Tag: weddings

Norm and Vicky’s second wedding

I was up at about 7:30 Saturday morning and sat on the couch to read until Norm and Vicky got up. I heard their alarm go off at 8:30 and as soon as it went off, I could hear Vicky in a panic. She later explained that she forgot it was Saturday and thought she was going to be late for work. Norm seemed his usual morning self.

We waited for Norm’s family to come over and then we headed up to Stony Point to walk through the new house, which except for the landscaping and back deck, is essentially finished. Inside the house, I was sure to take plenty of pictures.

After the house visit, we needed to get ready for the wedding, but first, Norm and I had to run some errands. We had to stop at Target for some VHS tape for Vicky’s ancient video camera. We had to stop at Costco for some flowers, and to pick up the wedding cake. While, there, we also stopped to get something to eat: Costco hot dogs and a twisted churro. I was rather amusing to sit there eating our hot dogs, knowing that Norm and Vicky were only a few hours from getting married… again.

We cut it close; Norm and I had about 10 minutes or so to dress, but we made it with time to spare. Vicky was getting dressed at the church so she could dawdle. At the last minute, Norm decided to create some wedding programs and I got to help fold them. And then we were off to Norm and Vicky’s church. We were the first ones there and, after Vicky had gotten dressed, she worried if anyone would show up. I tried to reassure her that they would all show up at once and, in fact, they did. Before things got started, I, acting as Norm’s Best Man, and another one of their friends, acting as Vicky’s Maid of Honor, had to sign some paperwork.

The ceremony started promptly at 1:30 PM and lasted about an hour. There were, perhaps 20 people in attendance and we had the whole place to ourselves. Norm’s mom did all of the readings. Norm and Vicky picked out some wondering cantors for the service and I took some video of their singing at Norm and Vicky’s request. Eventually, I made my way up front to stand up for Norm, and to give him the rings at the appropriate time. They said their vows, which they had rather impressively memorized (I was in the car as they practiced) and then they kissed–rather awkwardly because Vicky didn’t think it was the kiss.

When it was all over, we caravaned over to the Allendale Bar & Grill where we had a whole room to ourselves, where we were served excellent food (the chicken parmasan was delicious) and where we had cake. I even managed to take a few pictures here too.

We relaxed in the evening; in fact, we sat around and were very lazy, but it was nice. Once again, I flooded Norm and Vicky with petty complaints about work and relationships and life in general, and as always, they bore up to it solidly and without complaint. Vicky tried to teach me the secret of life but I wouldn’t listen. Norm spent an hour searching for an SNL video clip of the secret. Eventually, we went to rent a movie and late in the evening we sat around watching The Illusionist pausing it every five minutes so we could try and guess what had happened.

I went to bed trying to ignore the sounds coming from Norm and Vicky’s room, which I later found out were the sounds of Norm being poked (or possibly poking) in an annoying fashion. They found this amusing for some reason. Certainly, it had to be a better wedding night than their last one, which was spent in the emergency room.

To New York!

I’m heading up to New York this weekend to see Norm and Vicky of vickyandnorm fame, now that they are back from their honeymoon. In a crazy coincidence, they are having their church wedding (convalidation ceremony) on Saturday so I will be there to attend that. This means that in the space of three weeks, I will have attended two of Norm and Vicky’s weddings.

I’m driving up and although my car is running fine, it’s getting up there in years (much as I am) and I’m growing more hesitant to take it on long drives. So I rented a nice car for the drive up to New York this weekend. And by “nice”, I mean a car with a radio (which mine doesn’t have), power locks and windows (which mine doesn’t have), 6 cylinders (which mine doesn’t have), and cruise control (which mine doesn’t have).

It means that I will miss my first Oriole’s game of the season, but they are playing the Kansas City Royals and I wasn’t too enthusiastic about seeing Kansas City. Besides, the wife of a co-worker of mine is a Kansas City fan (go figure) and they may want the tickets. In any case, given the choice between the O’s/Royals and seeing Norm and Vicky get married for a second time, I think I’d have to choose the latter. After all, the Oriole’s and Royals play each other several times this season; Norm and Vicky have only gotten married twice so far.

