My baby is married!

Brittany and Jimmy's wedding was this past weekend and we had such a good time. We arrived in New Orleans on Thursday morning and spent time with Angelle, Mike and the kids playing at the park - the carrousel was a hit - and eating yummy poboys. We visited with Britt for a little while then to the hotel to get dressed for the rehersal supper. The rehersal went well - such an amazing church. It's so beautiful we didn't need any flowers except for a few pew markers. The rehersal supper was held at Jimmy's parents house. Good food - a few glasses of wine - and lots of fun visiting - my children, my parents and all my sisters were there - really special. Brittany and Jimmy gave Gee a gold cross and me a Mignon Faget silver snow cone - cocoanut of course (yes there is a story about that from Zac and Britt's childhood). But the highlight for Gee and I was the beautiful thank you cards written to each of us separately - and to all her bridesmaids. That was so thoughtful - and will always be treasured!

Friday morning arrived with some bad news - one of my sisters was ill and had to go to the hospital. She is fine - but couldn't attend the wedding - which was a great disappointment for the bride and me (Carolyn and Cindy - we missed you both so much!!!) Janice stepped in as a reader - thanks Jan! Brittany, Angelle and I went to lunch with the bridesmaids @ Superior Grill - the food was so yummy. Friday night was spent visiting in the bridal suite with Britt, Pam, Angelle, Leah, Erin, Adam and I. It was a nice quiet, relaxing night - just what we needed. Jimmy, Zac, and Mike when out for a while - with a few others.

Saturday was busy! I ran around checking the reception area for wedding cake - flowers - etc - not that I needed to - the Hampton Inn handled everything so well. We had hair and makeup artisits in Britt's room - thanks Pam for doing my hair - I loved it! My GRITS friends - coordinated by Lynn - sent food and drinks from Whole Foods to the bridal suite. Everything was delicious and we had plenty. Joan was with us the whole time and was such a great help - and it was just nice to hang out with her. Janice arrived in time to tie all the bridesmaids bows. The photographer arrived around 4ish and I helped Brittany dress then of course - lots of pics which I can't wait to see. Brittany was stunning - her dress was perfect for her! Gee kept popping in the room to help with whatever we needed - he was so great - and I was able to relax. We got in the limos and headed for the church - without getting wet! (Of course - it was a rainy day!).

What more is there to say about that church? Iron pews - a beautiful gold altar! It truly is amazing to see. I love that the ceremony is not a blur - I remember most of it! All my girls walked down the aisle - Leah and Erin in their precious dresses carrying their flower baskets - Angelle looking great in purple and smiling so beautifully - Zac walked with Laura (my neice) - and Bittany with Gee - she seemed so happy and relaxed and looked amazing. Brittany and Jimmy looked so happy on the altar - and seemed relaxed - although Jimmy kept talking and the priest had to give him a look! After some pictures at the church we headed back to the hotel to the reception.

Everything was great at the reception - the food was so delicious - the band was great really great (Escalade Dance and Show Band!). Highlights? Britt and Gee dancing together - Britt and Jimmy dancing together - Jimmy and his friends with a crazy double dutch jump rope dance - Gee with some good moves - Zac with some good moves - having Janice and Lige there - having my parents there! - surrounded by family and friends dancing - being on the stage with Gee, Britt and Jimmy, and Jimmy's parents for a song - Jimmy having a solo stage performance. It flew by - but I remember so much of it! There were a few people not there whom I really wanted there - Carolyn, Cindy, and Jean & Kathy - but that's life.

Sunday we met all our family and friends for breakfast in the hotel. Gee and I helped Britt and Jimmy check out of their room and I took them home to pack for the honeymoon. Angelle & family and Gee & I and Zac spent the day at Kevin and Kathy's house with various cousins and in laws just visitng. We took the kids back to the park and fed the ducks - I loved it when Zac ran through the birds with Erin - she was laughing all the way.

Monday - all who were left checked out of the hotel and headed home. Of course there has already been honeymoon adventures - canceled flights - not making it all the way to their destination till tomorrow - lost luggage - craziness! But they are married - and all is complete. Whew!