The other tent that went up next to the lounge tent looked stunning—similar to the wedding trellis with poles outlining the outside of the dinner tables. There was a beam on top with two triangular beams on the top sides. These all connected to rectangular beams to resemble the skeleton of a house. Then large swags of white mesh fabric hung from the top beam and draped along the sides of the horizontal poles. About six or seven of these swags fell from the top to loosely form a tent. Because no one drape fell right next to each other, the tent felt airy and open. We would be able to see the sky between each swag.
Three romantic chandeliers hung on the top beam to light the evening as well as hundreds of candles on the table. There was a mix of round tables with silk taupe linen, and rectangular tables with a rich mossy green silk tablecloth, decorated with a paisley-like crewel embroidery. The florist placed more white flowers all over the dinner tables. I assumed that the chairs in the wedding area would be transported to the dinner tent when the ceremony was over.
Finally, the hair and makeup artists came into my room and began working on me. Butterflies flitting around in my stomach signaled that my trip down the aisle was near. Both artists worked meticulously. The hair stylist decided to put my hair in a classic updo. The makeup artist chose not to put too much makeup on my face, as she thought that the warm weather might smudge the makeup. When they were done, the tailor helped me into my dress, and I was ready to commit my life to Jake. I would finally marry the love of my life.
Gram, Sandy, and Jane gathered around me to complete the last of the old wedding tradition.
Gram was the first to talk. “I’m delighted to give you something borrowed. Here is a pearl necklace my mom gave me when I got married. It’s simple enough to complement your gown. I won’t say much more since I don’t want either of us to start tearing. We welcome you into the family.” Gram put the necklace on me and I hugged my new grandmother.
Sandy came over next and gave me something blue. She continued her generation’s tradition and bought me a blue garter. “Here is something blue. Your father and I love you as though you have been a part of our family from the very beginning.”
“Thank you, Mom, for accepting me into your family. I can’t begin to express the love and gratitude I feel toward the Reid family. My parents might have left early, but they definitely watched over me and steered me toward a new perfect family. I’m proud to become a Reid today.” I too had to stop talking as tears hovered.
Jane told me that we still had an hour before the ceremony would begin. Mom left to go check on last-minute details and I looked out the window again to see what else had been accomplished since my time away.
Musicians began situating themselves toward the front of the ceremony area and by the time everyone sat in their place, it was a large orchestra. They tuned their instruments and began playing even before a single person sat down. Perceptively, Jane opened some windows assuming the free-flowing music might calm my nerves.
I also saw the florist moving a couple of eight-foot tables toward the front of the dinner tent. Sods of grass with white and yellow Gerbera daisies decorated this table. I smiled, thinking of my mom. On top of the grass sat white dinner place cards with thin light green ribbon on top, and what looked to be a small white daisy glued to the side of each card. The garden theme flowed through every detail of the wedding. Sandy and Barbara had outdone themselves.
With the hour looming, I missed Jake dearly. We’d been out of touch since early this morning.
“Jane, can I talk to your brother? Can you call him for me?” I begged.
“Oh, all right. You have less than an hour till you see him,” she sounded annoyed. She dialed Jake’s number and handed the phone over to me.
“Hi, Honey.”
“Emi!” Jake sounded so excited to hear my voice. It was like we’d been separated for weeks. “Hi, Love. My gosh, I’ve missed you. Can you believe we’re finally getting married?”
“I’m so excited,” I gushed. “Are you home? Do you see how incredible the house looks?”
“Yeah, I’m home, but they won’t let me outside because they see you watching from our room. This has gotten ridiculous. But it’s almost over. I’ll see you soon.”
My eyes started to well up and Jane quickly took the phone from me.
“Sorry, Jake, time’s up. She’s starting to tear. See ya later.” She hung up on him without any other warning.
“Emily, you’ve got to get a hold of yourself!” Jane chastised. “Sarah, you and I will have to carry a handkerchief just in case Emily starts to bawl during the wedding. Jake wasn’t exaggerating when he said you cry easily.”
After what seemed like hours, I saw guests begin to take their seats. If the butterflies were flitting around before, now they were demanding to be let loose. Jane and Sarah helped me get up and the artists touched up my hair and makeup one last time. I concentrated on getting down the stairs without tripping. My left hand tightly gripped the railing, and Sarah firmly held my right hand. Right as we got to the bottom step, “Pachelbel’s Canon in D” began and Gram, Sandy, and Bobby took their seats.