Jill, my long-time friend/former roommate and partner in crime, finally got the chance to marry her knight in shining armor (aka Jeff) on Saturday, December 12, in New Orleans. And let's just say it's a very good thing that these two are crazy in love and were so committed to joining their lives together, because the wedding day quickly turned into a case of Murphy's law so severe that it resembled the screwball ending of a bad romantic comedy!
For those of you who don't live in Louisiana, we experienced day after day after day of wet, soggy, cold dreariness that eventually resulted in record rainfall levels for December. The morning of the wedding was drizzly and overcast (normal) while we went to get our hair and make-up done, but by the time the photographer arrived at the hotel suite to take pictures that afternoon there were severe flash flood warnings on the radio. Long story short, the entire town of New Orleans (especially the downtown area where we were located) had become almost completely submerged with water within just a few short hours...
The interstate exits were all full of water, so the limos were stuck and were almost two hours late picking us up. We passed the time by taking pictures in the hotel lobby, and bringing Jill some desperately needed wine and champagne.
Once the limos got there, everyone had to take off their shoes and hike up their dresses to get in. We had a police escort down St. Charles Avenue to get to the church since cars were stalled out all along the sides of the road. You could hear the water rushing underneath the car on the way there. Not fun.
The church ladies were furious about our tardiness, the flower girl didn't make it down the aisle, the ceremony started about an hour and a half late, many of the guests couldn't make it to the church due to the storm, and Jill almost passed out during her vows. (Note: Methodist women are not used to having to kneel all the way through a Catholic mass!). But in the end, it was beautiful and sweet and romantic -- everything a wedding should be. :) Jill handled the whole scene with a composure and grace I undoubtedly would not have possessed if the roles were reversed.
The church ladies were furious about our tardiness, the flower girl didn't make it down the aisle, the ceremony started about an hour and a half late, many of the guests couldn't make it to the church due to the storm, and Jill almost passed out during her vows. (Note: Methodist women are not used to having to kneel all the way through a Catholic mass!). But in the end, it was beautiful and sweet and romantic -- everything a wedding should be. :) Jill handled the whole scene with a composure and grace I undoubtedly would not have possessed if the roles were reversed.
And... at the end of that crazy day, we finally had a bride and a groom! Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Waltz!!! We wish you a lifetime of love, friendship, and happiness!
P.S. The lobby of the newly-renovated Roosevelt Hotel was just stunning! Can't wait to bring Lucy back there next year to see the gorgeous Christmas decorations and to have "Holiday Tea with Santa."
P.P.S. Apologies to my husband who drove all the way down to NOLA only to have to turn around and drive back home because the car wouldn't make it through the flood waters. I appreciate the effort and can only imagine how handsome you looked in your suit!
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