Wedding Bells

Last weekend, my dear friend Claire Chastain got married in Auburn, Alabama. For those of you who don't know, I was born in Columbia, moved to Jacksonville, FL in 2nd grade (ON my 8th birthday, thankyouverymuch...can you tell I'm STILL not over that?), then moved back to Columbia the summer before 7th grade. And Claire was my first friend at E L Wright Middle School. We were SUPER close and BFFs, but then her family moved to Auburn in the 10th grade. That was probably the worst day of my life (2nd to moving to Jax on my 8th birthday, that is). We have stayed in touch off and on over the years, she was in my wedding 4 1/2 years ago, and then she so graciously asked me to be in hers! Of course I said yes!!! I was so happy to see her and her parents this past weekend. I wish we lived closer together so we could do a better job of keeping up with each other (I know, the phone works just as well) - but I know she's in my life for a reason. Claire, if you're reading this - I LOVE YOU and I'm so happy for you!!! :-)

On Friday, we drove from Peachtree City to Auburn to start the wedding weekend festivities. It took us no time to get there!! Literally! With the time change, we left PTC at 10 AM and got to Auburn at 10 AM...haha! Anyways - Wally dropped me & Caroline off for the bridal luncheon first and I was a bit nervous for a number of reasons. 1. I wasn't going to know anybody there except for Claire and her mom. 2. Caroline has had some *attitude* issues lately (that's for another post for another time). So, any of you who have young children can probably agree - going to strange places can be a crap-shoot. Anyways, I over-reacted - Caroline was a DOLL. Performed on queue. Performed when you'd least expect it. Waving and giving knucks...I couldn't have been more relieved.

Friday night was the rehearsal & rehearsal dinner - again, Caroline was PERFECT!!!!!! What the heck??? Saturday was a long day of hair, make up, waiting, pictures, ceremony, more waiting, reception fun, eating...you name it, we did it. Wally had Caroline most of the day and, bless his heart, is actually REALLY good at getting her all dressed up to go places. She looked like a little angel...with a skinned chin from the Thursday before.

The funniest part of the weekend - when I took my place at the alter and Caroline says as loud as she can, "Moooommmm-EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!" I'll never forget that for as long as I live. She just melts my heart.

the beautiful bride - she hasn't changed a bit!

me & the beautiful bride - yes, I was the palest one up there. and proud of it, too.

first attempt at photo editing...

OMG - there was this TINY little 3 month old baby, Morgan, at the wedding. she SERIOUSLY looked like a tiny little doll baby - reminded me so much of Caroline at that age...so tiny and perfect! doesn't Wally look good with two babies on his lap? (On a much more serious note, and I don't usually do this - but Morgan could really use your prayers - she has some health issues they are trying to work thru right now.)

See her chin?

I sure do miss these guys.

On the way back to PTC Saturday night. She just couldn't hang any longer.