Wedded bliss

In October, I got to go home for the wedding of one of my very best friends from college, Lizard. I've known her since Freshman year and she's one of the most wonderful people I know. I was sad to leave Jay and Hayden home, but excited to see my friends for the weekend. Yes, I flew 9 hours across an ocean for the weekend. It was definitely worth it!

We dropped Hayden off at school in the morning but I couldn't take him in and say goodbye. I've left him for six days once, but I was less than 2 hours away in Mainz. I knew this would be tough, so I let Jay take him in to avoid mom's breakdown. He got out of the car, walked towards school, turned around and said "Bye bye mommy, loves you!" Instant tears, but I got it together by the time Jay was back. We had a quick, uneventful ride to Frankfurt thanks to Jay's new airport shortcut. I got there in plenty of time, checked my bags, went through security and waited to board. Once on the flight, we were delayed on the flight line and I fell asleep before we took off! It was a short lived nap, and I realized pretty quickly that my plan to sleep all 9 hours of the flight was moot. I got in some reading and four movies, and soon enough we landed in CLT! I got my bags, texted Jay, got in trouble for being on the phone because I wasn't finished with customs, and got to my rental car place. Picked up the car, realized I didn't know how to plug in the GPS, finally figured it out, called my mom and the bride and got on the road. I had Mapquested the ride down so I sort of knew what was ahead of me, but was unfamiliar with the brand of GPS I rented. About 3/4 of the way down I realized it was set on Central time and that I had another HOUR to go before I arrived. Talk about disappointment!

I arrived in Myrtle Beach, SC at the hotel around 8 and headed up to my room. The girls were waiting on me to go out, but understood that 9 hours of flying and 4 of driving on little sleep thanks to Hayden's ear infection were enough to put me down for the count! They went out and I showered and passed out, grateful to be in the bed finally. They came in around 230 and I rallied for a little catch-up time with the bride. I met the groom for the first time, as well as some of the wedding party, and we stayed up until about 530. Our time was limited, so we had to use it well!

Friday was all about getting prepared for Saturday. We had Bojangles breakfast before heading out to get manis and pedis. I did a little shopping, and before we knew it the time had come for the rehearsal. It was so great to see Lizard's family and to meet Matt's, and we had a lot of fun practicing for the real thing. The setting was beautiful, overlooking the beach on a sunny weekend. We had a wonderful dinner and some equally wonderful mojitos! I met up that night with Watts and Katie and then headed back to the hotel to sleep!

We woke up Saturday ready to get this party started! Quick breakfast, Starbucks run, pick up the dress and off to the bridal suite! We had hair and makeup and snacks and champagne all while getting ourselves and the bride ready for the big day! It went by so quickly and before we knew it, we were walking down the aisle. What a perfect ceremony! Matt had to kill a bee with his bare hands, and suffered a minor sting but shrugged it off. The weather was beautiful, the vows were perfect and the bride was exquisite. After that it was time to party!

We headed to the reception and enjoyed Asian-style food for dinner. We watched the first dance of the bride and groom, and a wonderfully choreographed father-daughter dance that had us all in tears and then in stitches. A Disney-themed reception full of fun, drinks, food, dancing, karaoke, photo booth and some great toasts...what a night! We finished up with sparklers as the bride and groom took off on the golf cart into the night!

Sunday was a day of driving, as we headed back to NC to visit a few friends, catch up and CRASH! I was so exhausted from the weekend, but of course couldn't sleep in on Monday morning. Instead I headed to visit Stephanie, who was unable to serve her bridesmaid's duties due to a baby that wanted to come too early! She was on bedrest so I stopped by to visit and show off some pictures from the wedding. We missed her there but moms have to prioritize! It was so good to see her and her family on my short trip. I had some time to kill before my flight so I headed to the mall for a little retail therapy. I picked up a few things for myself and for Jay's birthday, grabbed Panera and headed back to the airport. They're a little more efficient at the CLT airport than in Frankfurt, so my three-hour prior to departure arrival had me through security 2 hours and 45 minutes before my flight. I made a last round of phone calls, picked up a book for Hayden in the airport and took a little nap at my gate before we departed.

Soon I was on the plane and flying back to Germany. I landed at 7am on Jay's birthday, and he was waiting to pick me up when I got off the plane. It was nice, as usually our roles are reversed and I'm picking him up! I came home and unpacked and in the afternoon, I was able to go in and pick up my bubba. I missed him so much, but I'm so glad I was able to go home for the wedding.