The Seeman’s Wedding Extravaganza

Wedding Blog

Waiting for my niece to get married entailed a countdown, much buildup, and the false hopes and crushed dreams of a potential flower girl possibility. I was a close contender but alas, plus size gals born 4 decades ago do not fit the bill for a summer wedding these days. Once the despair and rejection dissipated, the excitement of the upcoming nuptials settled in.

The date was set. June 7, 2015. A plan was formulated and Auntie B and Uncle F would be representing the Southwest corridor of Florida. A couple of bucket lists items were added on the itinerary and on June 6th the traveling duo known in some parts as “Edells gone wild” arrived with eager hearts and gusto to good ole’ Danbury Connecticut.

First bill of business, dinner at Chucks http://www.chucksdanbury.com/ – the guest list-The Hills-Peter and Carol and the soon to be bride and groom. Trying to engage in the celebratory moment, yours truly had a margarita. This was bad choice, as perspiration began to erupt from every crevice, leaving a dewy glistening sheen and a visible “sweat-stache”. In addition, a certain napkin dropping scenario broke out. Waving and dropping my white napkin, reenacting a war-time surrender scene, or as my darling niece would say- I was practicing magic tricks.

The salad bar was ample and without even a chick pea lost in the cleavage-I would say this was a true success. Good conversation and some bootleg wedding shots (hidden by the groom) were shared. The hubs began telling tales of a “Danbury fair”, and got it in his head, he wanted to go there (for pie). Ironically and coincidentally, the Danbury fair was in town.

An impromptu plan emerged and off we all went, the bride and groom and those wild and crazy Edell’s, across the street to the Danbury Fair Mall http://www.danburyfairmall.com/. This fair was pretty classy as far as fairs go. Situated smack in the mall parking lot, complete with toothless carnies, horny teenagers and parents eager to blow away their hard earned cash on crap.

The air was crisp and cool and we wondered the grounds. The screams reverberated of terrified youth dangling inverted in frightening contractions put together by pimply juniors in high school. Unctuous smells of greasy elephant ears and buttery popcorn permeated the air. We looped around the madness, feeling most comfortable in the kiddie section. The hubs equally disappointed by the lack of “pie” and missing the nightly puppet show-but, consoled ourselves with chocolate dipped ice-cream cones. Although, the fair was not as the hubs had envisioned-the night was very special. First, because the bride and groom had carved out exclusive time with just us, and second because they are one damn fun couple.

Less than 12 hours to the wedding clock countdown, we parted ways at our hotel-where all wedding guests (minus the bride) were staying. The hotel http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dxrri-residence-inn-danbury/ had all the comforts of home, excluding the dollhouse size bed that barely fit us.

The morning of the wedding-excitement was in the air. An abundance of breakfast treats awaited us in the lobby. A micro reunion was held between the bride’s brother Kevin from California, fresh from a 2 am arrival, the groom (cool as a cucumber) and parents of the bride. We filled our guts in preparation of the day’s events over lively conversation as the sun streamed in the breakfast area. Again, a spontaneous plan was devised to take some of that bottled up energy and walk through the http://tarrywile.com/ park.
A dear friend of mine, I had not seen in 10 years, incidentally-lives in this park. A quick facebook correspondence and a plan to meet in the “hayfield” developed. The hubs, the groom and I walked past Sunday yuppie yoga-ers on their trendy mats in pretzel positions on our way to our destination. The park was beautiful, with colorful flowers, chirping birds and a confused and disinterested deer.

We arrived at a glassy lake that shimmered in the sunlight. As I approached this picturesque scene, my friend appeared. Pleasantries were exchanged as she introduced me to her Minnie me (her baby). We caught each other up quickly on the last decade. The groom, eager to expel some of his nervous energy ambled the grounds squeezing in a quick run.

Running short on time and the groom contemplating the importance of fresh boxers for his big day – as he had forgotten them- decided it best to venture home for this item. Back in the car, boxers in hand and a much needed Starbuck’s run, mission complete. The crew split up at this point as the groom reunited with his bros’ pounding on his chest, drinking beers and gearing up for the pending festivities.

The venue of the ceremony and reception was at the lovely http://www.theamberroom.net/ . A charming dwelling, with a quaint gazebo was the destination of the ceremony. The sun beamed down on the enthusiastic guests, many reacquainting after decades. Eventually, the bride emerged on the backseat of a golf cart. Her white gown and train trailing behind, her blond flowing locks pulled loosely with an ornate hair clip and the Maid of honor in tow, in a scarlet red mirage.

The vows were presented by an animated JOP lending juicy tips, such as -Never go to bed mad, and always let her get her way… As the sun set, the kiss was smooched and the party began. In a toasty tent, cocktail hour awaited us. Salty calamari, a plethora of cheeses, salads and salmon greeted us. Polite waiters offered guests shrimp cocktail, impressive sliders and other tasty morsels. Tucked in a corner, the bartender boozed up the patrons, loosening up the crowd.

As the guests started to proceed to the main dining room, the mother of the bride, tripped over a taunting curb, wine glass in hand. Just inches from me, I witnessed the whole event in slow motion. Arms flew in the air to brace the impact, eye glasses crushed in pieces and the wine goblet crystalized into sharp shards. Her chin bobbed up and down on the firm concrete, instantly creating a bruise worthy of Rocky Balboa.

The silence was deafening, a pit crew spontaneously materialized, a broom, a bucket, ice, and mysteriously an enormous throne like chair appeared as the wedding planner shouted out commands –impressively all within seconds. Matthew, one of the brides cousin, front and center began a neurological exam, in his best New York accent-“Yous guys, back up, I’m an EMT.” The mother of the bride, more embarrassed than hurt shooed all concerned parties away, including the Pit Master, scurrying away with the bucket of ice to an undisclosed place. Moments later, she appeared band aid on chin, a skip in her step, inexplicably brand new glasses and I believe a fresh cocktail. It was a modern day Christmas Miracle.

In the main dining room, wedding celebrations began. The bride and groom were announced, the maid of honor letting loose and the parents of the bride, fresh from the fall, strutting to the beat. The feeding frenzy continued with a tasty and hearty salad and followed by choices of prime rib or chicken, and even a vegetarian option for me- that was exceptionally tasty. Looping pink hearts adorned the tables, as well adorable embroidered burlap sacks filled with chocolate coffee beans (which were quite yummy) as a parting gift.

The champagne toasts began with the maid of honor, becoming tearful and reaching into the bosom of the bride for conveniently placed tissues. The crowd erupted in giggles as the groom and the best man attempted the same shenanigans. The best man, who potentially planned his speech during the cocktail hour, had a heartfelt and eloquent speech complete with a New York drawl “I love yous”.

There was a picture booth, which was quite popular, complete with accessories and novelties. The rambunctious bride enthusiastically photo bombing her guests’.The music began to get louder and the guests started losing their minds. Some sort of Indian tribal dance began; compete with chanting and seizure like activity.

A conga line snaked around the dance floor, grabbing any poor sap in its path, no one was exempt. The rowdy crowd continued the revelries, splitting up in clusters. Ladies half hazardly threw their expensive shoes, men loosening their ties as the merriments continued well into the night.

Tired, full, satiated, buzzed and slightly disabled from a knee/step injury earlier in the evening, as well a 430 am wakeup call approaching-we called it a night. I would say The Seeman Wedding Extravaganza was a huge success. Congrats, Seeman’s- we love you both. Thank you for letting us share in your big day. I wish you all the happiness in the world. Even though, the flower girl plan fell apart, in my heart- I will always be your little flower girl- sprinkling your world with petals of love and the seeds of a happy life.