My Best Friend's Wedding
Besties. BFF's. Soul sisters.
These are all terms I've used to describe my relationship with Amanda. For the last 22 years we've shared all of our life moments side-by-side and last month we added to our running list of celebratory moments together - her wedding.
Since we were young girls, jamming out to Spice Girls on our blowup furniture (remember that stuff?) we've fantasized about our weddings. What would our dresses look like? Would we get married in a church or decide on a destination wedding? Would we be a blubbery mess on our wedding day, or too excited for tears? We must have watched every single episode of Say Yes to the Dress either together on the same couch, or providing our own commentary via text message. During all these discussions, we knew one thing - we wanted each other by our side.
7 years ago Amanda stood next to me as my Maid of Honor, and one month and 7 days ago I had the privilege of standing by her side while she married her perfect match, Matt.
Amanda always told me two main things she wanted in a wedding and spouse.
1. She wanted to marry a cowboy.
I'm pretty sure Matt owns a belt buckle, and quite possibly boots. He's a good ol' country boy at heart. Have you ever heard the song, "Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day?" That's pretty much Matt's life summed up in Luke Bryan's lyrics. Matt is Amanda's perfect cowboy.
2. She wanted a destination wedding.
Since Matt and Amanda are some of the most social people I know, they have a billion friends. Once you add family to that, the list gets lengthy. Rather than deciding to have a exotic destination wedding, they opted for a winery wedding a couple hours North. It was her very own Minnesota destination wedding.
The wedding weekend started early Thursday morning. We loaded up the car with the kiddos and headed up North to Alexandria. The girls (and Emmett) were planning a day at the nail salon and lunch while the boys golfed. Harper enjoyed being served orange juice in the massaging chair, and when it came to her nails - was there any other choice besides pink sparkles? I didn't think so.
Rehearsal went wonderfully, even though we had to move it inside due to rain. We all knew in our gut, that the next day, the day that counted would be rain-free. (We were right!) Harper and Matt's nephew Logan were the flower girl and ring bearer. We explained to them their job to walk down, hand-in-hand with smiles on their faces. Harper being my rule follower, quickly linked arms with Logan and refused to let go. Wherever he went, she was right next to him shuffling along.
After rehearsal, Tom and Nancy Wavrin hosted a wonderful dinner. Mitch and I sat at the kids table where we discussed Ninja Turtles, snowman making and Shopkins. Real interesting table talk. :) It was a great first day to a fun and celebratory wedding weekend.
I was happy to get to sleep with Amanda on her last night as a Shemon. We laid in the dark talking about everything, and before I closed my eyes for the night I just said - "AMANDA! You're getting married tomorrow!!"
As expected, we were all up pretty early - too excited to sleep. Hair and makeup came to us, which was nice. Most of our morning was spent getting all dolled up and drinking mimosas. Where do I sign up to get this treatment everyday? Amanda was already glowing, but once she had her hair, makeup and veil pinned in - she was shining bright. We toasted to the bride and were off to Carlos Creek Winery.
Carlos Creek Winery is a beautiful venue. The lush green vineyard, the rustic elements, the laid-back vibe and the charming stables - all of it combined made it the perfect location for their wedding. The boys were out playing bags when we arrived, so we had to sneak the Bride in.
The girls got settled in our room and watched as Amanda slipped into her stunning champagne and ivory Maggie Sottero wedding gown. Incredible. Stunning. Gorgeous. I could go on, but I think you get it - she looked absolutely perfect. We taped a sixpence in her shoe, gave her a giant hug and sent her out to see her Groom.
The nosy ones in the wedding party (which was most of us) snuck a peek at their first look through the stable windows. You could see them both take a giant sigh of relief when they finally saw each other. It was obvious they were both anxious to see each other, but as soon as Matt turned around to greet Amanda we all had a perm-smile. Could this couple be anymore perfect? I didn't think so!
We took pictures - professional ones and tons of selfies. There were lots of laughs, a few happy tears and before we knew it, it was time for the ceremony. The ceremony location was picture perfect. With draping blooming trees, flowered filled mason jars, wine barrels and a hanging crystal chandelier - the details were beautiful.
As Amanda and her Dad, Mike walked down the aisle, we were all overcome with emotion. Amanda looked so happy. Mike looked so proud. Matt looked delighted to take his bride by the hand. Matt's cousin, Ben performed the ceremony - and did a fantastic job. The couple exuded such a positive and electric energy that was infectious to the rest of us. They laughed together, cried together and gazed at each other like no one else was there. They were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Wavrin and sealed it with a smooch. THEY WERE MARRIED!
The rest of the night went entirely too fast - like most weddings do. I managed to get through my speech without crying (I was quite impressed with myself for that) and only managed to lose my spot once. :) Once dinner was over, we hit the dance floor as soon as the DJ started. Harper LOVED dancing and did a lot of twirling in that dress. She told me, "Mom, I look like a princess!"
I know it's cliche and people say it all the time, but I really do feel like the day was perfect. When you see your best friend in a constant state of happiness, it's pretty hard not to say the day was flawless.
Matt and Amanda - you two are such beautiful and kind souls and we're so excited for this next chapter of your life adventures. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wavrin! We love you!
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| Photo by ElisePhotography MN |
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