4th of July started for me by waking up at 7-ish, although we made it late the night before by cutting cake and finishing up party favors and programs. I chilled for an hour or so, had breakfast, tanked and winced once more at the price of gas. This is not a reflection of the wedding day, just how freaking expensive gas is.
I showed up at the hotel a little before 10, the appointed time, with bag and camera in hand. It was fairly quiet (quiet before the storm!). At ten past ten, the first hitch of the day occurred when there was a miscommunication on how the out-of-town bridesmaid was going to reach the hair place. So we went to pick her up and dropped her off. The wedding coordinator was called to the reception place, so there was a lot of loading going on. Thank God she has a big car. Immediately after that I went to pick up the day's lunch, dropped it off, and had to pick up the dressmaker, which was not scheduled either.
I'd like to note here that I almost went back to the hotel at this point to either a) flush my cell phone or b) flush Georgina's cell phone. I still hear that thing ringing in my head. Talk about freaking micro-manage. She is not allowed to get married EVER AGAIN!.
After about two hours of non-stop driving around,I arrived almost together with the bridesmaids, with their hair done and looking beautiful. The stylist has my profound respect. Georgina, I know she was paid, but you should give her a hug or two. Seriously.
The stylists arrived and the making up began. That was very efficient and all I remember from this point is a lot of picture-taking by everybody. Our matching "bridesmaid", "maid of honor" and "bride" shirts were a big hit with everybody. The mini-bride arrived half an hour late. Time went slowly and very fast all at once and suddenly it was 2:30 and here is where the fact that we were in ARUBA started becoming really clear. Neither the flower girls nor the ring-bearer were here already. So that meant calling and staying polite while thinking: "Okay, remember there is a freaking WEDDING GOING ON? " Flower girls showed up but no ring bearer.
While the bridesmaids, flower girls and I changed into our dresses and for some of us in our SPANX,Georgina was getting ready inside the room where the CIA keeps all its secrets. Oh, no, it was where the wedding dress was displayed.In case you didn't get the hint, Georgina was fanatical about no one seeing the dress before she got it on. I was quite scared at times. Anyway, it was 3:15 and the bus company got all uppity with us because we weren't there already. Like, dude, chill.
Suddenly (this is a theme for the day by the way) the doors opened and flower petals were thrown and out came Georgina, my best friend, in her wedding dress. I remember clutching the hand of the person next to me, hard. Turns out it was Mylene. We were just repeating 'oh my God' constantly. My mind was in different places at once. I wanted to take a good look at the wedding dress. I was looking at her face and saw how unbelievably beautiful she looked. Not (only) because of the hair and the makeup, but because she was glowing. She transcended the dress and the makeup and the hair and was just emitting this beautiful light. And my mind was also processing that my best friend was getting married. Like, for real.I almost started to cry. And I was thinking that two years of planning basically came down to this. I know I liked her hair but for the life of me I can't describe the style. And then she reached the bottom of the stairs and suddenly (see, theme!) we were all back to business. We took some pictures, organized everything and got in our transportation devices.
STILL no ring bearer. Turns out the ring bearer's mother (sweet saint that she is) stayed behind at Indian Rock Garden to finish decorating, but that left young Trevor without transportation. The boy literally arrived as the bus was pulling up, and there was no other choice for him than to get dressed on the bus.
The bus driver didn't get the brief that he had to drive behind the limo, but whatever. I was really not going to stress out about that.
We got in the bus and then the calling from the wedding coordinator started. "Don't panic", she said, "but the flowers haven't arrived yet" (it was 3.30 at this point). What do you mean, don't panic? Luckily she called at 4.10 saying that the flowers did arrive. She called back a little bit after that to announce that the boys (groom + best man had arrived). I asked about the pianist, he had arrived as well, just like the reverend. I whooped it up because that meant that everybody who had to be there was there. Yay! My job as MoH was basically done. Not so fast, Diandra. I get a call five min. later: Wedding coordinator: "Where are the lighters to light the unity candles?" Whoops. I call the aunt who was decorating them and it turns out they were at Indian Rock Garden. Whoopsie Daisy. The wedding coordinator drove like a bat out of hell from Sero Colorado to buy a lighter. Cosas que pasan, I guess.
