There are moments in your life that just do not seem real. They are hard to comprehend. I had one of those moments last Saturday when I watched my friend Hillary Clarendon now Blumenthal get married. I was sitting with my other friend Kelly O'Reilly. I became friends with Hillary and Kelly in the 7th grade at Cope Middle School. I knew Hillary a little before middle school because of club water polo but became great friends starting in 7th grade.
I was so thankful for knowing Hillary that first day at Cope. I was changing schools, one of the more gutsy decisions I have made in my life. Going from private school to public. Had I started in 6th grade it would not have been so bad everyone was new to middle school. But in the 7th grade you were not the rulers of the school but you were not the annoying 6th graders either. However I was all together the new girl!! And it is not the best feeling. I can remember my mom dropping me off at school and me thinking what in the world am I doing. Public school- middle school. I know 3 people. Thankfully Hillary instantly became my friend. She soon introduced me to Kelly and we have all been friends ever since.
In middle school and in high school we did most everything together. We have some great memories and some not so great. I mean it was high school. Once we left for college things changed. I went to San Diego, Hillary stayed near home and Kelly moved to Utah. We did not see each other as much. A few times here and there randomly. Once in a while around the holidays. But we never lost touch. I think those are true friends, you may not speak all the time. However you know they are always there!!
I have included some random pictures of us through the years. Sadly I do not have any photo's on my computer from middle school or early high school. That was before digital camera's were a common thing to own and cell phones had camera's. Oh wait I did not even have a cell phones till I was in the 10th or 11th grade. So maybe another day I will look for even more photo's!!
Some dance
Water Polo
Some of our friends. Hanging out at school!!
Homecoming senior year
Halloween
My going away party
Senior Awards
Hillary's Birthday
Graduation!!
Graduation Day
One of the few times we got together during college
So when Hillary got engaged I could not have been more excited for her. We went out a few weeks later. To Baker's of course and sat for hours talking. I knew instantly that she had found the man of her dreams and I could not have been happier for her. We even drove past where she was going to get married at the Mitten building. I had never seen it but heard a lot about the building. What a place!!
I had a great time attending her lingerie shower and meeting some of her other friends from college and other walks of life. We spent time laughing and playing funny games. Her sister even made these great cake pop's as prizes. Needless to say I will not mention what they were shaped as for Katieanne's sake.. But they made us all laugh!!!
The big day would finally arrive. I was in contact with Kelly a few weeks out and since we were both going without date's. We decided no better date then each other. I headed over to Kelly's about an hour before the ceremony. Said hello to her mom. Then we headed to the Mitten building. It was set up beautifully. As we waited Mrs. Clarendon came in and seemed a bit flustered. Rightfully so her little baby girl was getting married today. She looked at us and seemed so confused. Kelly and I both said hello, and then she replied "my gosh". "I just didn't recognize you." Your both so grown up. We laughed and it was the second time I was thinking I cant believe we are at Hillary's wedding. She then thanked us for coming. How much it meant to her and Hillary.
After that we headed for our seats. Being that we could not remember which side the bride's family and friends were supposed to sit, we opted for the last row on the isle. That way since I am so short I could still see. See funny thing I always had tall friends. Hillary and Kelly played club volleyball and all through high school. They used to laugh at me in middle school cause we always dominated volleyball tournaments in P.E. But I could only serve underhand and I always complained that the ball hurt my wrists. So needless to say Kelly let me have the end seat.
The wedding started. Kyle entered and stood at the end of the isle. Of course we were sitting on his side. That made us laugh. Then came the wedding party. The poor ring bearer saw us all and panicked. He was not heading down that isle. His mom who was a bridesmaid came and carried him down. Then Hillary's nephew's were the bell ringers. They were supposed to announce the bride. They also panicked. Rang the bell a little and never made it to the front. However they were both just so darn cute!!
Then came the big moment. The doors opened and out walked Hillary. She looked absolutely amazing. I started to cry, so did Kelly.
