Always the Groomsman Never the Groom

I have a shocking announcement...I want to get married. There I said it. Not necessarily tomorrow, but hopefully in the not too distant future. Why? Well, I think it would be fun. And I think something being fun is probably just as good of a reason as any other. Sure there are other more thoughtful, and meaningful reasons, but I'm not sure Pete Chat is the right forum for that.

You may be wondering what the genesis of all this marriage talk is. Well last weekend I was privileged to be a groomsman in the wedding of my two very good friends Jim and Meg Reimann. I always love it when two of my friends fall in love and marry each other.

I had been looking forward to the wedding for months and all the festivities surrounding it. I made sure to schedule my day on Friday so that I had all of my appointments in the morning. I wanted to get a new shirt for the rehearsal dinner (although there was no rehearsal) and get my haircut. It's certainly not a new lament, as I have mentioned it so many times, but holy cow is it impossible for me to get my hair the way I want it in Washington DC. About a month ago I realized I needed a haircut. Granted I sometimes have a tough time describing what I want my to look like but I know it when I see it. So I was looking through my GQ and I liked Topher Grace's haircut.

Short on the sides, some length on the top and sort of styled messy. I took the picture with me, and the lady who cut my hair assured me that it was no problem, she could cut my hair just like the picture. Wrong. It didn't look anything like it, and I felt like I had too much "business" in the front. But I figured it looks "okay" so I can let it grow out a bit and when the wedding comes around I can get the trim I want. So I trudged in, picture in hand, and went to a different stylist. I explained, leave the top alone, clean up the sides and blend it up. What did I get? The exact same haircut as before. There was a language barrier, and I had to have another lady come, she fixed it to a variation of my regular short haircut, and I figured good enough. I was ticked that I didn't get my Topher Grace haircut.

I found a green button up that seemed sort of springy, and headed over to the dinner in my new car. Which incidentally I absolutely love to drive. Quinn, Adri, and I got there a bit early, and watched as the guests began to trickle in. It was great to see some old friends, who had come into town for the wedding. I took lots of pictures because in my mind candid shots are fun, but looking through them they sort of look weird. 

Jim and Meg's respective families all made little speeches, which were nice. I was prepared to speak if called upon, but strangely I wasn't ; ) Rest assured I would have rocked the house.

 Me, Quinn, Adri, Louise kicking it at table four.

I'm pretty sure that Meg and Jim were happy with the way the event turned out. I was informed that my assistance would be needed in setting up the lighting at the reception location. I was frankly more concerned about my other groomsmen responsibilities, but was happy to lend a hand. With the exception of a broken bulb, and the inability to get the lights to turn pink without starting a chemical fire we got the room set up no problem. Meg gets major props for not being a bridezilla, she took any obstacles in stride. Jim, I think that is a good sign.

The Happy Couple welcoming their guests.

Although I had planned my schedule so I didn't have any appointments on Friday afternoon, I still had a report I had to submit before midnight. I took Jim's older brother back to the hotel and then went to my office (bedroom) to finish my report. Quinn, brought Jim's younger brothers over and we went and bought some fun things for Jim and Meg's honeymoon.

 I'm a total sucker for weddings and this was no exception. Jim and Meg were sealed by President Earl C. Tingey. President Tingey spoke at my college graduation. It was a lovely ceremony and strangely it got a bit dusty in the room. President Tingey asked us to express ourselves with hugs instead of words on the way out of the sealing room. Still, I couldn't help but share a bit of insight that I had with Meg.

When Meg and Jim were planning for the wedding they were a bit worried about how the weather would be. It turned out to be a beautiful spring day, so I'm sure the pictures will turn out great. 

Quinn, Adri, Meg, Jim, Yours Truly. We did it...they're married.

We took pictures for a few minutes and then headed back to Arlington for more preparations before the ring ceremony and reception. We had purchased Jim and Meg's favorite soda the night before and I gave my roommates the responsibility of drinking the soda, so we could attach the cans to the getaway car. Quinn and I made a quick stop at the Iwo Jima memorial where our friends were to pick up the cans, got slightly lost, and then headed to the reception. I was a bit nervous that we would be late for pictures and the ring ceremony but the photographer got even more lost and we arrived with plenty of time.

The groomsmen got to work decorating the car, and I was told on more than one occasion that I was not to write any profane things on the car. I came up with some great ones but kept it relatively tasteful.

Jim picked out black ties for the groomsmen, and we looked good in them. We waited for the photographer to show up and then headed down to the river for the ring ceremony. It was nice, and everyone seemed to be happy about it. We took wedding party pictures and then headed back up to the reception.

I love wedding receptions, I love dancing, I love chatting, I love eating. I just love all of it. The first hour I mingled around, chatting with all of my friends who were there. I was really glad to see my roommates. Instead of a traditional wedding cake Meg and Jim went with cupcakes. I thought it was a great touch and it tasted delicious.

I was told many times that I was not allowed to flirt with Meg's younger twin sisters Jenny and Steph. Quinn and I decided that it would be funny that once the dancing started that we would dance with the twins. I don't even think Meg noticed. About this time, the DJ opened the dance floor and it was time to bust it. I thought the play list was pretty good, although it severely lacked Justin Bieber. It was a blast, and I had no doubt it would be. Meg loves to dance.

I would not be denied. Why? Because I'm the best.

Soon enough the moment of truth came. The garter toss. I wanted it. As stated earlier I want to get married, and I simply could not take the chance of missing out on this good luck charm. I removed my jacket, posted up, boxed out , and fully extended my full 6'3". I would not be denied. I pulled it down. Fist pumped, and threw the grenade. It was a masterful performance.

The reception came to an end much too soon as I was ready to keep on dancing, but it was time to send the newlyweds on their way. Jim and Meg ran the sparkler gauntlet and headed for wedded bliss. I offered Jim the same advice I give to all my friends before they get married, and sent him on his way. I helped clean up and then headed home.

I wasn't ready for the night to be over, so I grabbed Meg and Jim's younger siblings and we headed to an awesome party.

Iron Man and Pepper Potts

It was a fantastic day, and I was happily exhausted by the time it was all over.