A Groom’ s Perspective, Part 1
Nat asked if I could pick up the Wedding Week portion of the blog. I thought it would take two parts to cover the wedding day…as long-winded as I am. So here is A Groom’s Perspective, Part I…
The day is here. It is our big day. The excitement is palpable. The stress of keeping the secret was taking its toll on all the hosts and Nat and me…but soon it will be unveiled. And that unveiling is where I come in…and my stress only begins. You see…it is my job to announce to everyone at the engagement party that they were actually attending our wedding. A quick, narcissistic, self-indulgent speech should do just the trick. So early this wedding day morning, I pick up the phone: “Suni…its JT. I can’t do this. I’m trying to practice my speech and I keep breaking up. Oh, yeah…and there’s not even anyone here…it’s just me and I can’t keep it together!” My bride-to-be was already off to ATL to get her hair done. I had a few moments alone at home to rehearse my speech. It wasn’t going too well. Suni: “For Heaven’s sake, JT – get it together!” Nah…of course that wasn’t what she said. I do not recall specifically what she did say but I know she calmed me. I was able to get through a couple of practices…still breaking up, but not as bad. I was ready. Let’s do this! It was 11am. Perhaps I’m peaking a little early. There were errands to run and people to avoid…that would occupy my time and mind. I know “people to avoid” sounds awful…but I had to…it was a secret. I’ve got Franklin and Robbins and others calling and calling all week and into Saturday because they were in town. “Hey bachelor – let's go play some golf!” “Hey, me again…still wondering if we are going to play some golf.” “Hey – you know who…at the golf course…where are you?” “Hey ****head, we’re done with golf. Get bent. Maybe I’ll see you tonight.” Sigh…it was tough avoiding those calls…but had to be done. I think, I hope, that they would soon understand. So I did run errands a better part of the day, as did Nat, and as did all the hosts doing their last minute preparations. The Clem’s have offered their family lake house for us to stay our wedding night, before off we go to Mexico for the honeymoon. Nat’s car is dropped off at the lake, along with some late night treats, and I make my way back to Maple. It’s time to start getting ready. We have to dress in our engagement gear, while the wedding attire is taken separately and discreetly. So much done discreetly. Our engagement duds properly adorned, off we go to Spalamar. Naturally, we need to arrive early to greet all our guests. The hosts, to all their credit, have been there and were on top of it all. The place looked great! This is happening! Holy moly! Everyone is going to freak! But it is still 50 minutes until the party is scheduled to start. We walk about and talk to a few people…it’s hot out. What time is it? 47 minutes before the party starts. We mingle…see if we can help…I think about my speech. What time is it? Are the guests almost here? 42 minutes before the party starts. I think you can see where this is going…time seems to be dragging. But as time does…it passes…and people start to arrive. Our families arrive first. They are so happy. And without a clue for what was in store. To be continued…
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