For those of you keeping score (and I know you at home are), I've been to 7 weddings this year. SEVEN. I have one more coming up in October. And I was invited to one that I couldn't attend, bringing this year's grand total to nine invites and eight actual weddings
That, my friends, is a lot of weddings.
(Here's where I become a bit vulnerable and bitter so if you don't want to read about that, feel free to continue to the bottom of this post. I'll leave something warm and fuzzy for you down there.)
It's ROUGH going to that many weddings. Let me rephrase. It's ROUGH going to that many weddings when you're single. Let me rephrase one more time. It's ROUGH going to that many weddings when you're single and it feels like everyone else is not. It's like at weddings, all the married people come out of the woodwork or something. Married people have this sensor where they know someone else is joining their elite, special group and so they show up. To make it very obvious that they are married. And you are not.
(See? Bitter and vulnerable. Two things I don't like being. Whatever. This blog is for growth and stuff.)
But then I have to remember that these two people I love are taking the biggest step of their lives thus far. And they wanted to include me in their day. Whether the guest list had 150 or 450, I made the cut! What an honor to witness two people who love each other very much, making a public declaration of that love in front of others.
I got to see that this weekend with my dear friends Aaron and Andrea. I'm obviously somewhat of a wedding connoisseur and I have to say, this was one of my favorites. The dress, the boutonnieres, the flowers, the location--I could gush on and on. It was absolutely beautiful, outdoors next to a stream just outside of Harrisonburg, Virginia. A-squared (cute name, yes?) made their family an integral part of the service, and that just reflected them so much. And they had a barn dance reception! Not that I'm a well-known barn dancer (in fact, I never got up on the dance floor), but it was quite entertaining.
If you have invited me to your wedding, please know that I loved being there! Sometimes, I get bitter. But most (95%) times, I'm thankful, honored, blessed and a million other positive adjectives to be a part of your wedding day. They've each been beautiful, and I'ved boogie-ing the night away with each of you to celebrate your marriage. I've REALLY loved that part. The Cha Cha slide is my specialty.
That being said, I can't wait until November. Six months wedding free! Of course, I'll be ordering a bridesmaid dress and planning a bridal shower and all of those fun things. What good is wedding season if you can't be in a least one bridal party?
Oh--as promised, your warm and fuzzy:
I've been in (or will be in) seven weddings by next summer. I'm very honored.
ReplyDeleteAs a single lady myself, I understand where you're coming from, but get this - I know quite a few people who are jealous of ME. Yes, you heard right. Not that they are unhappy in their marriage - quite the opposite, actually - but some have told me (at least once) that they secretly wish they could "do whatever they wanted."
I'm happy where I am in life (and I know you are too). Does that mean I don't sometimes wish I had someone? Sure. But that also means I realize what I have when I don't - infinite freedom and one less thing to worry about...which is really nice when attempting to juggle 500 different things at once. You're smart so you know this, but I'll say it again - don't settle for anyone less than you deserve, because you are awesome...and you definitely don't "need" anyone. You're doing amazing things on your own!
I love reading your blog, too. Keep it up! <3
First, the fun stuff: The warm and fuzzy is great :) And the Cha Cha Slide...love that one. Yo Gabba Gabba has a song where at one point, DJ Lance says, "Now freeze!" and the beat stops save for a lone cowbell, and I always wish it would continue with, "Everybody clap your hands!" Maybe you'll catch that one this weekend with Anna!
ReplyDeleteNow...my thoughts about the elite club of married people at weddings: it might be that you only see married couples at weddings because the husbands have someone to force them to go a wedding. Usually single guys are in attendance only if 1) their parents make them 2) they are Owen Wilson or Vince Vaughn 3) they are skeezy and looking to meet single women or 4) they are wearing their magenta cummerbund and bowtie proudly as part of the wedding party. Where are the single women? They're up there wearing their big, poufy, expensive one-time dresses! Keep your chin up :) At least you don't have to nag anyone to go to a wedding and do the Cha Cha Slide with you for the ninth time in one season! Doop doop!
@Karina--first, thanks for reading. I have yet to be personally told by married folk that they are jealous of me, but I would assume that occasionally, they feel the same way. I'm usually quite glad that I can do whatever I want whenever I want. I won't settle, don't worry. Just because I sometimes get bitter, doesn't mean I ever get stupid! About that, at least.
ReplyDelete@Sister--I liked the warm & fuzzy too. Get it? Fuzzy cats, in a cup? Like they're warmed up & ready to drink? Ha, ha. Wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle stop! I'll sing it soon :) Everyone always says weddings are great places to meet people, but I subscribe to your school of thought. There aren't usually single men at weddings! I'm not too sad about it but sometimes it makes me bitter and I decided that I couldn't possibly be the only one who felt that way. So I decided to write about it instead.
On to next summer--three in seven days!