On June 17th we drove north from Hampton, Virginia to South Lyon, Michigan for our son’s wedding. About 13 hours later we arrived in time to enjoy some food and drink and meet several friends that had arrived to the farm to help get things set up for the wedding.
We didn’t stay long that night, but joined them again on the Thursday and Friday to help out. Both Paul and I were tasked with various jobs; painting various things, hanging lights, hanging swings, declogging the garbage disposal, connecting power to lights, moving picnic tables, etc. There were many more people doing their tasks also; cutting grass, weed wacking, cutting flowers, making flower arrangements for tables, hanging decorations, putting together solar lights, putting candles in candle holders, setting tables, setting up a sound system, power washing, etc.
Throughout there was Noah, a good friend of Katie’s, cooking meal after meal for all the helpers. He fed us so well with food from the garden, which others helped gather. I personally savoured every morsel. Everyone was kept busy and ended each day exhausted.
One June 20th, the day of the wedding, all the efforts were noticed as people arrived and couldn’t believe how the place had been transformed.
We sat on bails of straw covered with blankets to watch the service and later a talent show. We sat at picnic tables under the tent or in the open to eat from the pot luck dinner. A pig had been slow roasted in the ground, chickens had been smoked on the smoker, several kegs were available for sipping along with various wines brought with the food by the guests.
We danced, we played games, we laughed, we cried happy tears, we hugged and we had a really, really good time. We left the late night bonfire for those younger than us and headed home to Katie’s mom’s place, where we stayed while in Michigan, before midnight. Susie, you were the perfect hostess, thank you so much – we hope to return the gesture one day when you visit us on Blue Sky.
Some of the shenanigans that went on.
On the Sunday we visited and watched the bride and groom open their gifts. Said our goodbyes to a few more of their tenting guests (there were several) and left the tired couple early so they could get some much needed rest.
Monday the 22nd we said our goodbyes later than planned, but it’s just so hard to leave. We arrived back to the boat after midnight. We will be reflecting on this wedding forever. It was magical and done just the way Katie and Lindsay are, with lots of love, an air of casual comfort and full of fun. Well done Lindsay and Katie. Congratulations. We look forward to see your farm grow and change with the two of you for many years to come.