Well, Helen Grace might have a successful career in store as a flower girl after all!
Since I had to get my hair and make up done at Emily’s hotel in East Memphis and John was getting ready with the groomsmen in Germantown, my mom and dad stepped in to help. They got her up from her nap and brought her to us at the zoo where we had to get her dressed. By the way, as I was putting her down for her nap earlier that afternoon, I was telling her that when she woke up, we were going to the zoo so that she could be a flower girl for CB and Emmy. She jumped off my lap and started jumping around, screaming, “Excited! Excited!”
Although I had hoped the dressing would go smoothly, our practice round didn’t go well, so I was nervous…for good reason. She through a huge fit as we tried to get her into the dress, but Mama and Spiffer were stronger than her and eventually won the battle! Once we got her into the zoo and back to the Northwest Passage exhibit, she saw the sea lions and polar bear and calmed down. She was happy from then on out. She played, spun, and jumped while we took pics outside and then waited for the ceremony, mostly inside the air conditioned part of the exhibit. Did I mention that it was 98 degrees with little to no breeze? I packed a huge grab bag for melt down emergencies (toys, treats, etc.), and I didn’t have to use it once. Whew!
When it was almost time for the ceremony, Emily’s mother gave her the basket of flowers, and she was in hog heaven. She immediately wanted to drop them, but we talked her into waiting until we got started. She was really excited as we made our entrance with Larry, and she didn’t even want to hold my hand. She did get a little preoccupied though and didn’t remember to drop petals. As we passed a big fan near the entrance, the loud noise and wind startled her, and at the same time, the crowd burst into applause. She grabbed my hand and quickly thereafter buried her head into my hand, but she continued to walk on her own. I was shocked she didn’t jump into my arms. Big girl! We walked until we got to Grandma’s strategically placed seat, and she then promptly grabbed her up and got her preoccupied with drawing.
The ceremony was beautiful and very heartfelt. We all stood out on the rocks as the sun set, and we were surrounded by candles set in clear globes scattered around the rocks. (And yes, the sea lions were put to bed by this time.) Through almost ten years of knowing CB, I’ve never really seen him get emotional, so it was really special to see him say the vows that he wrote himself to Emily with such love. And she is obviously head over heels about him. We are excited about Emily officially joining our circle of extended family, and we think that she has the catch of a lifetime. :)
After the ceremony, Helen Grace paraded around the reception for a little bit, and then Spiffer and Granddaddy took her home to bed. She was utterly exhausted but such a trooper. We danced the night away with family and old friends and had such a good time celebrating Emily and Chris. Our dogs are still barking (for my Northern readers, that means our feet are hurting) and we are still asleep at the wheel, so you know it was a good time.
Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Brown!
This picture was only the start of the hissy fit she threw as we tried to get her dressed. Granddaddy had to put down the camera to help hold her down. ;)
Daddy thought this whole situation was hilarious and watched from a safe distance.
Success! But not a happy camper
Waiting for the ceremony: Dancing with Lillian, mother of the groom
She cracks herself up.
She loves her some Teddy, father of the groom.
Grandma oohing and aahing over her dress as they watched for the polar bear.
Jumping with Emmy as we waited to get started
During the ceremony, she entertained herself by drawing on her program, waving up to Granddaddy and Spiffer sitting behind her, and munching on mints that Grandma continuously fed her. Worked pretty well to keep her pacified. :)
Entertaining Helen Grace during the reception
Mother of the groom dance
Aaaawwww, Lil and Jeanne dance with their boys. 
The neighborhood gang- CB, Billy, John, Larry, and Michele
The girls- Michele, Carmella (Larry’s wife), and Sarah (Billy’s wife). We missed Emily!
Now we’ve found her! All the gang and significant others.
BFFs
Coolest groomsmen gift ever
And off they go!
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