Eight Ring Bearers and a Red Wagon

Six of the eight Ringbearers

This truly is my last wedding post and it is my favorite. It has long been tradition in the family to include all the sisters , brothers, sisters in laws, brothers in laws, and children in the wedding. This became quite a challenge when Sarah became engaged. Sarah has 4 nephews ages 1,4,8 1/2, and 10. Daren has four nephews ages 18 months, 4, 6 and 7. One is a toddler ,one is a non walker. Christy, my daughter in law came up with the little red wagon idea.
Hence the 8 protectors of the rings.
The brides party proceeded down the aisle, the flower girls ( whom we ahd to borrow, no girls in either family)came down the aisle, the bride came down the aisle and the ceremony began. The bride was given away, the Preacher preached, the vows were taken. The preacher then asked" Do you have the rings?" Music flowed from the piano----- Charlie Brown tunes of some sort. A short pause and the 81/2 year old ( the 1/2 is especially important to him) began down the aisle pulling a little red wagon. Riding in the wagon were the toddler and the non walker. Following the wagon , holding hands were the 2 four year olds, then the 6 and 7 year olds. Bringing up the rear of the wagon train was the 10 year old carrying the pillow with the rings. All these boys in tuxedos!!!!! As they reached the front of the room everyone broke into applause.
The walkers stood by their Dads, who were all in the wedding party. The wagon riders were pulled to the safety of their cargivers for the night. And the entire row of bridesmaids breathed a collective sigh of relief.
It truly was a highlight of the evening.
If I had a picture of the wagon train I would have posted it. But the 6 perched on the curb is pretty cute.
Well ,2 Thomas the trains, one trip to Chucky Cheese and 2 trips to the toy store were all it cost this Grandma in bribes!!!! A small joyous price of watching a priceless parade for the love of their aunt and uncle.
Tonight they are still in Tahiti. I have yet to recieve even one of the cards I so kindly addressed to myself and stamped for their convenience. I am sure , though, that my framed picture is sitting bedside in their over the water bungalow!!!!!!!

OK just allow me will you !!! I AM turning 60 this year!!!
Hooray for the 60's Chicks

Table pictures

Guest Tables

Head Table

Daren Insisted taht the wedding party sit with their spouses,significant others, guests etc

34 people at the "double wide"

The Prop man

The Monogram of Sarah and Daren benson The cake .......note red drapes behind
First dance-------- Red Drapes, bar beyond etc

AHHH "The Prop Man"------ my first introduction to the prop man was several months ago. I had no idea what he did, just knew Sarah thought he was a needed addition to the planning..
As I walked into the reception ball room just prior to the ceremony, I realized "This is what the Prop Man does!! And He deserves to be in capitals.
While planning, we walked into a large ball room much like any other room used for large gatherings.
Saturday, when I walked, in I realized THIS was Sarah's big red party.
There was a square bar close to the entrance of the room all drapped in shiney red material. On either side of the bar was a lounge area, white couches, end tables that lit from within highlighting the red flowers on top. and the large candles brought up form the ceremony ( I guess I am going backwards in describing the events)
There where red drapes from ceiling to floor tied back with white flowers, just enough to reveal the dinning area beyond ( will add images in next blog, don't know how to add now)

The wedding cake was on the stage as we had no room left on the main floor. Again behind the cake the mysterious Prop Man, had drapped with red.
The lighting in the room was a red wash (?!?) which made us all look really great. And projected on the dance floor was their new monogram prepared for them by our wonderful graphic artist friend , Katie Boden.
Cheers to Mr. Prop Man, who was there long before us and long into the night after our celebration.
You made Sarah's Big Red Party happen.

PS :note the vase on the top of the cake. It was on my Grandmother and Gandfather Detlor's cake around 1890, on my wedding cake in 1971 and now on Sarah's.

Next: 8 ring bearers and a red wagon!!!