Norm and Vicky’s wedding reception

We arrived at the reception, which started out as a kind of cocktail hour. We stood in a short line to sign the guest book and were amused by the text that was printed on the back of our little tickets (I can’t find mine or I would reproduce it here for you. Suffice it to say it was very funny.) Once inside the small room, we found a table and Lisa quickly began consuming crab cakes. I can’t remember what she was drinking, but I had a Corona. Andy and Mandy joined us shortly thereafter, and AJ showed up as well. It turned out that we would all be sitting at the same table, along with Ken and his wife and children.

After a time, bells were rung and we all proceeded into the banquet room and to our tables. It was a large banquet room with a good sized dance floor and about 8 or 9 tables. The DJ was stationed at one end of the room and Norm and Vicky’s table was on a raised platform at the opposite end. There was an enormous wedding cake not far from our table. Disney music was being piped in and drinks were flowing from the bar.

Not long after everyone was seated, the big entries were made. Andy and Norm’s sister, Julie entered, followed by Scott and Vicky’s Maid of Honor, JJ. Finally, the DJ announced the new bride and groom, “Mr. and Mrs. Norm and Vicky Perreault!” and they entered to much fanfare, with Norm smiling and waving at the crowd like a seasoned politician. Immediately after entering, they made their first dance and I cannot for the life of me remember the song to which they danced (Lisa, can you help out!) Then they were seated and the toasts were made.

Scott, Norm’s brother and best man made a funny toast, with several amusing stories about young Norm and a rousing encomium to Norm and Vicky and their happiness together. I honestly don’t remember too much of what he said because I was finally getting nervous, which is unusual for me. When Scott was finished, the DJ announced that I would be making the next toast, and I pulled my notes out of my pocket, grabbed my glass of water, and made my way up to Norm and Vicky’s table. I was told to take the microphone and stand behind the bride and groom on the dias and that I did.

I can’t tell you exactly what I said. While I made notes, I spoke mostly off the cuff. I was unusually nervous because I really wanted to do a good job for Norm and Vicky and to be honest, I don’t remember much of what I said. I do remember one thing said at the beginning however. Vicky had joking told Lisa and I at dinner on Wednesday that she wanted us to let people know that she and not the Disney people did most of the table decorations, the placecards, and favors. So when I got up to talk, I said, shortly after I started, “By the way, I just have to say, in case you don’t know this, that just about everything you see on the table in front of you was done by Vicky.” That got a round of applause and Vicky’s jaw dropped. But I didn’t stop there. I said, “She put a lot of hard work into this. Norm helped. I understand he built this entire place by hand just for this wedding.” I do recall people laughed several times, hopefully at something funny I said and not at me. Never fear, however, for Lisa got my entire toast (which seemed to extend beyond the 3 or 4 minutes I had planned) on video and as soon as she gets it posted online somewhere, I will provide a link to it. I finished up with an old Irish toast that went something like, “May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door…happily ever after.” When I finished, Vicky turned to me to hug me and said, “You almost made me cry!” Almost! Darn it! I was aiming for tears!

The festivities proceeded. There was a five course meal. I can’t remember what all five courses were (by this time, I’d had myself a rum punch, but that’s not why I can’t remember), but I do recall there being an excellent salad, and the intermezzo consisted of raspberry sherbet in a glass slipper made of ice. (Apparently they are famous for this.) For the main course I had a bacon-wrapped fillet. And, of course, there was cake for dessert.

There was dancing! And I was lucky enough to have the privilege of dancing with not one, not two, but three good-looking girls.

There may be some people, who, upon reading my last statement, take offense at my referring to three women as “girls” but it is not meant in anyway to be offensive. I’ve always thought of “women” as meaning females who are older than me. I’ve always thought of “girls” as females who are younger than me, or equal in age. It’s just how I think of things inside my head and since I have been thinking this way for 35 years now, I’m not likely to change. But I mean no offense by it.

