My sister-in-law told all the bridemaids to be at the church at 9:30 in the morning. I had awakened with an upset stomach and it wasn't getting better. So...I arrived at the church with my crackers, 7-up and pepto bismol hoping I would make it through the day. When we got there, no one was in the parking lot. Sitting in our car with the thermostat out, was quite cold. (NO HEAT!) So...we called dad, he said he and the bride were on their way, and had gotten stuck in snow. :doah: Once they got there, the bride had to then go and pick up the lady who was doing our hair and the two flower girls.
I helped my father-in-law (dad) in the kitchen while we waited for everyone to get there. Another bridesmaid showed up at 9:45 and was complaining that the bride wasn't there yet and she had stuff to do. :rolleyes: So...we told her to go get a coffee with her daughters and be back in an hour. Finally at 10:30 the bride and hairdresser made an appearance. After discussing what they wanted done with everyone's hair we got started at 11:15. The other bridesmaid returned and decided that since her hair was already pulled back and naturally curly, she didn't want to sit and wait to get her hair done, so she left again! she promised to be back at 12:30. By this time, the bride was flipping out!!
We tried our best to keep her calm and told her not to worry about the wayward bridesmaid. One bridesmaid's hair was done then they all decided to stop for lunch. We ate our lunch and it was 12:15. One hour till pictures and we still had two bridemaid's hair to get done and two flower girls. :crazyeyes: Amazingly, we got dressed and got hair and make up done in time. Since there were cookies in the kitchen, one of our flower girls had helped herself. Keep in mind, she had the flu that morning as well. So... fifteen minutes before pictures, we had a exploding flower girl. :eeew:
When we finally got to pictures everyone was frazzled and upset. The wayward bridesmaid had yet to return. So...the matron of honor, (me) gave her a not-so-friendly telephone call on her cell. She decided to show up and we went on with pictures. Guests began arriving so we had to run and hide the bride before she was seen. Pictures would have to wait.
The ceremony went off without any problems. The shoes we wore, three inch heels, were killing us by the end. So..we gladly removed them after walking out. Then the photographer reminded us that we weren't done. So..we begrudgingly put them back on. As I went around the corner, I saw the youngest flower girl sobbing. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "I didn't know they were going to kill the bride!" At first I was extremely confused so I kept asking her questions. Then she said, "well, she's not Ali anymore more she Chris and Ali."
Apprently when they announced the bride and groom she thought the name change meant Ali was dead and a different person. She's only four so I guess its confusing. But, she cried and cried we could not calm her down. We took her to the bride and let her see that she was still the same person and that she wasn't leaving her. We got her happy enough to finish her pictures. The guests were getting restless at the reception so the older flower girl, decided to tell jokes for a little while. :2funny:
Then when we got to the reception, I saw one of the ring bearers in tears. I asked him what was wrong and he said he dad and mom lied to him and he was mad. Apparently they had tried to explain to their twin boys the importance of their job. And since, they didn't actually get to carry the REAL rings, they had hurt feelings. I finally got him clamed down and convincedto come sit with me and eat some cake. As we all were seated at the bridal table in the front I looked around and noticed we were missing a bridesmaid.
I asked around looking for her when someone said, "Oh she left, she had things to do." So...much for the toast and any more pictures. :BangHead: We enjoyed the rest of the reception and tried to make sure Ali didn't notice the missing bridesmaid. It worked until a guest came up and said, "Its too bad about the curly haired bridesmaid, she pretty much ruined the wedding by looking so glum during the ceremony and by leaving so early." Ali immediately repsonded with What do you mean she left early. Then our great plan of not upsetting the bride was done for. She had very hurt feelings and started to cry. :BangHead: So...we finally calmed her down and then the reception was over.
MY husband and I helped clean up and then I started feeling icky so we headed for my sister's house. We knew the roads were still really bad so we decided to stay with my sister again.
Overall the wedding went great! Minus a rude bridemaid, an attack of the flu, and my sinus infection/flu. It was a stressful and tiring day for everyone, but the ceremony was beautiful! Dad and Mom made us all cry. Including the groomsman when they teared up as the bride was coming down the isle.
Sorry for such a long post, but you all said you wanted to know all about it when i got back. :thumb:
Well that wasn't so bad! Sure a few problems, but that just adds to the story right? I am sorry you were sick through it though. I can't imagine going through a ceremoney while sick. I probably would have passed out!! Sounds like the bride and groom will have one heck of a story though!!
Mel
Oh my goodness....where did that Bridesmaid come from? I have never heard of such rudeness or disregard for such an important event!! And the poor little Flower Girl and Ring Bearer....it is a good thing you were there to take care of them. I don't know how you made it through the Wedding being sick and all....you poor dear! At least it is over now and like Mimi said, the Bride and Groom do have some stories to tell.....all in all though I think it went pretty good....except for that dag gone Bridesmaid!!!
You did a fantastic job of keeping things held together and putting out fires. I'm glad the day was an enjoyable one! I hope you feel better soon.
Whew, I bet you're glad that its over with. I'm sorry you were sick, but hopefully now you can relax and enjoy the holidays.
Dawn
Whew! Sounds like you were the steadying force of the day! I bet your sis appreciated your calmness during the little "storms" that took place. And that bridesmaid? Did anyone tell her that the day was NOT all about HER?? Sheeeesh! HOW RUDE! Anyway, now you can relax and catch up on your own rest. Sounds like you need it.