We arrived before schedule on 4.40 at the church, seeing the reverend and John standing at the door. Everybody is like WTF? but Georgina's mom told John in no uncertain terms that he had to stand in front of the steps to the altar.
Georgina decided that it was good idea to go driving around in her limo? because her mother, her aunt and all her bridesmaids were standing OUTSIDE, in the SUN and having the WIND go nuts around us. Jontsje (flower girl) kept asking every 5 seconds where Georgina was. Good question, Jontsje, but I HAVE NO IDEA. Finally Her Majesty decided to show up and we got in formation. One last check by the dressmaker and inside we went. I remember my mind registering "ah, shade". I remember seeing everybody all at once. My mom, Georgina's aunts and uncles. Lysette gave the sign for the flower girls to start walking. AND IT WAS HAPPENING. When I was walking I saw my mom mouthing I looked beautiful. I don't even remember if I walked properly or not. I remember dropping my bouquet on the front pew because I know I was going to handle Georgina's bouquet. Heavy bouquet, by the way.
As I arrived I told John that Georgina looked beautiful, not knowing that she was already standing in the doorway. He whispered "yes she does" and then he gasped and said "she looks amazing". And right when he saw her then, I heard the click and I saw that Walter took a picture of John's face at that exact moment. I could have kissed Walter at that point, but Mylene might have had issues then. Kidding. Mostly.
Suddenly Georgina was standing there and the reverend was doing his thing and it was time for Glenda to give away Georgina. I remember this moment very well because it was the only point in church that I was in danger of crying. As Glenda handed Georgina's hand over to John, she said "John, she is the most precious thing I have, take good care of her" and her voice broke and everybody who heard was blinking really hard. Lysette was waving at her face, I know this because I looked away, knowing for sure that I would have started bawling at that point. Not pretty.
The service was beautiful. I say this knowing that I suggested several parts of it, but I really liked how it turned out. Who knew John's mom could sing so beautifully? By the way, I'm going to throw the "Love is patient, love is kind", etc so much in Georgina's face that she's going to strangle me. Also, the vows were really long. I was wondering if it would get to the point where Georgina and John were going to promise to do each other's laundry. On second thought, perhaps not a bad line. And then Georgina's voice broke while reciting her vows (or was she laughing, I couldn't really tell) and then I mentally told myself to stop bitching and get with the program.
It was time for the kiss and then it was over. Yay! Hold on, it's 5:30 and everybody thought the service was going to end at 6. So no big surprise from Red Cross, whoopsie. Also, we had to wait quite a while for the bus to arrive, but that just gave us more time to take pictures. The limo was kind of late to pick up John and Georgina but oh well. I'm very curious to see how the pics in Sero Colorado turned out. Also, John is incapable of just posing straight. Did I mention afl. 2,000.00 guilders you paid for them???? You better have some straight pictures.
The bus arrived and everybody got on it and we got to the hotel. Have you ever seen a pack of hungry vultures? That's how we attacked cold pizza and stale subway. I downed a cup of diet coke in 2.5 seconds. Refreshed we packed up and went to the reception site.
To which I got a bit lost, but no big deal because I didn't miss the grand entrance of the bridal couple.
I left it arriving at the reception site, Indian Rock Garden.
Georgina and John were still sitting in their limo when I arrived with Walter. I had a few dishes of snacks in my car and used that as an excuse to pass by the substantial row of guests who were already present. I had forgotten to change back to my pretty wedding shoes, and so I was walking around with decidedly unpretty black orthopedic sandles. So that took another trip back to the car to change the shoes. I worked my way through the line and congratulated Georgina and John. Lysette told me that I had to stay there with the wedding couple, but every 5 seconds I was asked to do something else. When snacks, where were the photographers, check the computer bla bla bla bla bla, so that was a bust.
