Something Good This Way Comes: Something Good This Way Comes: When We Heard from Those We Love

We couldn't hide out with our photographers forever. After a wonderful forty or so minutes outside, it was time to rejoin our guests after the cocktail hour for dinner. Our family and bridal party waited outside for their announcement to the party...

First came our parents. They hated being center of the spotlight but handled it graciously.

As the sounds of CCR's "Coming Up Around the Bend" rocked the house, our awesome DJ announced the bridal party. He really was an amazing DJ- he only had one small stumble and it was when announcing Mr. P's best men, his brother and best friend. He called them "Brother's last name" and "Best friend's last name" as one whole name. It was awkward, but Scott and Andrew handled it so well- walking out together and acted like it was totally planned. Well played, men, well played.

We hid in the foyer, waiting for the grand entrance...

And then he said "Introducing Kate and Chris Pencils!" I had asked him to use both of our first names, instead of "Mr. and Mrs. Chris Pencils."

We took our seat..

...and my dear dad took the mic.

He thanked everyone for coming and spoke about life raising little ol' me. Apparently it wasn't always sunshine and roses- apparently sometimes I'm headstrong and stubborn. Who knew.

And then he spoke to Mr. Pencils and what a wonderful, calming match he is for me.

He welcomed him to the family and gave a few funny recommendations for living with me successfully.

We wrapped it with a big hug for each of us.

And then my Brother of Honor, Colin, got up and wowed the crowd.

He started off by telling everyone that he spent the majority of our youth convincing me I was adopted- despite my tears.

Then he admitted that I got sort of cool after the teenage years.

After telling Mr. P he was happy to finally have a brother, we embraced.

Then it was Mr. P's best men's turn. Andrew told us he had so much more to say, so many funny stories, but didn't want to keep people from eating for too long.

So he kept it short and sweet, speaking mainly to make me tear up- he mentioned how much he loved me and was glad I was making Mr. happy.

Then Scott, Mr. P's little brother, got up to face the guests. I think he was a bit nervous to speak in front of everyone.

However, he kicked it off with a joke that had us all rolling:

"I'm so happy today because today, finally, Mr. P admitted that I was the better, the best, man." Ahahaha.

Then of course he had to bring up the day, about two weeks after meeting for the first time, my 18 year old self kick his 12 year old self in the face with a soccer ball showing off my mad skills. Well done, Ms. Pencils, well done. And thanks Scott for telling everyone.

I am so lucky to get to share these men with Mr. P.

They then gave us a toast and we all raised our glasses.

Mr. Pencils paid our venue some extra money just to order my new favorite Champagne stand in. I drank it all day and night and counted myself lucky when we got the last five bottles left from the order.

Finally, I asked two of my bridesmaids to speak. Cara got up first and had everyone laughing.

She recounted the story of how she knew Mr. P was in for the long haul- the first summer after we met, I had to return home to Idaho. One memorable July Saturday, she and I had gone shopping for new swimming suits.

Now, I don't make decisions very quickly or well. This was no different- I spent an hour on the floor, choosing between ten different bikinis- all with Mr. P on the phone as I described each one. He had to be a keeper if he'd do that with me.

We toasted and hugged.

And last but not least, Ann Marie got up. She recounted the story of the night she met Mr. P- we came in, not exactly...coherent...on a Friday night in January of our freshman year of college.