SATURDAY; MAY 17, 2008: Charles' & Tessa's Wedding. The BIG day finally arrived, or should I say BIG weekend.

For weeks the weatherman had been forecasting terrible weather for this particular weekend -- rain starting on Wednesday and stopping on Monday. And we had already had quite a bit of rain in May so far so the ground was really saturated. Man, was I getting nervous! I had barely gotten the grass cut on Monday evening before the rains came again right on schedule on Wednesday. Things were not looking favorable, but the forecast started to change to cloudy with a chance for sprinkles and thundershowers in the afternoons for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Thursday, the tent rental crew managed to get the huge 40' x 60' white tent set up in the north field complete with a 20' x 20' wood dance floor. Plus 17 round tables, 138 white chairs, white linens, glassware, china and silverware. The sides had clear plastic arched top windows and we even had electric lights. And I must say, I thought it looked very impressive right next to the garden. Charles and Tessa took their parents and sister out to dinner at R'Bistro. Patricia had arrived earlier in the afternoon. The food was delicious and the company superb. Thanks, you two.

Many of our out-of-town guests arrived on Friday, so you could really start to feel the excitement growing. And to top it off, Friday turned out to be a wonderful sunny day. The weatherman was wrong and it was a good thing for a change! I had my brother-in-law, John, and his son, Ivan work on installing a handrail next to some outside steps that Janet had requested I build so the access to the house restrooms would be easier. They did a really fine job on that railing. Janet made several trips to the airport to pick up people. Jane had worked a sweet deal with Engledow to furnish some beautiful topiary trees which were delivered Friday evening. Charles picked up Jacamo's pizza for dinner and no sooner were we done with that, than the Friday night party got started. Tessa and her Mom, Patricia, started bringing out trays of snacks to munch on and the people started rolling in from all corners of the US. We had everybody park in the north field so there was a little problem getting everyone routed to the party porch, but not too bad. Some of Charles' friends built a bonfire, which really helped in the cool of the night. I called it quits around 11 o'clock and stumbled into bed.

On Saturday morning, I was in charge of setting up the chairs across the bridge in the south field. This was where the wedding ceremony was planned if the weather was good. And since the forecast called for a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon, we decided to go for it. Janet and Jane installed the 12' tall white banners and I have to say, I thought they really looked terrific. We had a few sprinkles late morning, but not too bad. The wedding was planned for 3 pm and wonder of wonders, by that time the sun was shining and the sky was blue. Guests showed up right on time and the wedding ceremony lasted 20 minutes. Patricia, Tessa's Mom, officiated which I know meant a great deal to both the bride and groom. Birds were chirping and flying, a woodpecker echoed through the trees and the whole experience was quite magical. Vows were exchanged, and a kiss sealed the deal.

Then it was back to the big tent for the reception party, dinner, wine, champagne, music and dancing. Everyone pitched in to carry chairs from the ceremony location to the tent. It was a really good party. I think we got Charles and Tessa to take off around 11 pm. with alum cans dragging behind the Miata. I was so bushed.

On Sunday morning, everyone came back for a catered brunch at 10:30 am under the big top before heading their separate ways. And again the sun was shining. I took several of Janet's family members to the track for the last day of Qualifications Sunday afternoon. Ivan even got his 500 cap signed by Sarah Fisher. We were really so very lucky to have had three straight days of nice weather. Thank God, because Monday, it poured

I hope everyone had a good time, because Janet and I sure did.

Thursday Photos
Friday Photos Part 1
Friday Photos Part 2
Saturday Photos Part 1
Saturday Photos Part 2
Saturday Photos Part 3
Sunday Photos