Goin Back To Callie

This weekend, I had an experience that I had never had before and might never have again: I was the Maid of Honor in a very special wedding. Frances, the bride, is one of my very best friends who just happens to double as my cousin. Both of us grew up with only brothers so it worked out perfectly for us to become each other’s pseudo sister. We were inseparable as children. We are only a year apart, so we were able to experience growing up and high school together; and although we went to different colleges, we were able to stay close through those years as well. I have always looked up to her and followed in her footsteps. We have so many similarities along with a ton of differences, but our bond is something that is extremely unique and dear to me.

 Frances met her now husband, Kelly, when she came to visit me in Nashville in May of last year and he was visiting his twin brother, Patrick, who also lived here at the time. Both of them were on vacation in the same city at the same time and ran into each other amongst thousands of people a tailgate/horserace. To me, that is a perfect example of fate taking the reigns.

 They were engaged the following February and Frances immediately called me afterwards to ask me to be her Maid of Honor. I had to sprint to a Nashville honky-tonk bathroom to hear the story while of course planning the bachelorette party in my mind.

 The wedding day could not have been more perfect. All the bridesmaids met at her house a mile from the chapel for a champagne toast to start off the festivities. Frances looked stunning. Her dress perfect, her hair flawless; but the accessory that made her look so beautiful was the happiness that shined from within.

The ceremony was performed in a chapel on the bay in Fairhope, AL by Kelly’s childhood priest, Father Curly. The services wrapped with a church choir belting “Joyful, Joyful” while everyone tapped, clapped and sang along. It was definitely the most fun ceremony I’ve ever been to. After the vows were vowed and the kiss was kissed, everyone strolled down a lantern-lit pathway to the sparkling reception on the bay. One thing I can brag about being from Mobile, AL is that we know how to throw a party.

 As the sun set on their first night as bride and groom, Frances and Kelly danced their first dance and swapped bites of cake before everyone hit the dance floor to show off their best moves for the next 4-5 hours. It was such a blast. Bring a group of high-school friends together that are since scattered across the country at a wedding in Alabama—bulletproof plan for an amazing night.

 I made a speech on Friday night about how much I grew up admiring Frances. When I was young, I wanted to be just like her in every way possible and came pretty close to it! Since then, I’ve grown into my own person with my own qualities and my own personality, but one thing remains the same - I love her like a sister and hope to find what she’s found one day.

 To Fran and Kelly: I couldn’t be happier for you. I love you both and know that you will have a long and happy life together as husband and wife. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your very special day. Congratulations.