Time for the big day! Mel is fortunate to have some incredibly creative friends. From the flowers to the stage the ceremony was going to be held on, to the draperies around the room to the graphics on the tables and entire army of friends were there to make this day special for everyone. It was incredible. I helped with the table settings, which were something I've never seen. Mel had resourced all the antique plates (some of us even had specially picked out ones), the flowers were stunning, and their friend Sue designed the cards that Emma and Toby wrote personalized letters on talking about what that guest meant to them. They did this for every single person -- I've never seen anything like it. What a special touch. Afterwards, I headed back, Brian ordered falafel and chicken shawarma, and we got to rest a bit before getting ready for the big day. Hudson was supposed to fly in that morning, but woke up devastated to have gotten food poisoning and needing to cancel. We were all heartbroken, but it was nothing he could have controlled. He and Cole had roles in the wedding, so Cole stepped up and took over Hudson's usher job, and guest book responsibilities. Finn was the officiant. He was funny and sincere. He did such great job. At the end of the ceremony a second line band came to escort Emma and Toby to cocktail hour. The Bomb Squad (what the high school friend group calls themselves) was there, as well as the Bubble (the Oak Park group). Other friends of our from Oak Park were there -- even someone I used to work with that Toby's family is friends with but our friend group didn't know. I also got to spend time with Ed, who is a mutual friend of Leif and Mel's but someone I've known since high school, making him the person I've known longest in the room,. That's so crazy. We had a great BBQ dinner, and afterwards, danced the entire night. Seriously, I personally didn't sit down once. It was amazing. What a fun party.
The following day, Hudson had to pass through Chicago on his way to training in Phoenix, and he was feeling well enough to catch an early flight and come to the brunch Toby's parents hosted. Such a great surprise for everyone! I hate that he missed out the night before, but so glad he was able to see most everyone. I also got to take a couple photos I missed the night before -- with Ed, and one with the bride a groom. The funny thing is, as we were getting ready to leave for the brunch, I put in the directions and it ended up that our rental was on the same block as Toby's parents. So that was convenient. Anyhow, we are back home now. It was great to see Hudson for a couple of hours, but now he's busy training for the next couple of weeks. Cole left this morning for Minneapolis after a really fun month together, and just let us know he arrived safe and sound. I'm feeling a little sad, missing our kids and my friends -- but also beyond grateful. We are so lucky to have such incredible people in our lives. Other people comment on it all the time, and truly it is something unique and very special. Emma is one of our favorite people. The first of the Bubble kids to tie the knot. We couldn't be happier for them. What an incredible weekend.
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