The Mr.& Mrs. 01/02/09

The story of Liz and Bub's wedding told by me:

The afternoon of January 2nd we boarded a beautiful yacht out of Newport Beach and took a cruise to Maui. Unfortunately they wouldn't dock us to see paradise so you could imagine how plastered my face was to the window, as I was mesmerized by the swaying palm trees and pure beauty of the blue ocean. Ok, ok....maybe we didn't go as far as Maui but that is where they went on their honeymoon. The yacht was fully dressed (no I'm not speaking Navy terms you Navy people), as was the wedding party. The bride Elizabeth, my now sister-in-law looked absolutely flawless. My brother of 23 years was handsome...but when I look at him I still see him wearing Moms bra filled with balloons and a hot wheels track between his legs hiding his "pecker". He's all grown now...but those crazy childhood memories will never part my mind. The wedding party looked great. The Mom's dresses complimented each other very well. My brothers "bro's" behaved very well when the announcement "no more bro's before..." was made. My son the ring bearer, made it through the evening without breaking something, peeing off the side of the yacht, or throwing something overboard. I did loose sight of him as I was hugging someone. I turned around and my heart pounded. My eyes scanned the room once... twice... and I let out "Where's Bear?!?!" Fortunately Liz's brother Joe (I know way too many Joe's in my family now) pointed "he's outside!" I bee-lined it! That boy was at the bow of the boat (still docked) getting ready to throw the pillow overboard. When I ran back in all the guys said "I've never seen someone run so fast in heels" I replied, "Mom's are different in so many categories" My boy got an ear full and remained within leg reach...so I could kick his butt into gear if he choose to cut up.

Everyone dressed, the guests have all been boarded and the horn blew. Time to push off and start the ceremony. It was beautiful! Kalee and Bear walked down the isle last right before Liz and her brother Joe (who gave her away since her father has passed). Like I said she looked flawless. I straightened her dress train as she left the bride's cabin and admittedly started to choke up. My little brother who I climbed trees with, fed mud pies to, and beat up was getting married. The ceremony was perfectly short for Bears attention span. In fact so short the Captain marrying them forgot the rings. Bear kept picking up the flowers Kalee dropped and throwing them further down the isle. He kept lipping words to me and making the cutest facial expressions so I had to scoot out of sight. Fortunately my Mom was prepared with Tow-mater, silly putty and grapes (which the girls in the Bride's cabin filled him up on to keep him quiet while everything started) in her purse. He was occupied while the rings were exchanged, and they were announced husband and wife.

Everyone went back down to the first deck while wedding party pictures were taken, the cake cutting and toasts...and the tables were being prepared for dinner. The food was fantastic...and I'm not just saying that because of my cooking abilities. ;) You could see the Bride and Grooms love for each other at several tables as the centerpieces caught on fire. Yes, fire! We were safe. The best man serves in the LAFD, not to mention my brother has been trained to fight fires on ships...you know because he's a Marine...AKA: part time Mariner. :P

During the evening a lady walked up to me saying "My daughter knows you". Really? "Yeah, your friends with Renee aren't you?" Um....no. (I was thinking about a different Renee because clearly no one would know the Renee I went to school with ...er...um...years ago) "Didn't you go to school with Renee Arnold?" OHHHHHH! Yes! I put the pieces together but unfortunately not all the way until after the wedding. Funny enough the Maid of Honor's older sister was a friend of Renee's in High School. I later saw her at Renee's Mom's house for a get together and laughed at a story about the bottom of her coffee cup bursting at the wedding. Coffee smelling clothing can't be that bad.

I learned Bear was a dancing fool who was not afraid to dance with Liz's cousin Bernadette. Kalee looked and acted like a princess...but requested to take her pantyhose off after the ceremony...I easily permitted. My little sister looked very pretty as a bridesmaid and is starting to dress more like a girl (on days other then after good games). I have gained a sister and am happy for my brother...but I wish I lived closer.

I'll post more pictures of the family soon. Here is the photographers website for your viewing pleasure who did an outstanding job at capturing the memories.

*I was questioned already about the dress(es). Yes she had two. They did pictures before and she didnt want him seeing her in that dress when she walked down the isle. Both were beautiful!