I got to dance with Lisa, who is a much better dancer than I am and who put up with my ambulatory awkwardness on the dance floor with grace. I got to dance next to Vicky who probably wasn’t even paying attention, and that’s a good thing, since dancing for me is an utterly humiliating process that I agree to do more for the enjoyment of others than myself. Finally, toward the end of the evening, I got to dance with Vicky’s maid of honor, JJ. We were standing awkwardly on the dance floor and the music started playing “Last Dance” and she said to me, “Maybe we should dance or something instead of just standing there.” I felt like a complete idiot for not asking her first, but I agreed at once and we danced to the last song of the evening. Once again, she was a far better dancer than I and I was simply outclassed the entire time I was on the dance floor. There are many things that I am good at and dancing is not among them. But I try.

And if you don’t believe me, Lisa can probably vouch for the fact that I am a pretty awful dancer. She also has video of me dancing in a corner in an insanely silly and embarrassing manner, which she has threatened to blackmail me with unless I meet certain demands…

By this time, hours had passed and the festivities were coming to a close. I made sure that I signed the big picture of Norm and Vicky–and as usual, I signed without evening looking at the picture so I have no idea what I was actually signing. We were told to head for the buses which would take us into Epcot for ring-side seats to the Illuminations fireworks display. Lisa felt the need to get some last-minute photos of these enormous paintings and then we headed off for the buses.

We came into Epcot through the back way and were escorted into the park by Disney personnel. They brought us to a roped off area at the water’s edge. There were tables and chair and desserts of all kind. Coffee and punch were also being served. Lisa spent most of the time acting as a surrogate mother to Ken’s children, and seemingly enjoying it. The fireworks display was spectacular, as one might imagine. It was towards the end of the evening that Vicky began to feel sick. We figured it was nerves and stress and everything finally catching up to her, but it turned out to be something else. She and Norm ended up spending most of the night in the emergency room, although she was better in the morning and they were able to head off on their honeymoon.

We made our way back to the hotel, spent some time up in the room with Andy, Mandy, and AJ. Lisa provided the entertainment for Andy, Mandy, and AJ while I was doing something in the closet. As soon as I heard the laughing, I looked to see what was going on, but I’d already missed it. I’ll tell you this, though: I’ve never seen Mandy laugh as hard as she was laughing. Andy said it was the best part of the evening.

We headed down to the hotel bar for a drink, and then Andy, Mandy and AJ headed back to their respective hotels and Lisa and I headed back upstairs. I was already beginning to feel sad that it was all over. We watched TV for a while, some Monty Python, and then turned out the lights and went to sleep.

It was an incredibly happy time, and one thing stuck with me through the entire evening. It was written on the inside of Norm and Vicky’s wedding program:

Once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.

For Norm and Vicky, I can’t think of a better way to describe it.

Speechwriting

In more of less of a panic that I wouldn’t know what to say at Norm and Vicky’s wedding, I decided today to actually jot down a few words. Actually, about 600 of them. (That’s really not a lot, considering it takes less than 3 minutes to speak them outloud.) I’ve read through it once, then set it aside and said it outloud to fix it in my mind. I think it works pretty well. I may need a little smoothing out here and there, but I did manage to capture the one thing about Norm and Vicky’s relationship that I wanted to capture (I think) so that’s a good thing.

I was intending to read a quote from Norm–what he wrote in my high school yearbook–as part of this thing, but I couldnt’ find an appropriate place or context for it so I left it out. But I include it below, because it is pretty damn funny, and totally typical of Norm:

Jamie–

This is Norman Perreault. Remember me? Norman Perreault? Oh well, I’m not so unforgettable. It’s been a rad time knowing you for two years and everything! Finally, hell has ended (that’s funny, I didn’t know hell could just END!) Anyway, it’s all over, finito, fini! We’re outta here, and I couldn’t be happier. Also, I couldn’t be more sad. I won’t be able to see all of you every day anymore. Just remember we have to see each other as much as possible. If we lose touch, you’ll be sorry. I’d hunt you down and really keep in touch with you. He he! So let’s party on during the summer, and relax, the worst has passed!

