Saturday morning Matthew and Sam went and fetched Billy from the airport. Then they ran a whole bunch of errands while Billy and I got ready and finished the packing for our move. (Ok and we did squeeze in one bodacious hello kiss.) I was surprised by how much we were able to accomplish! I was especially surprised by how many errands Sam and Matthew ran.

After much running
back and forth
between V's apt
with packed boxes and
wedding gifts and
bubbly and
dog,
we took off for the wedding.
Luggage in the back.
Luggage in the floor.
Luggage in our laps.
Zoom!
Off to the Woodland Recreational Area!

We hoped we were also off to much cooler temps! But, at the foot of Mt. Hood, the heat was still stifling. The humidity reminded us that we were indeed in a rain forest. There wasn't even a breeze! That was a bit disappointing and it created several challenges.

We did the formal pictures without walking far. Stayed in the shade! The guests were not seated until we were all ready to line up and march in. Then, they charged the field -- the middle of the baseball diamond -- but only rushing in in a manner appropriate for that much heat -- to the accompaniment of a string quartet. I have deep respect and admiration for the quartet who had been seated and prepared for at least ten minutes prior. But they were obviously pros and brought their own canopy. Good thing!

Perhaps I should explain something at this point. Yes, I have a son named Matthew. I now have a son-in-law named Matthew, whom we call Matt. Mainly we call him Matt because that is the name he gave when he introduced himself to us. His family calls him Matthew. Adding to the duplicate name theme … the bridesmaids were V's cousins, V's sister and step-sister, and Matt's cousins. One of V's cousins is Emily. Her sister is Sarah. Matt's cousins are Sarah and Emily.

So the guests are seated and the "white carpet" is rolled out and the wedding party processional begins. The "white carpet" turned into a challenge as it was really a thin piece of vinyl-type material and the ladies' heels poked and tore innumerable holes in it. Between it clinging to their heals and the very uneven ground, there was a major support role played by the groomsmen and the bride's father.

Matt's mother and I walked in together and went down and lit the two single candles that V and Matt were to use to light their unity candle. Hmmm well my lighter wouldn't fire … Matt's mom tried too and then she gave me hers and it suddenly wouldn't light … neither of us to get either lighter to work … In a true moment of inspiration, she snatched up her candle and my hand and we lit my candle with hers. I thought it was fitting because I firmly believe that the support of both families will help them to have a more successful marriage. Even the photographer murmured that it made a much better photograph.

So somewhere along in here clouds cover moved in and broke the glare. There was nothing ominous about them … just clouds.

The pastor started by saying that he'd been requested to not get overly long with the ceremony … by numerous people from all the various groups that made up the gathering. He blamed the heat on the Texas people … and then admitted he was also a Texas native. (He's been a pastor in Oregon long enough to raise his family there … so over 20 yrs.)

And so the vows began … Matt got choked up. Everyone got teary-eyed. Valerie sounded poised, calm, and exceptionally clear. Matt believed he'd said enough and was ready to kiss the bride. But then the pastor encouraged him to go ahead with the ring exchange and Matt readily agreed.

Then more wet drops fell … not tear drops ... Rain Drops! We all stayed calm … it was just light-weight stuff. The pastor sped up even more. They got the rings exchanged. Then it was time for the unity candle and the rain was beginning to fall just a little faster but still lightly. Matt was able to get the single candles relit (imagine that … they went out) and they lit their candle … which was just resistant enough that, with the little breeze and drizzle added, we all found ourselves holding our breath a bit.

The pastor presented Matt and V as a couple and announced that they would be back to greet their guests by dismissing the rows. Matt assisted V through the vinyl Swiss cheese carpet. And then … the ushers pulled up the "carpet" to the sound of cheers. The bridesmaids and groomsmen exited … all the while the rain is misting down on us. The bride and groom rushed back and dismissed the first two rows and then the rain became more intense and so they shoo-ed everyone else into the shelter.

It was probably one of the sweetest and shortest ceremonies I've ever attended. Of course the rain stopped immediately thereafter. The heat did not. Still, the reception proceeded in a very leisurely fashion and was completely enjoyable. There was great food … a combo of "Texan" and Oregon. I think the biggest surprise was the picante sauce! It was fresh -- made by the caterer. True he followed a recipe … but you have to understand … Oregonians don't do spice. It's just a fact of life up there. Most of the "Texan food" was toned down for the sake of the Oregonian guests but not the picante! -- Perfectly served with the Texas shaped chips that were shipped in special.

The couple doing the catering took great pleasure in announcing the cake. (They are members of the same church and all of their work was their gift to Matt and V!) "Ladies and Gentlemen! At the bride's request, we are now serving cheesecake covered with fresh Oregon berries." And let me tell you … Fresh berries are one thing that Oregon excels in!

The car was decorated. The guests trickled off and Matt and V stole away for a few more photographs down by the river. The family (including Matt and V) took down and packed up all of the décor. Then the party was adjourned by the bride for games in a cooler location – the lobby of her grandparent's hotel!

So this is where the wedding story pretty much ends and the moving story takes up … but do keep in mind that at this point Billy had been awake for at least 36 hrs.