A note here on the decoration of Indian Rock Garden. It was done beautifully. I don't know how much was Indian Rock Garden's work and how much was Geraldine's, but it was well done either way. HOWEVER, this does not excuse in any way shape or form the extreme lack of cooperation that was Indian Rock Garden's customer service as not to call it out and out sabotaging of our decorations. I found it extraordinarily disappointing for a place which just took about US$ 6,000 from the bride. If you have any questions, e-mail me.
After half an hour or so, the couple went to have their first dance to "Cowboy Take Me Away" by the Dixie Chicks. I suggested that song, because of the line " . . . and a pillow of blue bonnets (state flower of TX) . . . " and also because I love the band and also because I find it a bit ironic that a band that was (is) being boycotted is now being played at the wedding of a Texan. But anyway, it was beautiful. The bridesmaids were standing on the dance floor and we just couldn't help the moment by singing and waving our hands along. Sorry, Georgina. God knows how it looks on the video.
After that things went very fast, as usual. I saw so many people. I sat down with the Thurston family, and had fun with making the sprinkles on the tables into paterns. Jen was spelling G&J. And then . . . the bouquet toss. Let me just say that some people REALLY wanted to catch that bouquet. REALLY.
After that it was the garter toss, and I didn't see anything because I was talking to Joe and we were commenting on the goodness of the cake. Good cake. Ignoring stuff going on in the back. Joe was very happy to be married, by the way.
Suddenly (swear, I didn't even feel that the three hours had gone) it was 10:40 and there Joe and I were dancing because the dinner was over and so no toast, because who gives a toast AFTER the dinner, right? Georgina and John, that's who? GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!
After that it was carnival music time and that was so much fun. If you like carnival, of course. All the bride's aunts came on the dance floor, so that was a cute sight. After that came what would become my favorite part of the evening. We all went outside to see the fireworks. They started to throw them, Maggie (American cousin) and I were standing in front and as a joke I started to sing the U.S. national anthem. It was, after all, the 4th of July. Maggie joined me and after that I think it was Maggie's mom Lexana who started singing in earnest and suddenly everbody was singing it as loud as possible. It was really a touching moment. After the last line (NOT "play ball") I think it was Diana? who started singing the Aruban anthem. It was just a perfect, spontaneous, final touch to the evening. And then it was time for everybody + the wedding couple to leave.
And it was time for us to "un-decorate". Good Lord, that was some work. Everything in boxes, distributed to the various cars that were present until we reached the arch at the entrance of the church + Indian Rock Garden (same arch that was there on the 4th of Jan.). Supposedly there was a tool on the foot of the thing to take it apart easily, but I guess it also went to dance because we looked and looked and there was no tool. Walter (my hero) loosened the knobs with his hands and we could take it apart. And then we lost a knob. Oh boy. Mylene apparently has eyes of an eagle because she found it, much to Glenda's relief.
As we were finishing up somebody, either Walter, Mylene or Ghislaine came up with the brilliant idea to go swimming at La Quinta. Of course, there were some technical problems. Nobody had their bathing suit, and oh yeah, it was 12:30 in the MORNING. But that didn't stop us, and after half an hour of several people frantically driving around Maggie, Walter, Ghislaine, Mylene, Derek and I arrived at La Quinta ready to swim.
The water was heavenly. It just washed away all the junk from my face and the spray from my hair. Speaking of hair, we had a competition to see who had the most hairpins. Maggie turned out to be the champion, with FORTY TWO hair pins.
Unfortunately, at two am a security guard arrived saying that the pool was closed. Bummer. And then Mylene had the even more brilliant idea to go in the jacuzzi. That was also soooo good. But we didn't stay long, as Walter & Maggie had a 3am curfew and it was really getting late. I dropped those two off at their house and went to my house.
