Washington/Oregon 2021 - Operation Wet Reception - Plan B

 As the rain fell the bridal party leapt into action. Tables and chairs were carried to the tent set up in the back of the house for just such an event. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my niece's planning was meticulous, rain is commonplace in that area of the country. Food from the buffet was hustled inside from the front porch. I, my husband and youngest nephew, watched the proceedings from under the protection of a large tree while we ate. If anyone had questioned us my husband and I could use the excuse of advanced age for not assisting, my nephew was on his own for an excuse.

Everyone resettled under cover except for one tiny, blonde girl in a pink fantasy princess dress who twirled around in the rain, her curls flying around her beautiful face, getting soaked and having the time of her young life. Toasts were made by the grooms best friend from the age of 14, who challenged anyone who dared say anything negative about the groom to a Indian leg wrestling match, the bride's best friend and maid of honor, who had changed into sweats, her dress from the ceremony having gotten drenched when she was helping to move the wedding to the tent, and my brother, still holding back tears, somewhat unsuccessfully at that point. He spoke of watching the old movie "Father of the Bride" and remarking to his wife that walking a daughter down the aisle was something he would never experience. He spoke, humorously, about the night he learned that they had been gifted with a third child. My niece was unexpected as her brothers were 11 and 13 at the time. He spoke of his respect and affection for the groom and the happiness that he had brought to his treasured daughter. He hugged his daughter and son in law. It was a beautiful and heartwarming moment. 

The bride and groom shared a first dance, including a dip which the groom managed to execute without dropping my niece on her head. My brother shared a dance with his daughter, another of a number of beautiful moments of that day. We left in the rain to return to our hotel promising to drop by the next morning before heading off to Portland.