Denby & Jason's Wedding

By Simeon | July 26, 2005 1:22 PM | Comments (1)

The event of the summer has come and passed. This past weekend, two of my best friends in the entire world professed their love for one another. We have been waiting for this day over a year. I was honored and excited to serve as a groomsman. In true Denby fashion, this was no light affair. She had an old fashion wedding that lasted four days. Amazing.

Thursday
How can a wedding take place in Maryland without crabs? It can't. Denby's parents hosted a crabfest in order for everyone involved with the wedding to enjoy the beginning of the celebration. I was so excited to see Jen and Bob. I haven't seen them since the move! I got there in time to sit next to Jen. We chatted about Maddox and he is doing very well. Bob's business is doing great so, they're loving it down in Mississippi! As the evening continued, the crabs were all destroyed and the cooler almost drained. You can't ask for a better summer evening on the back porch with crabs and friends. Well, a summer evening topped off by a quick bathroom break made it even better.

Friday
Jason wanted to play a round of golf at Renditions so, an early morning tee time was scheduled. I don't play golf, but I was excited to hangout with the groomsmen. Each hole at Renditions is modeled after a hole of a major championship. I played a round with Bob and Matt. My sportscenter highlight was getting on the green in one at hole 13 - TPC SAWGRASS #17. The most fun I had was on the last hole. Matt took our cart and almost completed a 360 in the grass. The cart went sliding across the course, and I almost fell out. We couldn't stop laughing. I didn't keep score so, who knows what I shot. Golf is not my game.

We cleaned up quickly to attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner. I rode back to Renditions with Ritchie, Eric, and Jenn. I was in a overly goofy mood, and the insults were flying. Ritchie almost drove off the road. I had everyone in stitches describing the perfect Rehearsal Dinner, "Cheese Fries All Around!!!"

The Rehearsal went as well as Rehearsal's go. The girls all looked stunning. Especially one dressed in turquoise. There were a few disagreements, but everyone knew their spot in the proceedings. It was time for the dinner at Chart House. I sat at a table with Teresa, Jen, Bob, Matt, Megan, Ritchie, and Jamie. I had chicken. The food is always superb. At the end of the meal, Denby and Jason gave out presents. I received one for being a groomsman. I unwrapped a guitar signed by the entire Dave Matthews Band. I couldn't stop shaking. It is one of the best gifts I have even received. We stuffed our faces with some chocolate pie, and drove toward the Rehearsal Party.

The party was held at the famous House of Janice Simmons. No one knew the Janice Simmons, but we soon met her and the house. It's a beautiful place located on the water. We filed onto the deck to enjoy food and beer late into the evening. The day didn't even stop there. Mr. John took Gootz, Jen, Bob, Teresa, and I back to the Chew's. We sat on their discussing politics till way past 2am. On my way home, I took Bob back to Jason's. Jason was playing video games with his brother. I stayed for a few minutes before heading home. What a very long day.

Saturday
Saturday was the day. Time to get married!!! I stopped by Jason's in the afternoon to say hello. He was nervous but excited. I was happy to see he wasn't overly nervous. I'm not sure how I would feel. I ran by the hotel to pick up the keys. I was sharing a room with Teresa and Gootz. Crazy. I got back to my house in time to put on my suit. Now, I don't dress up. I might dress up twice a year at most. I feel very strange in this stuff. It made me feel unnecessarily skittish. I tried to lock out the feelings while driving to Renditions.

The wedding was to be held outside on the golf course. The sky was almost cloudless and the temperature wasn't extremely hot. Overall, fantastic conditions for a hitching. The girls weren't read when I arrived, and they all said how handsome I looked. This helped calm my nerves a bit. Stupid monkey suit messing with my brain.

While we waited for the service to begin, Jason, Bob, and I stood outside and directed guests toward their chairs. It wasn't long until we took our places in the proshop to start the processional. I was one of the first due to my position in the groomsmen's line. I was furthest from Jason. I slowly walked up to the left of the seated audience and was followed by the rest of the groomsmen. The bridesmaids then made their way to the front. Each one looked amazing. Finally, Denby walked out with Mr. John. She was breathtaking. I couldn't stop smiling. She was crying a bit, but pulled it together for the ceremony.

The service was not to long. The priest was very animated and entertaining. Of course, the vows were the most exciting portion of the ceremony. They seemed so happy and ready to spend the rest of their lives together. It was a hair-raising couple of minutes to listen to the I-Dos and watch the first kiss! I had to immediately concentrate to escort Teresa out of the ceremony, but I was just so happy for both Denby and Jason.

The partying commenced with the reception! The bar was open and the food served buffet style. The jerk chicken spiced up the entire place. My mouth was on fire. I also lost numerous capt. and cokes into my liver. It was an awesome time. Gootz's speech was very touching and emotional. She captured the essence of true friendship. Another cool part of the party was the guest book. Polaroid camera's were used to document the guest as well as a short message. I had a sweet picture with Teresa, but my second was beyond normal. Johnny and I adorned the front cover of the guest book with ridiculous faces. I really didn't dance too much. The over 40 house party was tearing up the dance floor. We did dance a bit toward the end. I was happy to even get a slow dance or two.

Soon it was time for Denby and Jason's grand exit. Everyone was handed a three foot sparkler, and we lined up in the parking lot. The sparklers were lit, and the happy couple walked through the rows toward a jeep. It was an awe striking site to see. Their faces were lit up with light and joy.

The plan was to head back to the hotel for the afterparty. We even thought about heading downtown. We had one problem - the keys to the Pathfinder were with Denby. This meant the girls could not get their stuff to change. This is not good. The rest of the wedding party had to wait for the keys to be retrieved before we drove back to Annapolis. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We sat outside Renditions staring at the stars. It was very relaxing.

By the time we got back to the hotel, It was too late and too complicated to get downtown. Lucky for us, Jake and Jack had secured a cooler full of refreshments. They filled the tub in my room with beers. It felt like a high school hotel party. We sat outside in a gazebo till way past 3am. This wedding just wouldn't stop. I even made a late night Wawa run with Teresa, Jen, Bob, and Gootz.

Sunday
The final day of the wedding extravaganza took place back at Bunny and John's. We checked out of the hotel. Our room looked like Rockstar's trashed the place while pushing on through a multi-city tour. Perfect. Anyway, the brunch began about 11am. I needed a breakfast taco, a large coffee, and a bathroom. Everyone sat under a tent in the Chew's backyard. Most people were in rough shape. The bloody mary's helped, and the food was so tasty. In the early afternoon, we watched the opening of the gifts. Denby and Jason loved the Waterford crystal they received from Teresa and I. Yay for gifts!

What an extraordinary and long weekend. I needed a long nights sleep after the four day party. A weekend I will soon not forget. I hope that everyone had as much fun as myself. Here are a few pictures from random sources. Of course, I wish nothing but the best for Denby and Jason. I'm thankful I could be a small part of this wedding to remember. I hope the honeymoon is full of sun and great times!. How can St. Lucia not be slamming?