I took of my bed and fell asleep. And dreamt of my cell phone ringing. The next morning I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a dumptruck. It's 3 days later and I still feel the exhaustion.
And that was it.
Every thesis (this is almost as long as one) needs a conclusion:
Georgina said that she was going to put this online, so here are my tips for brides and their maids of honors and/or non-professional wedding coordinators:
Secrecy and suprise is all very good and well, but one person that is not the bride needs to know everything. EVERYTHING. And that person cannot be somebody who you'd like to have a relaxin' time at the wedding. So, if you want your maid of honor to stand with you in the line of reception, then she can't be in the kitchen organizing the snacks. And if you want your aunt to be standing at the guest book, she can't be the one who is doing last minute touches to the decorations.
If you don't want to be like us, at 11pm the night before the wedding still working on the party gifts, prepare whatever that can be prepared way before. Ribbon cutting and curling, candy, etc . . . Procrastination is your enemy or having a lot of details is your enemy. Both won't be your friends.
Remember when you're choosing your flowergirls / ringbearer / junior bridesmaids that you probably won't be dealing with them, but with their mothers / guardians. So if you don't like their mothers, perhaps you should think twice if you really want to be dealing with them during this very stressful period. Or be ready to cut their children loose if you're getting no cooperation or too much attitude. Let me tell you, Georgina is a nicer person than I am.
In my opinion you need at least two wedding coordinators, so that they can confer with each other.
Have a backup plan for things that are important to you: Unity candles important? Have a backup lighter or two.
Ask videographer what materials he needs.
MINGLE
And last,
Enjoy every second, because the event will be over in a flash
I left it arriving at the reception site, Indian Rock Garden.
Georgina and John were still sitting in their limo when I arrived with Walter. I had a few dishes of snacks in my car and used that as an excuse to pass by the substantial row of guests who were already present. I had forgotten to change back to my pretty wedding shoes, and so I was walking around with decidedly unpretty black orthopedic sandles. So that took another trip back to the car to change the shoes. I worked my way through the line and congratulated Georgina and John. Lysette told me that I had to stay there with the wedding couple, but every 5 seconds I was asked to do something else. When snacks, where were the photographers, check the computer bla bla bla bla bla, so that was a bust.
A note here on the decoration of Indian Rock Garden. It was done beautifully. I don't know how much was Indian Rock Garden's work and how much was Geraldine's, but it was well done either way. HOWEVER, this does not excuse in any way shape or form the extreme lack of cooperation that was Indian Rock Garden's customer service as not to call it out and out sabotaging of our decorations. I found it extraordinarily disappointing for a place which just took about US$ 6,000 from the bride. If you have any questions, e-mail me.
After half an hour or so, the couple went to have their first dance to "Cowboy Take Me Away" by the Dixie Chicks. I suggested that song, because of the line " . . . and a pillow of blue bonnets (state flower of TX) . . . " and also because I love the band and also because I find it a bit ironic that a band that was (is) being boycotted is now being played at the wedding of a Texan. But anyway, it was beautiful. The bridesmaids were standing on the dance floor and we just couldn't help the moment by singing and waving our hands along. Sorry, Georgina. God knows how it looks on the video.
After that things went very fast, as usual. I saw so many people. I sat down with the Thurston family, and had fun with making the sprinkles on the tables into paterns. Jen was spelling G&J. And then . . . the bouquet toss. Let me just say that some people REALLY wanted to catch that bouquet. REALLY.
After that it was the garter toss, and I didn't see anything because I was talking to Joe and we were commenting on the goodness of the cake. Good cake. Ignoring stuff going on in the back. Joe was very happy to be married, by the way.
