Ben and Louise, A Family Wedding and Gathering

Ever since we got the wedding invitation to Louise and Ben's wedding, we knew we simply had to attend. It’s a long way to North Carolina and so we bought our first plane tickets in ten years, made reservations on line, and kept in touch using texts, email, and even a little snail mail.

It’s been a while since we had a family gathering, the last time was Yesmeen’s and Pete’s wedding, and so Renita had to go dress shopping and I had to see if my suit still fit. We even got the dog into a plush kennel and drove to Salt Lake City the day before our flight.

Going through security, I got to experience a pat down search and even had my hands tested for nitrates. After that the day went smoothly until we got to Baltimore. There we ran into a strong cold front and plane problems, causing a six hour delay.

Arriving in Raleigh, North Carolina, we collapsed in the hotel room and slept fitfully in a strange bed. The next morning we slept in late before meeting Jenn and Eric for a southern breakfast at an excellent restaurant. The menu included giant pancakes and fried catfish and of course that’s what I ordered.

Soon it was time to dress up and make the short walk to the wedding. Arriving early we had a chance to catch up on family news and reacquaint ourselves and meet for the first time members of Louise and Ben’s family. Some were from Norway and even Egypt and it’s such a blessing to visit with people from other cultures.

The music started and there was the bride and my brother walking down the aisle as Ben waited, tears in everyone’s eyes. The vows were exchanged, the words all said, and the kiss sealed the event, now it was party time!

As Ben and Louise both swing dance, a lesson was given to the guests and almost everyone filled the dance floor, (I definitely have two left feet). There being no dance judges no one noticed and the dancing was only interrupted by the wedding dinner. Most people behaved themselves but there were a couple in a dark corner making out like teenagers, (don’t worry C and G, I won’t post your picture).

It was a great gathering of the families, all too rare now days. Our family is spread out all over the country and so this was a special time for us. Renita and I stayed till the reception ended, which was way past my bedtime.

It was a blessing to be able to attend the festivities! Thank you Louise and Ben. Clear skies