed and Breakfast while we were finishing the cake. They were actually
2. Zales. I ordered Erick's ring for Samantha nine days before the wedding to be shipped with two day shipping. Plenty of time! Until three days later when I noticed the charge on my bank account for the ring was not there any more. Called Zales, they let me know that we had ordered a ring with a 7 - 10 day processing time and it was due to be shipped one week after the wedding. Asked what they could do. They said they would try to increase the priority. Two days later, another phone call, they still did not know if it would be here on time. Next day, still not sure. Finally, the next day, I got an e-mail saying the ring would be FedEx shipped here by the day before the wedding, and it was. Thank you Zales!
3. Sisters and my parents. Came in from out of state two days before the wedding. The girls flew in, and my 80 and 78 year old parents drove 2000 miles! Once they were here they worked like bandits to help frost cookies, organize decorations for the decorators, help with cake decorations, play with my little boys, and just support me. They are the best.
4. My sister-in-law. Set up the reception place and the food. The Whistler Hotel Bed and Breakfast and all the people there were fantastic. It is a beautiful place that Sherrie had the foresight to recommend for the atmosphere and the food. Both were fantastic.
5. The blessing of eternal marriage. I am so grateful for the blessings of being married for time and eternity to my husband in the Jordan River LDS temple. Now I am doubly blessed because my daughter and her husband were also married for time and eternity in the Houston LDS temple. What a great blessing!
