After exactly ONE wedding, my career as a wedding planner has come to an abrupt and triumphant end. Mr. and Mrs. Lovebird made it official. The deed is done, and with vows exchanged, I’m hanging up my clipboard before anyone can book me for a sequel. And, yes, there have been inquiries.
Months ago, it began with endless lists, color palettes, and frantic “what-if” conversations. Finally, the big weekend arrived. Once a humble multipurpose room, the hall was transformed into a wedding wonderland of flowers, ribbon, and magic. It became the thing nervous brides dream of and WE made it happen.
On a crisp and cloudy Saturday morning, HHH became my rockstar co-conspirator. Lifting, hauling, and smiling through it all, he kept his cool even when “we” discovered there were many possible placements for a heavy oak table.
On the wedding day, he helped with food delivery, setup, and prevented me from hyperventilating. Throughout the day, his gaze across the room said, “You got this. It’s great. Now, keep serving the food!”
On three long tables, the food sat in a glorious array. Along with everything else, HHH had prepared his world-famous Shrimp Macaroni salad, our go-to recipe for any family function. I must say, the Bible story about five loaves and two fish came to mind many times. Standing behind the buffet table as the multitude of guests filed by, I worried many times that the food wouldn’t last. As it turned out, we had the perfect amount. Not too much, not too little.
The food was amazing. The florist was a genius. The bride was radiant and exquisite, and the groom, handsome, teary-eyed, with just the right amount of nerves.
And then there were the attendants. Twenty-eight of them. Yes, you read that right. Twenty-eight! Bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers were perfectly coordinated in a chapel designed for 100, now holding 200 people and one frantic wedding planner whispering prayers.
But somehow, by the grace of God and sheer determination, it all came together. The music played, the bride made it down the aisle to her waiting groom, the candles glowed, and two beautiful souls became one.
It was a beautiful day, and perfect wedding for the loveliest couple.
And those are the very reasons it’s my last.
Satisfied, exhausted, and forever grateful, I’m a retired wedding planner, thankful that everything went right just once. Why tempt fate? I’m ending my career at the top of my game.
More tomorrow.