Monday, November 9, 2015

What I Did For Love


I went to the Catskills. In November. Enough said?

My darling neighbor Vicki was getting married to the equally adorable Ben.

Since I was going I offered to do the flowers.

She demurred, I insisted.

I got to bring a plus 2 along. I invited my next door neighbors, the Irishman and his 7 weeks from due date wife.

We loaded their SUV up with flowers, made our 1st Starbucks stop and with an assortment of Ted Talks at the ready plus a rocking country music playlist  hit the road.

We arrived 6 hours later, at the Full Moon resort in a wilderness reserve. All the leaves were gone. But some of the trees still had red apples shining on gnarly branches.

Friday night was all about BBQ and apple crisp, a firepit where we toasted smores and late night dancing in a tent.

Saturday morning was all about oversleeping and starting the wedding flowers an hour and a half behind my imaginary schedule.

Even with a pregnant accountant as my assistant and guest cameos from the wedding party and their relatives bringing waters and iced coffees, time was tight.

As any florist knows, 13 centerpieces, a bridal bouquet, 3 bridesmaids, 2 flowergirls, 6 boutonnieres, 1 corsage, 1 place card table arrangement, 1 piece for the programs, and one pink glass depression ware pitcher plus 4 glasses, 2 vintage bud vases and a coca cola wagon to fill takes time.

I had less than 6 hours. By the end the pregnant neighbor had learned to wrap bridesmaids bouquets and even did one wagon arrangement herself.

Plus she kept the music pumping and ran over to the main lodge to bring us back some lunch, there was also a 15 minute liedown for her. Baby not amused by her new career choice.

But we made it. Not enough time for me to shower, but enough time to change clothes and meet the other guests in the grove.

With the gentle sound of a stream behind us and sheltered from the wind, Vicki and Ben were married.


He cried, she cried, his brothers cried, we cried and smiled all at the same time.

Then there was music, and food, and speeches and more tears, more laughter, and finally we all moved outdoors where the bride and groom walked under a canopy of 24inch sparklers held by the 100 guests.

It was so beautiful they ran back to the beginning and did it again. Seriously, how often will you get that opportunity?

Then the next morning we reversed our steps leaving behind 35 degrees and mountains  covered with naked trees.

By the time we hit Baltimore there were leaves in the trees and when we got out of the car in Virginia it was in the 70's and we were kicking off  our boots and unwrapping the scarves from our necks.

I still hadn't showered, I had been squashed behind the seat of a 6ft4" driver for 6 hours and I needed to pee.

Yet I was as happy in my heart as if I had been lounging on a Caribbean island.

And the icing on the cake?

They're expecting on April 1st and it's a girl!
















25 comments:

  1. Sounds like a lovely wedding. The bouquets are gorgeous!

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  2. Everything looks gorgeous. What a generous present to give - and particularly since you were also a guest. I'm glad you had fun.

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  3. you're a great friend, Jane. that was a huge undertaking, with a lovely result. good on you!

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    1. i could have used a leetle bit more time, but all's well...

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  4. What a wonderful effort on your part, and a wonderful experience all round! And best of all - does this mean you're going to have a new baby living next door to you?

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    1. yes, baby next door, plus 2 dates and baby across street , bride and groom.!

      oh happy days.

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  5. They must have been chilly-willy! It's cold in them thar hills. You bit off a LOT to do. Damn. Well done x

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    1. that I did, should have picked you up on the way through!

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  6. Well done indeed, Jane. And with your characteristic grace and humor. I'm hoping that baby girl arrives one day late and then we can share a birthday. The sparklers were a lovely touch, joyous and unexpected.
    Brava, Flower Jane!
    Cheers from Denver,
    Diane

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    1. Thank you Diane and double thanks for all the sources re migraine. Muchas gracias.

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  7. Holy cow, that's what I call a working vacation!

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    1. I know. And to think you were within shouting, if not internet distance. Should have sent out an SOS.

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  8. Beautiful! And your generosity is beautiful, too. But now I have show tunes running through my head.....What I Did for Love.......Jane!!!!!

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    1. Um sorry, too much time at karaoke bars for me?

      She and then he have been equally generous with their time and energy.

      And it's that kind of neighborhood!

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  9. Sounds and looks absolutely perfect! Congratulations to your neighbour and her husband! LOVE your florals!

    Happy weekend ahead!

    Madelief x

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    1. Thank you Madelief. It was perfect. Looking forward to a weekend of doing nothing.

      Well except the garden.

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  10. Wow I cannot believe that Vicky got married!!!!!! And the bouquets looked absolutely beautiful Jane :)
    xox

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    1. Merci Sophie. Yes it's been quite a year on Wisteria Lane....and there's a baby coming too!

      Wait till you come for a visit!

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  11. You so rock! I hope they name her after you.

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  12. That was a very generous present. The car must have smelt wonderful. Loved the sparkler archway.

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  13. Okay, girl, I know that you worked hard and all that but this posting was NOVEMBER and I want to know what you're up to now. I hope it's all good and that you are preparing for a wonderful Christmas. Best holiday wishes to you, Jane.

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