Isn’t that just the weirdest statement EVER?? Well, my mom and Ken finally decided to bite the bullet and get married. They have only been together for about 20 years now, so I guess it was time. It was a kinda last minute deal so it wasn’t much of a big wedding athough I’ve been told that there will be a "do over" in the spring, complete with a party. They held it at Touro Law School (which is where Ken works as the Dean of Admissions and a professor too) with a jugde friend of his officiating. In attendence (watch out the list is loooooong) was our little family- my mom, Ken, John, me, our three boys. Ken’s assistant, Melanie and another school friend, Paula, & my mom’s business partner Patti. Small but happy and fun! We (the immediate family only) went out for dinner afterwards to a local Argentinian steakhouse which we all really liked. It was a great day and a long time in coming. And now we are ALL going on the honeymoon in Florida together!

Had a wonderful time at this fabulous wedding, where one of my college roommates and best friend got married. Her new husband Joe is a wonderful guy and they were SO happy. It was just the best to witness and to be a part of their day. And, on top of that, I was maid of honor (*note: not matron of honor, MAID of honor. I know the way it’s supposed to be but matron is completely unacceptable. Matron is a 500 lb, grey haired, mole sporting prison guard. Think I mentioned this before, but it bears repeating). There is an album on the left side "Robin & Joe" with all the pictures I took, but here are some favorites from the day.

I didn’t get to take as many pictures as I would normally have wanted to. Being in the bridal party makes it really hard, since you have to BE in the pictures. But I did get a few really good shots in there. Plus the fact that I stalked the real photographer Bruce, and his assistant Jim so I even picked up a few tips. They were both SO nice and helpful. And they didn’t seem to mind my serious lens/camera envy and the trail of drool I left on their stuff- and it was all Canon. If I just had a quarter of their stuff, I would be thrilled. All L glass, Mark I cameras (more than one!!). Just awesome. I can’t wait to see those pictures.

I went up to Tarrytown on Thursday night and spent the night with Robin at the hotel. It was totally like college (all we needed was Heathers on cable) and we had a great night. Robin being her very crafty self, was sewing in a new bustle ribbon in her dress, and I was making the notions basket. We didn’t go to bed until around 1am- we were up talking like always. She was amazingly calm. I was fretting over the speech I was informed I had to make at the reception. And we did discuss it but decided against putting our favorite and oft quoted movie line in the speech "I love my dead, gay son!" It really didn’t go with the theme of the day. And we decided that I probably shouldn’t mention the fact that I was her maid of honor at her first wedding either!

Friday morning started early with a yummy room service breakfast and quick showers. We went over to the salon for hair at 10am with some of the other girls in the wedding (Jenn, Lilly-Joe’s mom, Carolyn, Jacqueline). Had an awesome head massage which was a nice added bonus. When hair was done, headed back to the hotel for makeup and hanging out in the bridal suite. Robin’s friend Jen from CA was great and ran out and got a ton of food, champagne and some good trash magazines so we were happy eating, getting pretty, and getting a little drunk. Jenn in the wedding party also brought champagne so we were pretty stocked up. We were running a little late so Robin headed over to the Mansion where the ceremony and reception were being held with some of the girls. Jenn and I finished up makeup, cleaned up the suite, got dressed ourselves and then headed over too. Bummed I didn’t get a chance to take pictures of the dress before Robin put it on, but the real photographer did, so I’ll just check those out.

Once over at the mansion, we all finished our last minute dressing. Kathy brought EVERYTHING you could have possibly needed in a big bag. The double sided tape came in very handy! Robin was still incredibly calm, except for one brief freakout moment with the sash for the dress. Too many people trying to help at once. Once that was settled, we went down for pictures where Joe saw Robin for the first time. Again, would loved to have gotten those shots…We took a zillion pictures in the most picturesque settings and we were watching the storm out in the distance roll in. Roll in it did (preceeded by a ton of wind) and it poured which could have been a big problem because the ceremony was to be held outside. We did our little rehearsal inside and held our collective breath for the rain to stop. After the run-through, the girls all went back up to the bridal suite and the boys stayed at the bar (not so fair). Then it was seven (yes, promptly seven) and time to go down. The ceremony was just beautiful, very neutral and nice. And the weather cleared up beautifully. It was perfect. Then it was time to have fun at the reception. Well, fun after the speech. I was so nervous but winged it and everyone said I did a good job. I was just so glad it was over. And Robin, "i hate you for making me do this". Now it’s on your wedding video and mine too!

One very special touch was the seating cards. Instead of table #s, Robin and Joe gave each table a name (ie marriage, humor, good & evil, etc.) and on the table next to the table name, there was a list of quotes on that tables subject from Mark Twain who once visited the Mansion. So special and artsy. Loved that. My parents (picture above) were also invited and had a great time. It was nice being at a wedding with them- that dosen’t happen much. Lots of crazy, fun, singing, dancing Irish (and I mean full on brogues) folks there. All of Joe’s family is seriously Irish and seriously fun.

Joe & Robin hosted a brunch this morning at a local restaurant which was so nice and now they are off to their two week honeymoon in Tahiti. Nice, huh? They deserve it after all that hard work. Happy Wedding you two! Love you so much and thanks for including us!