Picture this.... You walk through double doors into the first floor of the 3 story Amarillo museum of Art. As soon as you walk in you can see a roof over the dance floor created of tissue balls in light grey, cream, ivory, and gold. These little puppies took many nights of hard work to create. To your left as you walk in is a table filled with pictures of the Bride and Groom's engagment pictures, taken by yours truly, and a large canvas of Neeley's gorgeous Bridal photo. Also on this table are 500 Fortune cookies filled with selected fortunes from Neeley and Lane for their wedding guests, these are sayings that mean something to the them. Also on this table is the amazing reception program created to kepe guests informed of where on the 3 museum floors each activity is located and what time events will be happening. The program's front cover has a hand drawn picture of Neeley and Lane done by Kelsey... precious! On the right as you walk in is a table for gifts completed with a lamp with a handmade lampshade and birdcage. As you make your way into the atrium on the first floor you come up on the tissue balls above you, cocktail tables lining the walls, and toward the end of the first floor is a bar and dj. This space will become the dance floor as the night goes on. You take the elevator up to the second floor where upon stepping out you are greeted with two buffet lines, and on either side of this entry atrium are two rooms filled with round tables for guests seating. The centerepieces are handmade by Tammy, Neeley, and myself ranging from tall vased arrangements, candleabras, and a low floral display all surrouned by a mixture of gold, black, copper, silver votives. Stunning. As guests are looking for more entertainment throughout the evening they can make their way up to the 3rd floor where they are greeted with a barista and full service coffee bar, beer and wine bar, and a photobooth! Tammy and Neeley thought of everything even bringing in sofas, chairs, pillows, and trees to make the space feel intimate and cozy for guests.
One of two pictures of I have of Neeley from the reception... the other one goes in a Sister Vault :)
We the wedding party first arrived we were greeted with a live jazz band playing as guests ate dinner. I quickly navitaged myself and Drew up the back stairwell to our designated seats to be served dinner. Both of our feet were killing us and I changed out of my 2 pair of shoes that night and he changed into his groosmen gift, a pair of Toms. Drew and I mingled around with a some guests who hadn't yet seen my engagement ring before I heard the dj announce time to cut the cake. I was so nervous were would miss getting a good spot so we again rushed down the back stairs. I felt very "Father of the Bride" going in and out of the secret back ways and sometimes getting completely blocked. Neeley and Lane cut the cake and did their toast and it was then time for Drew and I to give our Best Man/ Maid of Honor speeches. I was completely nervous! I had typed mine out on my phone so I would stay focused but that was a major fail. Drew went first and he spoke from his heart, saying "awesome" almost everyother word... he never says awesome, I guess he was nervous too! I was handed the microphone and looked at Neeley and began to sob. I couldn't pull myself together and my speech was a mumble of crys and words. I think Neeley got the point of my speech if noone else did.
After that we were free to dance the night away to country music, pop, oldies, and a little korean :) I was did get out and show the guests how to do the "Gangman" dance. Not my most graceful moment. Peyton was glued to me and Drew all night so we got an extra workout of dancing and holding her at the same time... that girl is not light!
The time came to say goodbye to Neeley and Lane and I lined up on the end and as she got in the car to drive away I cried... like a baby. Kelsey came to me and we both sat on the sidewalk crying. It is hard to say goodbye and no that when I see her again everything would change, our lives will be so much different. Change can be hard. But we quickly pulled ourselves together and cleaned up the museum and went home to bed.
The next week Neeley and Lane were gone on their honeymoon was the loneliest, saddest, hardest week ever! She did sneak in a few texts and phone calls to me to let me know she was ok. I am so glad to have them home and so close. And even though things have changed our relationship never will. I madly love my sister!
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