The Pre-Wedding: Part 3

The Rehearsal – Well, we got there.

For those of you reading this that are unfamiliar with the Fairwood Country Club (about 95% reading this, I would guess), let me tell you, it's stunning.

They had the tent up on the patio, with a little archway looking down one of the fairways. A fabulous spot. But I only had eyes for my fiancée. She looked divine in her little black, white, and red (our colors) sundress. I introduced her to the minister who would be doing the ceremony. Reverend Becky has been a friend of mine since early days in college, and I'd thought of having her marry me perform my wedding ceremony 2 decades ago. Then I introduced Becky to the on site event coordinator, Cassey. Becky had never worked with an on site event coordinator before, but was glad to give up some of the traffic cop duties to a third person.

After 2 quick run-throughs, (we had to make sure we practiced the kissing part, gee-whiz) the rehearsal was over and it was time to head back to the hotel for the rehearsal dinner. Since most everyone was from out of town, we invited all the guests to come as sort of a "pre-reception".

Now, you may remember from my LAST POST, how we ditched about a 13 people who were unfamiliar with Seattle and left them with instructions on how to get back. Well, after almost getting on the wrong bus, which would have taken them to the right town but NOT to their vehicles, they called us as we entered the hotel. Driving in their cars and lost. When asked where they were, they didn't know. When asked what they saw out the window, they replied seriously, with "Starbucks". Oh, THAT narrows it down a little. You are in Seattle and you are near a Starbucks! Eventually, they found a gas station, got directions, and made it back safely.

For the dinner, we had a bit of a potluck with pizza, pasta salad, and sausage rolls and plenty of beverages.

After everyone had eaten a little, but before they left, I had to make a little speech. I mean, I am the de facto host of this shindig, I should say a few words, right? (Note blogger names have been changed to protect the innocent guilty.)

I just want to way "Thank you" all for coming. I know many of you came a long way for this weekend, and Cora and I really appreciate it.

What you may not know is that you are at a historic spot for Cora and I. 441 days ago, that's 63 weeks for you trying to do the math), I checked into this very hotel on my first visit out to meet Cora. Give or take an hour or so.

And what a visit that was. I told the gal on the plane sitting next to me that I was flying 2000 miles for a first date. She couldn't believe it. After landing @ Sea-Tac, I walked through the security exit to see Cora sitting there with her nose in a book. Our first kiss was right then and there. Later that day, I met Gwen when we picked her up from school. She did the slowest walk ever from the school to the car. It was so cute. After that, I met Cora's mom, June and later, Callista & her husband when we met them out for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.

Heck of a first date.

While I didn't know then that I would end up back here doing this 441 days later, I did know something interesting was starting. And I think Cora did, too. As Callista would later remark, "Cora shared her dessert; Cora NEVER shares her dessert."

So please, raise your glass with me… To new beginnings, may they never end.

After things wound down, I went up to my hotel room for the evening and crashed around 10:00 – 10:30 and slept like a baby (woke up crying every two hours, and soiled myself) awaiting the big day to come.

Next up: Trolls and a Pretty Princess