I left early on Wednesday to come back to Minnesota for my dear cousin Erin's wedding. It was raining, so I opted for a car to take me to the airport shuttle. The driver was a very nice man, and actually has a brother that lives in Austen. I caught the bus and subsequently the plane without issue.
I had kind of a long itinerary coming home, with layovers in both Amsterdam and Boston. I texted Mom from Boston and told her I wanted Chipotle. Then I messaged Travis, and told him those would be some pretty embarrassing last words should the plane go down. :-)
For some reason (probably sleep deprivation and my preferred flying pill combination) I can't really remember Wednesday night. I know my mom picked me up and got me Chipotle, but nothing else is sticking out. I had Thursday morning to recuperate, and then wedding festivities began on Thursday evening.
We had the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner on Thursday night. Andy's parents threw a lovely dinner at their home. All of the food was home-made, and it was wonderful. Andy's parents also gave a toast with limoncello, which is traditional in Italy. Things started to get a bit emotional when Erin and Andy said some nice things and gave out some gifts. Erin made all of the bridesmaids personalized initial necklaces and matching earrings for us to wear on the big day. They were made of real silver and pearls, and were beautiful. I also got two bonus gifts as MOH and as a thank you for throwing the Bachelorette Party. One was a Pandora bead (my bracelet is almost full!) and a bookmark of the Wicked Witch's feet (Erin and I saw Wicked together in London). Erin said it was cuter online, but I still liked it quite a bit.
On Friday I woke up bright and early to start preparing the venue. Erin and Andy got married at Afton Alps. The venue was really great because they let us have free reign all of Friday to set up. Erin created and personalized so many aspects of the ceremony and reception. It was a lot of work, but well worth it. It was perfect.
Erin asked me to spend the night with her on Friday, and to bring her to the venue on Saturday. While I was intimidated with the level of responsibility, I was very honored We had a great night full of chatting and nervousness. Erin and I have had tons of sleepovers in our lives, but this was very symbolic as our "last." We tried to go to sleep early, but then something would be remembered about the wedding, or a new topic to discuss was brought up. We had a lot of fun, but had to sleep eventually.
The next morning was very fast. Our goal was to leave by 7:45. We got into the car at 7:48! I could hardly believe it. I am never on time. Once at Afton, things moved quickly. Before I knew it, it was time! Erin looked amazing and incredibly radiant. The ceremony was wonderful and very personal. I started to tear up as Erin said her vows, but since I was holding two bouquets and couldn't wipe my tears, I powered through.
The reception was really fun, and I only made one (hopefully small) blooper during my speech. Andy's brother, Paul, was the Best Man, and he was a really great partner for the entire event. I also caught the bouquet which I was quite pleased about (Travis probably not so much ;-) ). I ended up leaving with my mom and Aunt Pam around 12:30. Overall, it was a wonderful day.
On Sunday, the Tufte family joined the newlyweds and some family and friends for breakfast in Hudson. It was really good. After that, I got to spend about two hours with Leah, my best friend (who managed to put together the most special and awesome wedding suite basket ever. Thanks, Leah!). We had a great time chatting and just hanging out. I just wish we would have had more time!
Leaving this time around was much more difficult all around. Since I knew I was coming back so soon the first time, I don't think it really hit me. Leah and I shed quite a few tears in the afternoon, and Erin and I did at breakfast as well. After walking through security at the airport, I became very emotional. My mom and Leah have really been there for me the past few months with Travis gone. I may not have had my boyfriend around, but these women did their best to be there for me in every way possible. On top of Erin, who is like a sister to me, getting married, the emotional toll of the weekend was quite large. I somehow managed to compose myself and board the plane. As hard as it was to leave this time, I am so very excited for what the future holds.
I would also like to publicly thank my parents for buying my plane ticket home. It was such a special and memorable weekend, and they made it possible for me to experience it. Thanks Mom and Dad. You guys are amazing!
Sadly, I don't have many pictures from the weekend, but I will share a few that I posted to Facebook:
Here is Jen, me, Christina, Kris, Mal and Heidi hanging around before joining the reception.
Me showing off my TWO bouquets!
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