No Friday

Fun in Vermont (Part 3) - The BBQ

Friday evening was the wedding rehearsal and BBQ. Chris Willy’s catering staff was busy getting ready, and the food was already smelling fantastic.

Family and friends were gradually trickling in to the Inn, and around five most of our wedding party had arrived. Reverend Michael and his wife joined us, and we made the longish walk to the ceremony location around the back of the farm. The view, which you’ll see from the photos of the actual event, was awesome, and the weather on Friday couldn’t have been better, and was much appreciated after the Wednesday and Thursday deluges. We hoped it would continue through the weekend, although the forecast was looking iffy for game time on Saturday.

Meagan and I had most of the important details for the ceremony taken care of, but we were a little laid back with some specifics, and the rehearsal revealed why it was a good idea to rehearse. We didn’t really think too much about details like what order people should go in, where to stand, when the music would be played, etc. Fortunately, Reverend Michael took charge and was able to sort everything out quickly.

We returned to the Inn, where more guests had arrived, and even more were on their way. We were also privileged that Reverend Michael and his lovely wife Marlena could join us. It was unbelievable to have so many of your friends and family in one place at one time, and I’m grateful to both our parents to have been able to have had such a great weekend. It was also a little overwhelming, too - I snuck off for a few minutes to catch my breath - and take a few sunset photos of the Inn…

The food, the weather, and the people were wonderful, and Meagan and I mentioned often how lucky we were for everything. We’d only see each other in waves throughout the evening, as we were each busy catching up with friends and family throughout the night. But we were together in spirit. The food was amazing - ribs, chicken, corn, and smores and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream for dessert.

I apparently missed the best part, which was a grilled eggplant dish, which many were raving about. Oh well - I had little to complain about. I was also happy that the Vermont beers we had chosen: Magic Hat No. 9 (collegiate favorite for the Dartmouth and Middlebury crew), Otter Creek (brewed in Middlebury, Meagan’s alma mater) Summer Ale, and the Trout River Rainbow Red (brewed down the road) were big hits. I think we exhausted most of the Magic Hat on the first night, and I think both our parents commented that the weekend was within budget, “except for the alcohol”. Of course.

After the food and bar shut down, the party continued at our cottage, which we had stocked with refreshments earlier that day. The pictures largely speak for themselves. The place resembled a junior high boy/girl party, except that instead of male and female factions, Meagan’s mostly Middlebury contingent was in the kitchen, while my crew was in the living room. Everyone was having a good time regardless, and we eventually shut things down around one, to get ready for the big day.