Rachel and Drew's Wedding Reception (#seislerforthenguyen)

Rachel and Drew had to wait 363 days for their wedding reception but by all accounts, it was worth it. (Due to the pandemic, they felt it best to wait a year before hosting a large gathering.) It was an outdoor event and the threat of rain had us checking our phones for updates in the days and hours preceding the big event. Thankfully, lingering rain showers exited the area later in the morning and the winds quieted to a whisper, making for a really nice day/night of celebration. (Thanks to Rachel's father for the group photo.)

Drew's brother Colton gave a nice speech as did Rachel's BFFL and partner in crime, Camille. I didn't get Colton's words on video but I was able to get Camille's. She did great!


I put together a collection of photos from the event—here's a link. 

I know I'm biased but this was by far the most fun I've had at a wedding reception. All of the planning and work that went into putting it on paid off nicely. And what a perfect venue it was having it at Drew's father and stepmother's home. Doc and Bernie went above and beyond in readying their home for the celebration. I can't recall a wedding reception where there was a large area set aside for campers to pitch their tents and stay the night. What a great idea! 

So as not to overwhelm the neighborhood with cars, Tammy arranged for a shuttle bus to transport people from a couple of different locations where Rachel had gained permission for people to park their vehicles. 

We were hesitant to put Charlie in a kennel for the night (it's not something he has any experience with) so he accompanied us the whole time. We kept him in our car and I routinely checked on him and walked him. We probably did that more for our peace of mind. And speaking of Charlie—he turns 14 years old this Friday! 

Rachel and Drew have settled back into their normal routines. Rachel recently started a new job working as the Assistant Director for Admissions at the University of Minnesota at Rochester. She had spent a few years working as an admissions representative there while she worked toward her MBA so it's an environment she's very familiar with and one where they're happy to have her back in the fold.

Drew had a gig with his band EZ Duzzit last Saturday night. I attended and recorded some video of them where they played at Hop & Barrel Brewing in Spring Valley, south of Rochester. I would like to have stayed longer and listened to their entire show but it was a little over 100 miles to home and it had been a long day. I'm glad I was able to finally see them play.

The video below is from last Tuesday night where we were riding in some very hot and humid conditions. The heat is just a memory now as much cooler air has descended upon us. So long, summer. It was a fun one!

It's a beautiful day outside and it's begging me to get out and enjoy it. 

That's all I've got. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

David Crowder Concert, NWA188 and Photo Review

Image
I got up from laying down after the all-night shift Thursday morning and figured I'd better get a ride in while I could because the forecast wasn't looking so good. The temp was just above 40 with a northeast wind steady at 15 mph under overcast skies. 40 degrees is very reasonable cycling weather but the key is to be somewhat chilled when you start out. Being warm and toasty at the beginning leads to being sweaty, cold and clammy before the ride is over. While putting air in my tires before leaving I could tell that I needed a lighter top layer. I'm glad I made the switch. I loved the ride  ( Strava link ) and would like to have gone further but David Crowder was playing at our church and I didn't want to be late getting in line for some good seats as it was general admission. I considered a quick detour by Hosanna on the way home to get a pic of their tour bus but I figured I should really act my age. The concert was worth every penny and better than any of the o
Read more

Riding, Retirement and a Home Revisited

Image
I skipped out of work a couple hours early today to take advantage of some mild weather. I took the pups for a walk then headed west on my bike putting my heart, lungs, and quads through some paces. It felt so nice to be out there. I'd have stayed out longer but I had to be back to take Rachel to dance class for 5:00. It's possible that today will be the last time I'll have to take her to class if she passes her road test this Thursday. I'd like to have taken some time to hose down my bike. It's full of road salt and that can't be a good thing. Every large vehicle that went past me had a cloud of salt dust trailing in its wake and settling on me. I'll spend some time cleaning it tomorrow and have it ready for a ride on Wednesday after work. Speaking of work—I've been kicking around the idea of bidding on a staff job. Believe me, it's not something I want to do. It's about self-preservation. I want to work another five years to get Rachel thr
Read more

A Tragic Loss

Image
I received a phone call from my sister-in-law two weeks ago this morning. Tracee was sobbing heavily but I could make out that she had some terrible news to tell me. For a moment, I imagined that my brother Keith had passed away and she was letting me know. It wasn't that. Their grandson Madden had died the night before after a fall off his bike. I didn't press her for details and we soon ended the call. I was so stunned by what I'd just heard. Madden had just turned 13 and he meant the world to Keith and Tracee as well as to his mother and father and so many others who were part of his life. Madden's life cut so short is nothing less than a tragic loss. Here's a news report from one of our local stations. I didn't know Madden well but I was able to spend time on the golf course with him last summer and fall with Joe (his father) and Keith. He was an exceptional golfer for his age, that was clear, but he also had a talent for basketball and football.  I feel t
Read more