The ceremony was beautiful. I was again still in shock this was my goofy friend Hillary. I told my mom later there are moments in your life that you just cant believe what is happening. This being one of those, I could not believe that we are old enough to be getting married. That we are not in the 7th grade messing around in the locker room. That we are no longer in high school wearing our game day shirts. That we are adults!! It is crazy. I guess she is one of the first of my childhood friends to get married. So it was very surreal. Then I had a wave of panic thinking that I have to plan a wedding. For those of you wondering we still have not picked a date but thinking Fall 2013.
During the ceremony I was quickly reminded that we may be adults (or so we think). But that we may never truly grow up. And I think that is a good thing. When Hillary was saying her I do's. She made some funny comments that were just totally Hillary. That made us all laugh. And I thought wow she has not changed a bit. But while she said her I do's you could see the excitement and the true love she has for Kyle. A look I had never seen before on Hillary's face. It was such an amazing moment to be a part of. To see true happiness and joy. Also made me realize just how much I love Brennan. Once saying I do and Hillary finally getting to kiss her husband they headed back up the isle. It was a great moment to witness!!
The reception was to be held at the Clarendon's house literally about .25 of a mile down the street from my parents. It was a beautiful October day. Not a cloud in the sky and so clear. I have to admit it was a bit hot about 90. So I did my fair share of sweating. However I did manage to get a seat with my back facing the sun. The early bird always gets the worm. Hillary had always dreamed of the wedding much like that of the movie Sound of Music. I have never seen the film but Hillary has gone through multiple VHS tapes and has upgraded to having it on DVD. So that was the theme even in the backyard and it was so cute!! The backyard looked lovely and held to the theme perfectly. They say pictures are worth a thousand words so here are a few!! Sadly I did not get a picture of this beautiful vanity they had out full of old pictures of Hillary's parents, grandparents and family members on their wedding day. It also had lovely photo's from Kyle's side and was draped with the Vail that we think her mother and grandmother wore on there wedding day. Such amazing history and fit the wedding theme amazingly!!
The head table
The cake on a beautiful vanity
The table with beautiful flowers, old books and mugs for your drinks
Once the bridal party arrived the evening began. They had a lovely entrance for the bride and groom.
They sat at there very cute table and it would seem that Kyle has learned how to be an amazing husband so quickly. Shading his lovely bride from the hot sun.
They then made the rounds to all the tables. When you arrived you found what table you were at by looking at these old window frames and your name was written on the glass. It was so cute. Kelly and I suspected we would be seated in the back corner. I mean were friends from high school and middle school. Well turns out we had the Time Square of real estate. Dead center right on the dance floor. Dinner would be an amazing buffet fitting the theme perfectly!!
Speaking to some of her guests
I would like to point out that I had taken off my heals as not to get stuck in the grass. Bad idea for this picture!! But so great to all be together!!!
Me and Kelly at the table
The evening would then go through the normal wedding things. Kyle and Hillary's first dance. Very cute!! Kyle would dance with his mother. Hillary did the waltz with her dad and then broke it down to some other great hits. I uploaded the video up of that!!
Kyle and Hillary
Mr. Clarendon and Hillary Waltzing. Look at that concentration. I can tell you Mr. Clarendon has it down!!
Then the speeches would be given and not a dry eye in the whole backyard. After Kyle and Hillary both took a moment to thank everyone for there help in preparation for the wedding and for coming. And the evening would continue on!!
I have to say it was so surreal the entire time and absolutely amazing to see true love. To see Hillary just gleaming. Hillary has always been one of the most beautiful people I know and her wedding day was no exception. She looked absolutely stunning. Loved her dress and Hillary when you read this wearing that brace all through middle school was totally worth it. You had a straight spine in your beautiful open back dress. I only hope I can look half as beautiful as you when I get married. It was also such a thoughtful wedding and reception you could see just how important family is and that it was never about what things cost. It was about being in love and wanting to start a new chapter of being husband and wife.
Kyle and Hillary I wish you all the joy that love can bring!! I wish you health and happiness!! And I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your very moving day.
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