Ponderings of a Small Town Girl in the City: TBD 1

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

TBD 1

The Big Day

I awoke the morning of the wedding to find Jud had made it into our suite sometime during the night - all while I was sleeping soundly. Good thing he wasn't a murderer, or I'd be quite dead. Paul and I met Cindy upstairs for a bit of breakfast. Then Cindy and Paul went for a walk on a lovely morning while I headed back to the room to prepare for "girl time" in the bridal suite - makeup and hair.

If you know me at all, you can imagine that my palms were a bit damp at the thought of this happening. I actually was feeling like I'd be a better fit with the groomsmen who were hanging out in our suite.

There's another Mrs. Goldsmith around here!

But I put on my new robe (gift from the bride) and forged ahead. There were three hair/makeup stylists and they were great. They told us stories about nightmare groups they'd worked with. I hope we didn't end up being another story for later. Surely not! We were fun and nice. When my hair was done - there was teasing (of my hair) involved. That made me nervous. My face got airbrushed - years went away! It all turned out well. Kara and Amy looked so beautiful - and the other bridesmaids and Renee were lovely as well.

Kara in the background, me, Amy and flower girl

I spent a little time helping get the venue ready. Kara and Renee did a cool thing with wedding photos from both families.

Wedding pics with slide show playing above

don't have any photos of me in full garb - we'll have to wait for the official pics for that! I did slip into our suite for some time with Jud and Paul before the ceremony, helping him put his cuff links on (incorrectly, I think). My guys looked so very handsome in their tuxedos.

Paul called this photo "Game Time"

Then we went upstairs. I waited in a room with the bridesmaids until my son escorted me out into the sunny terrace where the people were waiting to witness the ceremony. I had been afraid that I'd cry, but instead I smiled with joy as I hugged him. Jud and Kara wrote their own vows, heartfelt and loving. Jud's cousin Paul Kohan did a reading. Reverend Judy spoke about love and said a prayer. The sun shined down and the St. Louis Arch stood in the background - a fine backdrop for the beginning of a marriage. We are so pleased to welcome a daughter to our family, and can't wait to see what lies in wait for these two.

Pronounced husband and wife!

We set up a receiving line in the building to greet all the attendees. Of course we had already greeted out family. It was fun to see so many of Jud's college friends. The Whiteds represented well! We took a few photos with the couple and the wedding group took off in the party bus for drinks and more pics.

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Paul and I headed downstairs for a drink! I slipped on flip flops. We headed into the pub at the hotel with my family and Paul's sis Carol and daughter Barb. At 4 p.m. we walked a couple blocks to the Hilton where the top floor bar provides a fabulous view.