31 Years of Waiting

The night I called home to share the good news is a memory I will never forget. I talked with my dad first who told me George had called home two days earlier to ask for permission. By the time I got on the phone with my mom she said, “God, I have been waiting for this!”
“I can only imagine! How were you able to keep it in for two days?”
“I’m not talking about two days. I meant 31 years.”

Touché, sweet mother, touché.

Tuesday, George comes home from a long day at work. He walks into our glorified hotel room that we call home and knows something is up.

He looks right at me and says, “Oh, god! What’s wrong?
“Um….how do you feel about having a bagpiper at the wedding?”
“What???”
“You have three options: during the ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception? Decide now. The wedding planner needs an answer.”

He lowers his head and walks back out the door.

I’ve mentioned the hiring of the violinist. That conversation is a story all in its own. As many of you know George and I met on an airplane a few years ago. As may of you also know, Carol loves themes. Lower the lights friend, it's go time! Phone call nine that morning. “Hey Mom!” “Hi Hon. Um, so I know of a violist and I think she will be great for the ceremony. Should I call her?” “Really? You know a violinist? “Yes! I also met someone on an airplane. I sat next to her and starting talking. She asked if I had a daughter who was getting married. At that point I said no, but we are waiting. So she gave me her number and said when you leave a message just say I am the woman you met on the plane.” “That’s hysterical! But wait, when did you meet this woman?” “Two years ago.” “What? And you had her card the whole time?” “Yeah, I placed it in your wedding file, just in case.”

Later on Monday night…exactly 4 days since I have been engaged. We have our 11th phone call of the day.

“Hi, um quick question? How many people did you say were on your list?”
“Well, I have a tentative list of about 40 people. That includes George's list as well."

With much disappointment she says, "40? Hmm? Does that include family?"

"No, just friends. Why? Do you have a list made already?"
"Yeah, but just a few people."
"Oh, ok. How many people do you have?"
"90."
"What??"
"Yes, but that includes family."

I'm engaged!! This has been a whirlwind week! I am going to use this blog as a journal of the year I planned my wedding. The planning process has already taken place and I have only been engaged a week. You see, I am the only girl in my family. The last of four children. My mom has been waiting for my wedding since the moment she heard, "It's a girl!" As you can imagine we are both very excited for this day. But first, let me break down the timeline of planning thus far!