There is something amazing about people in your life who weave their way into your family. The Derr's have been some of those people for us. You can always tell when we do see each other that it's as no time has passed and we can laugh and have fun so naturally. I have known Ali since she was in 10th grade and now she is 28!!!! I can't believe it.
When Ali Derr got engaged she invited me to be a part of the wedding. I was THRILLED because I know we have talked for years about this day and I couldn't believe it was coming. She brought Nick to meet us and I think he was relieved, amused, and curious all at the same time. (Paul and I are an odd set of birds!)
So, the amazing wedding weekend was set to take place in Annapolis, MD. I had never been there and as the happy traveler I am I was so excited to go! I loved it!!! I got to be a part of a special tea on Friday morning with the fam and bridesmaids. We then went to get our nails done which was an adventure because my cell phone shut off and wouldn't work AT ALL so I had to invent my own directions to get to the nail salon.
After the morning activities I headed over to the ZW house at the church which is an extra house they have for classes and anyone who needs a place to stay. It was very similar to our old house (turret and all!) and we had so much fun exploring while we stayed there. On the fridge in the kitchen was this message... so cool!
After I got all set up I headed to the rehearsal and walked through the details of the wedding. We walked to the rehearsal dinner and had such a festive time celebrating Ali and Nick.
I came down alone Friday and Paul was set to come down Saturday morning. After a great night's sleep I woke up and walked down to the waterfront, grabbed some coffee and just observed the beauty of the water. Paul joined me shortly and then we toured the Naval Academy and the
This was the cool pinterest wine cork M we made for Ali and Nick -- I stalked her pinterest site and we made it. I like the way it turned out!
After a very relaxing morning we headed back to get ready. We got to the church early and watched as they bridal party took pictures outside. It took my breath away and I started to cry. Ali is so special to me... kind of like a mix between a daughter, sister and friend wrapped up in one. To see her in her dress, surrounded by the best people in the world just overwhelmed me... *tears of joy...
And of course as the ceremony began I think I was more teary than Ali and Nick!
The ceremony was wonderful and I had a great time working with Rev. Heather Shortlidge. It felt very empowering to have two young women leading the ceremony. Afterward we heard many thoughts/compliments as the grooms side was mostly Roman Catholic. Many folks had never had a woman officiate let alone two!!!!
After the ceremony was over some officers did a sword arch outside of the church. Ali and Nick walked through the first arch, then the second, and when they got through the second they poked her with the sword in the bum!!!! Yikes!
The rehearsal was at a beautiful hotel in Annapolis. We felt so privileged to sit with Susie and Dale Derr. It was a fantastic celebration and we had such a great time.
As a wedding gift Ali had a shirt made for Nick. The arms were printed in Ole Miss pattern (his alma matter). It was really cool!
After the reception was all done we were "scheduled" to head out on the town for a fun night. We walked and walked but as it was Halloween weekend the bars were full with high covers. So, we finally ended up back at the hotel bar! It was super fun, though and we talked and celebrated well into the night.
After a very long day, Paul and I headed back to our awesome house for the night. We pretended we were young and ordered food in the middle of the night. Of course, as per our internal schedules, we were up early on Sunday morning and had a wonderful goodbye brunch with the new Maruca couple and the family.
I am so overwhelmed with love and gratitude for such an amazing weekend. I stopped several times throughout the weekend and thanked God for such a life that allows me to have these meaningful and deep relationships with people that cause them to invite me into their lives in ways that move me so greatly. I am so excited for Ali and Nick and I know that God has amazing things in store for them!!!!!
Posts
