This was a long, wild weekend. We went to two weddings in two different states, slept in three different people's houses, logged about a thousand miles in the car, and had an absolutely wonderful time hanging out with friends.
First up was the wedding of Dirk Tiede and Emily Peterson, in Chicago. We drove down Friday Night for festivities at a local Chinese Restaurant (aptly named "Tasty Cuisine", 'cuz it was!) and then goofy drinks, some of them even on fire, at a Tiki Bar. A Tiki bar, for crying out loud, how awesome is that? Then we crashed with friends Brigid and Nesko and Gerry, got up the next morning, and helped set up in the Forest Preserve for the wedding. It was a lot of fun, and Dirk and Emily really knocked themselves out with all the beautiful decorations: flags, hearts, long ribbons with hand-painted pennants -- and combined with stunning early-autumn weather, it was simply gorgeous, and a real wedding to be envied. The bride and groom were lovely and dapper, respectively, and made for a picture-perfect day. The dinner was potluck (and quite delicious!) and there was cake and lots of good booze and tons of super people.
Then after the dinner and cake and dancing, we all packed up and headed out to an art Gallery for more snacks and booze and tunes of the Irish and Old-Timey variety. An outstanding time was had by all, and I enjoy spending time with Emily's family so much that I'd probably make a side-trip to Chicago just to spend time with them when they're in town next time.
Then we got up bright and early the next morning to help prep brunch for Dirk and Emily, but we had to hit the road for our next destination even before the bride and groom arrived. Alas, twas all for naught, because despite Googlemaps' insistence that the drive should only have taken five hours, it took us nearly eight ... and we missed the ceremony of E and A's wedding. Sad, sad, sad. It was an equally beautiful and heartfelt ceremony (I got to see the video replay later that night) on an equally gorgeous summer afternoon, with pine trees and the Au Sable river flowing in the background. Fortunately we arrived in time for some belated photos of the bride and groom.
Then we made our way up to the infamous Jarvis Compound in Gaylord for an overnight stay with lots and lots of friends and more cake and more good food and dear God above, the booze. There were card games and hot tubbings and backrubs and gifts and SOCIAAAAAL DRINKS and missing drinks and lots and lots of overdue catchings-up. It was grand.
We drove home the next morning, after brunch (This time we got to eat with the newlyweds -- the groom even cooked me corned beef hash!) and a rowboat excursion around Opal Lake with the bride's mother and sister.
A wonderful weekend, and a wonderful end to a long and happy (and mostly productive!) vacation. Tomorrow I start my job. Wish me luck!
Looks like an amazing weekend! Wondered what ever happened to Allison! Guess I know now!
Thank you for posting the lovely pictures. Congrats to all the newlyweds.
Congrats to Emily and Dirk and to Eric and Allison. I am so happy for them. Blessings to them all. -D
Eeek! I'm sorry your driving didn't go as planned on Sunday! How incredibly frustrating that must've been... I am super-glad that you were here, though, and glad you had a good time!