Norm then went ahead and drew a Metallica logo as a post script, after which he said, “I know it’s weak!”

One week from today Norm and Vicky will be married and on their way to the South Pacific. I’m still trying to figure out a way to sneak into their luggage and avoid going back to work.

Grocery shopping

I’m just back from grocery shopping. It’s a short week since I’ll be in Orlando for 5 days of the week, but I wanted to get back into the good eating habits which I had for months and started to let slip recently, so I picked up lots of fruit and veggies and healthy things to pack in my lunches.

I needed to pick up a wedding card also, and made an interesting discovery that never occurred to me before (perhaps because someone else always bought the wedding cards). They say that Hallmark has a card for every occasion, but I defy someone to find a funny wedding card. There just don’t seem to be any funny wedding cards out there. All of them are so serious, no wonder there is so much pressure on a new bride and groom. They are receiving cards by the dozen with words like “forever”, “an eternity”, “’til death…” and so on. Give these guys a break! They just got hitched. How about some levity to ease the stress? I think a bride and groom would appreciate this, but apparently, weddings are strictly solemn affairs.

Epithalamium*

Way back when, vickyandnorm asked me if I would make some remarks at their upcoming wedding. I hadn’t thought much about it until I was at the gym this morning, when, halfway through a difficult chest press, I finally got my “theme”. That was all I needed and most of what I want to say fell into place immediately thereafter. According to Emily Post, these kinds of remarks at a wedding are supposed to be sentimental. Neither Norm nor Vicky seem that sentimental to me. But that’s okay, because what I’ve got should work.

One more thing I can cross of my mental to-do list. 25 days and counting, kids!


*Epithalamium: Latin for “wedding song”

Booked my flight for Norm & Vicky’s wedding

I just got through booking my flight for Norm & Vicky’s wedding. The fares finally came down to reasonable levels (reasonable is < $300/round trip), at least on United, so I got my tickets today. I arrive in Orlando at about 5:30 PM on Wednesday, March 21. My flight back home departs at 7:30 AM on Sunday, March 25. I will be staying at the Disney World Dolphin Resort while I am there. Incidentally, I got my cool invitation from Vicky and Norm yesterday and I sent off my "I will attend" response first thing this morning. But it was really Norm and Vicky's cute email message from last night that reminded me that I still needed to book my plane tickets.

March hotel arrangements

This morning, I made my reservation with the Dolphin Resort at Disney World for Norm and Vicky’s wedding. I arrive in Orlando the evening of March 21 and depart on Sunday, March 25. I got the basic room, king bed, non-smoking.

I still have to make my travel arrangements for flying down to Orlando, but I’ve got some time and I’m hoping the airfares will come down a little before I book the tickets. In any event, I am looking forward to Norm and Vicky’s wedding.

Yanks are winning, so off to bed

I watched the Yankee game through 4-1/2 innings and now that they are winning 6-2, I think it’s safe for me to head off to bed. I have to be up at 4:30 AM for a 6 AM session with Bernard so I need to get some sleep tonight. Hopefully the Yanks can maintain their lead.


I spoke with vickyandnorm and found out that they set a date for their wedding (a location, too) and I am looking forward to it this coming spring. They have got a lot going on in this next half year, but they are also about to head off to Italy for a vacation. Have you guys brushed up on your Roman history?


I’ve got a softball game after work tomorrow and that means tomorrow is going to be a long day. I’m still not convinced I’ve got my revised eating habits down yet. I’m supposed to be eating 5-6 meals a day, but I find that I’m not hungry 5-6 times a day. I’ll talk to Bernard about that tomorrow. In addition, I’ve got a fair amount of programming to do, I need to find time to cut the grass, clean the house, get a haircut and do some grocery shopping. I wouldn’t mind sneaking off to Italy right about now.