| San Francisco & Michelle's Wedding - Day 3 |
| Because of the distance separating us (Wisconsin to California), I've only hung out with Ian a few times. But I really like the guy. I can't exactly tell you why. Sometimes you just have to go with a feeling. But more than this mystery feeling, the reason I know is that my cousin Michelle loves him. And she's a very great judge of character and very intelligent young woman. And I'm on her side. Since she has chosen Ian, that means that I have chosen Ian as well. Welcome to the family pal. Officially now. |
| I tried to be helpful to my baby sister by grabbing her a glass of champagne for the toast during the reception. But little did I know that she already got her own glass and I ended up being the only asshole with two glasses of champagne. I blamed it on her but everyone knows that I probably would have grabbed two for me anyway. Some things never change. We gathered inside the barn and a server passed out little pieces of toast with bacon and eggs on them. I savored the deliciousness of them until I realized that where in fact the eggs of a quail. Is it even legal to eat quail eggs? I don't feel like checking with my lawyer right now. So I'll claim diplomatic immunity. |
| If you drink at weddings, then you probably have to use the restroom at some point. Because I am wearing fancy clothes, this often becomes a tiring chore to untuck and retuck my shirt. Thankfully the bathroom had a chair so I could rest afterwards. |
| Michelle and Ian were getting married at this joint called Barndiva. It's exactly the kind of place that should hold weddings because it's perfectly groomed to handle the elegance of the ceremony, the social meet and greet of the cocktail hour, the efficient layout for the dinner and the dance floor for the reception. James, Tyler and Jenny were dressed in their very best and certainly fit in amongst the elite. Now see me without a suit coat with a goofy smile on my face. It's a good thing that I was on the guest list or else I might have to pretend like I was the help fashioning the chicken wire around the rock in case their was an earthquake. Instead I just had to do my best to fit in with all of these people that no doubt had more money than I did. I would have to go full chameleon tonight. And just blend in. |
| Kelly (being Michelle's only sibling and sister) was the Maid of Honor. Having known my cousins as long as I have, I wouldn't have seen it happen any other way. We hung out a bit after the ceremony. It's always good to spend time with Kelly. |
| After the wedding ended, we went out to some bar. I wasn't having any of it. After all of the events today and spanking the planks with no regrets, I was ready to pack it in. Today was a really good day. It's always a blessing to be a part of someone's big day. But I wore myself out. And all I wanted to do was take a refreshing dip in the pool, have a nightcap and sleep without worrying about the shady hotel happenings. |
| Home |
| In lieu of signing a standard guestbook, they had a polaroid camera and a book of pages to post it in. Jenny and I did what we normally do and wrote a short message to go with it. We have our moments. |
| As with every big life event, there are some people that couldn't make it. Most would assume that I mean those people who couldn't take the time off of work or couldn't afford to fly out here for the wedding. While I'm sure they exist, I'm actually talking about a few people who are no longer with us like Timmy and my Grandma & Grandpa. It was a really nice gesture by Michelle and Ian to have their pictures here today. |
| Ever since James moved to South Carolina like over 5 years ago, the 3 of us don't get to hang out as much as we would like. With Timmy, we formed the sibling bond JSJT and we always knew that we would make it through life OK as long as we had each other. I know with James' hectic and unpredictable travel schedule, he doesn't always get to decide where he goes and how long he gets to be there. So it was a small miracle that he was able to make it out here for Michelle's wedding. It was also great to spend a few days with Aunt Linda and Tyler. And of course so much of this trip wouldn't have been possible without Dad and Kathy setting up our hotels, renting a car and driving us to these various places. I know Ian and Michelle were happy that we could all be here on this day. |
| Both Uncle Gary and Kelly made amazing heartfelt speeches that displayed their love for Michelle and Ian. Love is such a beautiful thing and it touches you in a way that makes you want to share your feelings and emotions. And what better place than a wedding to do it? |
| This truck was parked in the back of Barndiva and I made a drunken handshake bet with Jenny that at some point tonight, we would hotwire it, steal it and joyride it until the wheels fall off. But that sadly never happened. Damn you drunken bets! |
| Jenny and I bought a card somewhere along the way and we were filling it out at the table while we were waiting for dinner to be served. This was my 4th of 5 weddings this year, so you would think I would know to plan ahead. Nope. I never learn. |
| When the time came to cut the cake, Michele and Ian did it with a Samurai sword. I'm not sure why, but I'm not one to question someone on what or what not to do at their wedding. To each their own. I wouldn't want someone to tell me what do at mine. |
| Dancing is as much a part of weddings as "I do" and "they lived happily ever after". It's a chance for people to bust a move and have fun. And the best part about it is that it doesn'tt matter if you are the whitest of white people with no rhythm. Just dance. |
| It is commonplace at weddings to have some kind of photo booth or photo area set up so that the guests have something to do in-between dancing and drinking. We had no choice but to put on the silly glasses and hats and do what everyone else did that night. |
| When I was talking about white people dancing, I was talking about weddings in general. I wasn't pointing out anyone specifically. As you can see from the video and from the still photographs, these boys and girls got some mad dance skillz. I would never judge anyone for their dance moves because I don't really have any. What did that guy Jesus say? Let the first person without silly dance moves throw the first stone? Then I guess it's a good thing Ian and Michelle aren't close personal friends with Usher or Justin Timberlake. Because those smooth dancing bastards would be chucking stones all over this joint. |
