I was really looking forward to Tuesday’s activities because as most people who know me realize, I am a crafter at heart. In the year planning our wedding it’s been a bit of a struggle for me because if I had my druthers, I would have been the person to decorate each table for our wedding dinner, hang each and every garland at our ball and bring every little detail from conception to reality. I guess that’s sort of a frustrating thing about being a bride when you’re a behind the scenes sort of person because when it comes time to put it all together you have to just stand around and look pretty. Tuesday was my last chance to be a part of the fun and boy was it a jam packed day.
I was up nice and early to head to the San Francisco flower market to pick up all the flowers that I pre-ordered. They were gorgeous and they filled my car. That was fun. Then I headed to Bayside Pilates for a quick workout with Luis (thank goodness for Pilates) and then it was show time. The studio was quickly transformed into a workroom with two long tables (thank you, Maskets) running down the center of the room. For the next 4 hours a steady stream of helpers arrived and got busy. David and I rushed to keep one step ahead of everybody so that every project could get finished. It was non-stop action and I thought that it was great to see everybody consumed with my version of fun activities for a rainy Tuesday. Alicia, my mom Elizabeth, and my aunt Thea were the amazing flower arrangers. My brothers Cole and Scott did a variety of crafty projects that I don’t recall. My stepdad Roger carved the stakes, cut the burlap, and did other stuff that I don’t recall. My dad Morley worked on the circle garlands for the ball, David and Sheila filled all the scented water bottles for the ball, Alexa and my stepmom Martina worked on the table decorations and a set of garlands for the wedding dinner in Shelley’s space because eventually there were too many of us to fit in my studio. And that’s just the stuff that I remember, there was a lot more happening and we had many more helping hands throughout the day. I don’t think that my studio will see that sort of hustle and bustle ever again. It was super.
We headed up to the wedding site to give everybody an overview of the plans for our wedding day. Unfortunately it was still cold and rainy and our officiant could not be with us on account of an unexpected work conflict. David and I did our best to give people the information that was important but I fear we were not thorough enough. Everybody was very supportive and eager to be of help but we were just too involved to maximize that potential that was standing before us. At least I can say that our wedding was a loving collaboration on the part of us and our loved ones. In the final analysis that is how David and I started our family. Because of that, even the imperfections were actually perfect.
Next we headed to the Maskets’ home for our family stories night. Zachary’s pizza was waiting for pick-up. We had planned a tall tales tell off between our dads because they both love to spin a yarn. The younger three Stevenson’s were there to keep the game on track. Before we got started the padres pulled me aside and told me that they’d decided not to follow the rules (typical). At that point all I had in me was a fleeting plea, but it was clear that once they took the floor the game was on us. The stories were fun nonetheless and everybody did their best to follow along despite our unbridled dads.
Next Margo helped us to remember Joy (sister, mom, wife, cousin, and aunt to those present) so that her spirit could be present for our celebration. Sharing those memories gave me (and I hope, others) the sense that our preparations were complete, we were ready to get married!
We went our separate ways to finish up last minute tasks and get to bed. Alexa and I slept at the Bed and Breakfast where my mom, Roger, and Joyce were staying. It was a lovely retreat for my last night as a single woman.
Leave a Reply