Wedded Bliss

On Saturday, September 5, 2009 my best friend got married. Yeah!! Karl is a lucky guy to get such a great girl. He's pretty special too (ha ha...special...yeah, Rita gets it!). [For those who don't know Rita, she has been my dear, dear friend since kindergarten. I know her family almost as well as my own. She is very precious to me. Karl is the wonderful, sweet, funny Kiwi who swept her off her feet and enticed (rubber arm) her to live in New Zealand with him.] The wedding was fabulous! The most fun I think I have ever had at a wedding. There were tense moments during the day as everyone tried to pray the rainclouds away. And Ta DA! the rain stopped in time to set up outside and have the ceremony in the gorgeous backyard Mr. Schulz spent so many hours on. Everything was so beautiful. The bride? Blew everyone's socks off (really, they were flying everywhere; pantyhose too!) her dress was so gorgeous. (I'm kicking myself for forgetting the camera - need Caresse to send me some pictures :) ) It had a red band at the waist and a red panel down the front (oh, looks sooooo much better than it sounds.) OK, here's an example of the front of the dress but the cream part would be dark red/burgundy: And the guys all looked really handsome. Karl had a vest that matched the colour in Rita's dress and the groomsmen (Andrew, Rob, and Danny) had cream vests and ties in dark red. The bridesmaid dresses were knee length, A-line in burgundy with black sashes at the waist. Awesome (and wearable! Thanks Rita!). The bouquets were to die for - Rita had dark red roses and deep purple lilies in a compact, round bouquet. The 'maids had bouquets in the same shape with creamy white roses and orchids. The ceremony was lovely. Rita said her knees were shaking pretty good but she covered it well. She was in fear of crying because her makeup person wouldn't use waterproof mascara. She told her not to cry (?). The vows were very traditional and pastor managed to get some humour in. Rather than a unity candle, Rita and Karl each had a glass of sand (one yellow, one red) that they poured together into a vase. Pictures were taken in Anita Geertsma's (Caresse's mom) gorgeous back yard. It looks better every year and she just keeps making it more amazing. After a quick stop at the pub (oh Rita), we headed back for the reception in the Schulz's barn. The tables were decorated with red runners and centerpieces of yellow. Mark Campbell was the MC and he did a GREAT job. He's always good for a laugh and kept things lively throughout dinner and the speeches. The latter were topped off with a sweet and funny ditty that Mrs. Schulz wrote and had Karen and Erica (Rita's sisters) sing. It was all about her life and meeting Karl and was a great finale. Then the dancing and partying began. We all know the Schulz's know how to throw and enjoy a party. Seems those Kiwis are pretty good at it too! Karl's friends and family were really enjoying themselves. It was fun to see old friends and aquaintances and catch up with people. All in all, a very successful wedding - one to lead to a successful marriage. Congratulations Rita and Karl!