Finally Saying 'I Do'

Some thought it might never happen, but Dean has finally said 'I Do.' The lucky lady, Hope, is delightful and truly makes him happy unlike anyone else he has ever been with. She also has a wonderful daughter, Paige. The big day was this past Saturday and boy are we glad it is over! They started planning the wedding about four months ago and it is all we have heard about. Dad was best man number 1 so we had a little more involvement.

Surprisingly everything pretty much fell into place for the most part. Friday evening was the rehearsal dinner, which was fun to see all his family and friends, most of whom we have known for years. The toasts were especially heartfelt, but they also reminded us of those who weren't going to be at the wedding, Dean's parents and older sister, who have all passed away. After Jeanie, Dean's sister, friends and cousins told funny stories for their childhood and then Dean rounded out the evening. He initially had a rather thick stack of index cards, but in his nervousness, he dropped them and then said, "my speech just got a lot shorter."

Saturday morning came way too early. I helped Lynn with photos before the wedding and started by joining the men at Dean's house for drinks. We had been really rushed the whole weekend and I hadn't picked up dad's suit until around 11:30 and he didn't open it to put it on until 1:30ish (we had to be at Dean's at 2). To our shock, it was this atrocious zoot suit that was pin striped with a long coat that hit right above his knees and black and white shoes! At this point I had lost all faith in Dean's fashion taste.

As we headed to Dean's house we were asked to pick him up lunch and found out that Opie, his beloved kitty, was missing. Opie is a big cat, but a fraidy cat too. Ended up that he was just hiding really well, thank goodness. I got into the house first and realized that all the guys had on black suits. A little confused at first, I realized by there hysterical laughter that it was a joke and dad was the only one with the heinous suit (a hat and chain were optional with rental). It was fun and Dean really needed the laugh.

All in all it was a fun wedding. The reception was at 2001 and the band was great. We danced the night away and finally got to bed a little after midnight.