The Wedding: Part 2
The thing is, there was no turning back on the slideshow by the morning of the wedding. The subliminal sense of urgency helped me get out of bed after a single snooze. I definitely felt the combination of too many Car Bombs and too much Taco Bell as I sat back at my computer to “finish” the slideshow. By finish, it meant I made sure the transition from the second song to the third (I had already nailed the transition between the first two songs) was smooth, and that I had enough photos to fill the music. I dumped in all the pictures I had downloaded a few hours earlier, faded the music out, and hit export. I was disappointed, but I knew the cute pictures and fun songs would be enough for people to at least appreciate it.
An unnamed groomsmen spent a good portion of the morning in the bathroom, which was fine, because the other groomsman spent his time in the bathroom the night before. It was good to be considerate and share. I stumbled into the shower unsure if I had one of my neck headaches that could be a potential migraine, or if I was only a little hung-over. In retrospect I think it was a little of both. I had a brief moment of panic at Enterprise while waiting for the minivan rental. I thought I was going to puke. Fortunately, we got the keys and grabbed some coffee and bagels and my body felt a little less shaky.
We ran way more errands than a groom should have on the morning before the wedding, but it was nice to keep busy. Otherwise, the day would’ve felt very long. We grabbed the minivan, went to Target so I could grab the last of my TARDIS supplies, and picked up the keg. The keg was nearly a disaster. I met the wife of the old Korean man I had spoken to earlier in the week. She gave me a different price than the old man had. I told her there was no way I was paying that. Datta told her she couldn’t overcharge me on my wedding day. We finally bargained down to a price we both agreed to. I hate bargaining.
I went back to the apartment and handed off the freshly burned slideshow DVD to Shayna. I couldn’t have cut that stupid slideshow any closer. I finished my TARDIS and the accompanying note. I also wrote short personal messages to all my groomsmen to go with their badass gift. I had a rare moment of sincerity in the notes. It really did mean a lot to me that they were a part of the day. At that moment, the reality of everything started to sink in.
The photographer showed up, but didn’t have a lot of work for a while. I sat trying to finish up my cards while Datta and Sam slept. Eric brought a little energy (and beers) into the room when he showed up and it was time to exchange gifts. I got Violet’s first: a pair of Dalek cufflinks. I explained to Eric exactly what Daleks were in a way only a true Doctor Who fan could. Then the group left to bring Violet her gift. I was done with my errands and only had to put on my tux and head to the wedding site. I didn’t know what to do with myself in the empty room, while I hoped Violet liked my 8th grade art class style gift. I paced the room, sat down, paced the room some more, checked my tux, and paced the room again. It’s easier when there are people around to kill time.
Everyone came back and I was relieved to learn that she appreciated the gift. If life was a movie, we reached the time-lapse montage point. My dad stopped by for some words of wisdom. Dave Han brought me some BBQ ribs from Lucille’s for lunch. We all got dressed. Everyone struggled with his handkerchiefs and vests. I handed out my badass grooms gifts. We stopped for gas, red bulls, and ice. We nearly saw the bride and had to pull over to let her pass and avoid riding all the way to the site alongside her.
We pulled up to the site and unloaded the ice and a few other supplies we had brought over. I walked into the reception area. It was amazing. Weeks of watching Violet cut, staple, glue, and print had come to life. I had seen things in bits and pieces: a box of plates here, napkins there, a giant pile of fabric. But I finally saw the vision all come together. There were people putting everything together running like clockwork. Celia and Sophia were decorating the cupcake tower, Shayna, Laleanne and Lindy had the tables covered, and Jerry was pulling out the champagne flutes. I had a goofy smile on my face, because when I’m really happy I smile without realizing it and my smile is naturally goofy. I stopped in my tracks to look around at the great job everyone had done. We were finally here. It’s sappy, but it’s exactly what I thought at the moment.
Shayna led me down toward the path overlooking the bluff, where I would meet Violet for our first look. I was ready.