Waiting for wonderful news, @runnersmom!
Will share a full recap after I get some sleep but it was the most magical and memorable evening. I couldn’t have imagined anything more special. They are well and legally married!!!’
Oh, @runnersmom, I’m so thrilled for all of you!! Mazel tov, and try to get some sleep if you can!
Runnersmom ?
I believe it was 3:00 am when I checked in. So happy it was a splendid wedding.
Yay!!! Sounds wonderful runnersmom. We were all rooting for you.
Best news! As happy for you as the bride and groom. You walked with them every step of the way.
So happy to hear @runnersmom !
@runnersmom Happy to hear all went well, and that you took the time to update the CC family. I guess you knew we would be anxiously awaiting a report! 
I’m so happy for all of you, @runnersmom !
So happy to hear everything went so well. After all your family has been through lately, you all deserved a special night.
As I sit in the REI parking lot waiting for my D to buy hiking boots (life recommences immediately!), I can report that our power is back and my S and DIL are enjoying a mini-moon at what he said was an unbelievably wonderful hotel in Greenport or Long Island. They headed out after spending the night in the “Bridal Suite” (aka his childhood bedroom!) and having a takeout breakfast from the local deli on the deck with his siblings, nephew, grandmother, and us.
But back to yesterday - trust me, you’ll be bored by the time you get done reading this ? When I looked out the window yesterday morning it was overcast and gloomy and we clearly still had no power. My H was going back and forth about getting a generator to at least have light in the kitchen for the caterer/servers and I was finishing up the centerpieces (floating Gerbera daisies in assorted vases with floating candles on top). I headed to our local Michael’s to get more twinkle lights and pillar votives to make sure we had enough light. When I got home H left to pick up the groom and together they decided to purchase said generator!
So, the three of us spent the afternoon hanging the lights and setting the tables. S and H found a way to set up the ceremony in a part of the yard where, once it was dark, felt like we were in a wooded grove with stars overhead. They had also defined the area with globe lights and I had purchase luminaries bags to create an aisle. When that was all done I started to believe we would pull this off!
The day got away from me and I finally headed to a friends house with my mom at 5pm to take a shower and retrieve the wedding cake. When I returned, my other two kids and GS has arrived, as had the bride, her MOH, and her parents who my H had escorted to the basement where it was cool and very socially distanced fed from everyone upstairs getting dressed!
After greeting the caterer and servers I finally dashed upstairs to put on some make-up and get dressed. When I came down, the kids had had their first look on the front steps of our home and were taking pictures out front. I took a moment to really “see” my amazing and handsome S as he prepared to finally wed the woman of his dreams. He was so handsome and so happy.
Both families and the 4 friends in attendance gathered in the yard for pictures, drinks, and a few hor’s doeuvres before the ceremony. Before we knew it, 8pm had arrived and along with it, the rabbi. The chuppah was my eldest son’s tallit hung from poles provides by my synagogue and held by the kids’ four siblings. My H and I escorted our S to the chuppah and then I watched him smile the biggest smile as he saw his bride head down the candlelit “aisle. To add a little twist (as if there weren’t enough of those!), along with their witnesses, they signed their Ketubah (Jewish wedding contract) during the ceremony. And since the rabbi couldn’t touch them and hand them the kiddish cup during the ceremony, my S picked it up off the table and they held it together. The rabbi (from our synagogue) mentioned that this was something he may continue to do, even if the day comes when he doesn’t need to.
They looked at each other with such love as the stars peaked through the treetops it seemed as if it was always meant to be this way. Once that glass was smashed (he even managed to break the tile we had given him to put the glass on since the ground was soft!), and they turned to leave, they saw the servers holding lit sparklers which all the guests (all 14 of us!) held as an arch over their heads. It was so beautiful.
Dinner at socially distanced tables (one for each family) was delicious and the servers made it seem very special. Hard for them as I had no hot water and they had to clean up but they were amazing and well worth the small risk we may have taken having them there. Pretty much everyone gave a toast (easy to do with so few people) and, when it was down to our immediate family, there was even some dancing. When my S stood up to say something he admits Ted how much disappointment there had been but when he looked around he realized that the night was just about perfect. I couldn’t have asked for more.
The B was so surprised when she cut into the cake and saw it was tye-dyed! She loves fun colors so I leaned into that.
Anyway, thanks for following this very long story - it was the most magical, special, and just about perfect version of what I envisioned and they are MARRIED!
And a post-script on Covid measures. Everyone stayed outside once dressed and masks were worn except when eating or drinking and, in those instances, people kept their distance. I had set up three distinct seating pods before the ceremony and when someone approached a pod it was masks on! Servers were masked and gloves at all times and turned their heads away when serving at the tables. There were a few lapses but generally everyone was very respectful. The B’s brother didn’t even want to eat it the same table as his parents so we got him a small table where he could eat comfortably.
Was there some risk…obviously. But the numbers here remain very low and people took masks and distancing seriously. I guess we’ll know in 2 weeks whether we did enough.
@runnersmom It sounds magical and heartwarming. Congratulations and much happiness!
Sounds like a happy wonderful, memorable wedding. So thrilled for you and the happy couple. Mazel tov!
I am in awe of your grace under pressure @runnersmom . Amid all the logistical distractions, you kept your eye on the prize. Sure to be the most memorable wedding most have experienced. Well done; savor the moment.
Sounds wonderful. So happy for everyone.
Good job, Mom, a triumph. And so much love shared.
Wonderful. Beautiful story. I’m so happy for you.
It sounds so magical! What beautiful, intimate memories for all of you.