Wedding week(end): Saturday

Ok, its true. I was hungover as hell. I leisurely strolled through downtown Mill Valley to the Outdoor Art Club for the 9 AM rehearsal. Brutal. Bagels and pastries greeted me, and I believe I offered someone $100 to go get me a Diet Coke! Pete's dad and officiant for the ceremony wrangled us all (we all showed up basically on time) and walked us through the proceedings. We figured out order, placement, logistics, and we did a couple of run-throughs. The bridesmaids instantly lined up according to height, without prompting. It's like we were genetically programmed or something. Instead of handing her maid of honor her bouquet, Kimra handed Ciara her cup of coffee. We set up placecards, filled vases with sea glass, and put out the cookie table. I met Will for lunch, and then I was off to my hair appointment at 12:00. I had stopped by the Mill Valley Florist just before my appointment to pick up some flowers that could easily be incorporated into my up-do, and that would withstand the day and the heat. Kimra and Abbie were already in progress when I arrived at the salon, and I was in and out in about 35 minutes. The stylist was very impressed with my c-c-c-curly hair (thanks Craig!) because she didn't have to do anything to it except begin inserting the bobby pins. The Tuber Roses that had been recommended to me looked awesome, and smelled incredible all day. I kept catching a whiff, thinking, what is that heavenly smell? Oh wait, it's ME! I went back to the hotel to hang out with Will and maybe nap. But I couldn't lay down any other way but on my tummy. We watched Pretty Woman, and eventually Em came by all decked out in her bridesmaid garb. At 3:00 we gathered to help Kimra get dressed, and meet the photographer. Kimra just looked amazing! The dress was perfection, and when her dad saw for the first time, he turned bright red and was fighting back tears! I was thinking, oh no, Don, don't do it! I don't have waterproof mascara on!! We took photos outside, on a bridge on the Mill Valley Inn's property, and the day was just perfect. I can't wait to see the official photos- my pics turned out great on my little Sony digital camera so I can't imagine how great the professional ones look! We grabbed the train, and started the walk through town up to the Art Club and it was so cool to see all the well wishers honking and waving! We lingered outside the gate at 4 PM to make sure Pete didn't see Kimra, and once everyone got seated, we went in and lined up. Each of us bridesmaids walked down the aisle by ourselves. We were warned to walk SLOWLY and I think we accomplished our task. Kimra just looked incredible coming down the aisle, but my favorite thing to do is to watch the groom's face. I can't for too long because I get super emotional, but Pete was just glowing! Shortly thereafter, they were married! We processed out, and were immediately corralled for photos. But the groomsmen were always missing! I guess girls just have a radar for and innate sense of what to do when a camera is present. After all the different combinations of photos, we were free, and I could rejoin Will for drinks and super tasty snacks like mini pannini and crab cakes! The crab cake girl actually starting seeking ME out after a while because I guess I was a very rewarding guest ("I LOVE these! Thank you SO much!"). Kimra and Pete went to the Redwood Forest for photos of the two of them, and so when they returned, we were all seated, and the reception officially began! By 11:00 PM the dancing had wound down and it was time to go. Everything had been beautiful, and delicious, and smooth sailing. The toasts were lovely, and the first dance was very sweet. We even got to bust a move to Dexy's Midnight Runners' "Come on Eileen," a Northwestern favorite. Will and I took the long way home to see some more of the town, and were in bed by 11:30. I was exhausted! But my friends were married, and it was a lovely day.