Wedding Weekend

Written by Concetta from Simply Extravagant.

As a close friend and fellow blogger, Mary Loyal asked if I would submit a guest post recapping her wedding.  Of course, I was honored to gush about the weekend's festivities to ML's followers.  As much as she enjoys blogging weekly, Mary Loyal is taking a brief hiatus from the blogging world while on her Honeymoon in Mexico.  It is safe to say that this has been the happiest week of Mary Loyal and Lash's lives.  They became man and wife this past weekend and are now most likely lounging on the beach hand-in-hand, grinning ear-to-ear.

The wedding weekend began on Friday with a luncheon for the bridal party at Mary Loyal's home.  Mary Loyal's aunts hosted the event and prepared a delicious meal for everyone.  After lunch guests nibbled on monogrammed petit fours and sipped on Mimosas.  Mary Loyal's sister, Luci, presented the bride-to-be with a scrapbook of the engaged couple's relationship through the years.  Bridesmaids opened their gifts (personalized silver jewelry trays) and sang a Grammy-worthy rendition of "Going To the Chapel".  We brought down the house with our melodious voices and detailed choreography and were promptly shown the door.

  

 

 

Next, the wedding party headed to St. Helena's to rehearse our more important roles as bridesmaids and groomsmen.  After a few run-throughs, it was off to Rehearsal Dinner at Breakwater Restaurant.  After a delicious meal of tenderloin and crabcakes, close friends and family shared toasts with the bride and groom.  The speeches were heartfelt and supportive.  After the toasts finished, guests left the restaurant with full bellies, fond memories and happy hearts.  Time for dancing!

 

 

 

The Dessert and Dancing portion of the evening took place on the water at Marshlands in historic downtown Beaufort.  Party-goers enjoyed an assortment of tasty treats and danced the night away.  Staying true to tradition, Mary Loyal's extended family surprised the couple by singing an original song and handing out aprons depicting the couple as grinning bride and groom crabs.  It was a wonderful way to kick up our heels and catch up with old friends.  

  

 

Saturday morning came quickly for everyone.  Due to her sheer excitement, Mary Loyal barely slept.  However, no one would have ever guessed.  She looked stunning!  I can only imagine what a nervous basket case I will be on my wedding day, but Mary Loyal was, in the words of George Banks, "as calm and cool as I had ever seen her".  

 

 

We headed to the church, and the bride remained hidden behind the enormous church organ.  The music played and all eyes were on the bride and groom.  The Reverend aptly noted, however, Mary Loyal and Lash's eyes were locked on one another. 

After the ceremony, guests headed to Laurel Spring for the reception.  Thanks to an afternoon rainstorm, the temperature was just right.  A gospel choir surprised the bride and groom with a song as they arrived at the party.  The setting sun and green fields provided the perfect backdrop for post-wedding pictures.  

 

 

 

Guests shagged to beach music and feasted on tasty hors d'oeuvres.  Mary Loyal and her father shared their first dance to "The Way You Look Tonight", and the newly pronounced husband and wife danced to "What a Wonderful World".   

 

  

It was a spectacular night, and I was honored to be a part of the celebration.  Mary Loyal and Lash's love for one another is pure, genuine and inspiring.  Their union is proof that good things do happen to good people.  They deserve all the happiness in the world, and I am positive that their life together will be one filled with love and laughter.  Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs.!!!!!!