Suddenly (swear, I didn't even feel that the three hours had gone) it was 10:40 and there Joe and I were dancing because the dinner was over and so no toast, because who gives a toast AFTER the dinner, right? Georgina and John, that's who? GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!
After that it was carnival music time and that was so much fun. If you like carnival, of course. All the bride's aunts came on the dance floor, so that was a cute sight. After that came what would become my favorite part of the evening. We all went outside to see the fireworks. They started to throw them, Maggie (American cousin) and I were standing in front and as a joke I started to sing the U.S. national anthem. It was, after all, the 4th of July. Maggie joined me and after that I think it was Maggie's mom Lexana who started singing in earnest and suddenly everbody was singing it as loud as possible. It was really a touching moment. After the last line (NOT "play ball") I think it was Diana? who started singing the Aruban anthem. It was just a perfect, spontaneous, final touch to the evening. And then it was time for everybody + the wedding couple to leave.
And it was time for us to "un-decorate". Good Lord, that was some work. Everything in boxes, distributed to the various cars that were present until we reached the arch at the entrance of the church + Indian Rock Garden (same arch that was there on the 4th of Jan.). Supposedly there was a tool on the foot of the thing to take it apart easily, but I guess it also went to dance because we looked and looked and there was no tool. Walter (my hero) loosened the knobs with his hands and we could take it apart. And then we lost a knob. Oh boy. Mylene apparently has eyes of an eagle because she found it, much to Glenda's relief.
As we were finishing up somebody, either Walter, Mylene or Ghislaine came up with the brilliant idea to go swimming at La Quinta. Of course, there were some technical problems. Nobody had their bathing suit, and oh yeah, it was 12:30 in the MORNING. But that didn't stop us, and after half an hour of several people frantically driving around Maggie, Walter, Ghislaine, Mylene, Derek and I arrived at La Quinta ready to swim.
The water was heavenly. It just washed away all the junk from my face and the spray from my hair. Speaking of hair, we had a competition to see who had the most hairpins. Maggie turned out to be the champion, with FORTY TWO hair pins.
Unfortunately, at two am a security guard arrived saying that the pool was closed. Bummer. And then Mylene had the even more brilliant idea to go in the jacuzzi. That was also soooo good. But we didn't stay long, as Walter & Maggie had a 3am curfew and it was really getting late. I dropped those two off at their house and went to my house.
I took of my bed and fell asleep. And dreamt of my cell phone ringing. The next morning I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a dumptruck. It's 3 days later and I still feel the exhaustion.
And that was it.
Every thesis (this is almost as long as one) needs a conclusion:
Georgina said that she was going to put this online, so here are my tips for brides and their maids of honors and/or non-professional wedding coordinators:
Secrecy and suprise is all very good and well, but one person that is not the bride needs to know everything. EVERYTHING. And that person cannot be somebody who you'd like to have a relaxin' time at the wedding. So, if you want your maid of honor to stand with you in the line of reception, then she can't be in the kitchen organizing the snacks. And if you want your aunt to be standing at the guest book, she can't be the one who is doing last minute touches to the decorations.
If you don't want to be like us, at 11pm the night before the wedding still working on the party gifts, prepare whatever that can be prepared way before. Ribbon cutting and curling, candy, etc . . . Procrastination is your enemy or having a lot of details is your enemy. Both won't be your friends.
Remember when you're choosing your flowergirls / ringbearer / junior bridesmaids that you probably won't be dealing with them, but with their mothers / guardians. So if you don't like their mothers, perhaps you should think twice if you really want to be dealing with them during this very stressful period. Or be ready to cut their children loose if you're getting no cooperation or too much attitude. Let me tell you, Georgina is a nicer person than I am.
In my opinion you need at least two wedding coordinators, so that they can confer with each other.
Have a backup plan for things that are important to you: Unity candles important? Have a backup lighter or two.
Ask videographer what materials he needs.
MINGLE
And last,
Enjoy every second, because the event will be over in a flash