The Wedding!!!

This morning, I woke up at 7:00 A.M. I read my Bible and stayed in my room. I would have left my room, but all ten of the bridesmaids and the bride were getting ready downstairs. Mrs. Ruckman recommended I stay in the room. I was fine with that because I got a lot of extra rest. I enjoyed a quiet morning in my room. Bro. Ruckman brought me breakfast; so, I had breakfast in bed. 🙂

Somewhere around nine, the piano player told me the coast was clear and that I could leave the room. Once he told me this, I put on my brand new white shirt and some black pants. Bro. Ruckman and Mrs. Angie and the bridal party were at the traditional wedding. We had another hour or so before everyone got back. After everyone got back, I got to have some fun with the photographers. They really liked my camera and lens; they liked it so much, that they had me do some pictures at the house for them. They taught me the settings I needed, and I hope they can teach me a lot more in the future. While I was having fun with the photographers, the bridal party got dressed, did their hair, etc.

The wedding was supposed to start at 11:30, but that was out the window. The makeup artist arrived at 6:00 A.M. instead of 4:00 A.M., which set things back. There were other reasons, but that was definitely one of them. Neither the groomsmen nor the bridal party got any sleep last night. Bro. Ruckman only got two hours of sleep. At 11:30, everyone was still getting ready. At 12:30, everyone was still getting ready. I do not think we left the house until 1:00 P.M.

It started pouring down rain as everyone got in the vehicles. I was in charge of locking the gates behind everyone; so, I was getting a little wet. Just as the last car pulled out of the driveway, the bride asked me to go back inside and get something she had forgotten. I had to run all the way to get the keys from Bro. Ruckman and run all the way back to the doors to unlock them. Did I mention it was pouring? I was able to unlock the doors, find the box, lock the doors, shut the gates, lock the gates, and run to the vehicle. By the time I got in the vehicle, I was soaked because (I think I mentioned) it was pouring rain. 🙂 We were able to get to the church and started the wedding at 1:30.

The entire church property was a mud hole because of the rain. We were able to have a good wedding without any problems, except for the power going out. But, we had a generator that ran the whole time, which was a blessing. The microphones were having some issues, but that was okay. I was able to help the photographers the entire time. It was really fun. I think I got to see a side of the wedding no one else gets to see, besides the photographers. By the end of the wedding, my feet were killing me; but we still had several pictures that needed to be taken. We went outside where the reception was supposed to be, but it was completely flooded and very muddy. We were able to get all the pictures done outside, but the reception was held inside. I got to eat around 3:30 or so. The food was good, although it was a little spicy.

After we had eaten, we went home and got changed so we could come back and help with the clean up. We did not get to help long because the bride and two of her bridesmaids are staying at our house tonight. The bride and groom do not go together until the thanksgiving service, which will be held tomorrow morning. It seemed a little strange to me, but that is how they do it here.

When we got home, we waited for close to an hour before they all arrived. The bride and her bridesmaids are going to play some games and hopefully get some sleep. It has been a chaotic but fun day. I do not think I could get up and do it again tomorrow, but it was fun. Tomorrow morning, we will have the thanksgiving service (morning service), but we will not be having an evening service because everyone is completely worn out from this wedding.

Thank you for all the prayers and support!!! Also, thank you for all the kind and encouraging words that have been commented. I love reading each one. Thanks for everything, and Good Night!!! 🙂