Monday, July 10, 2006

The Wedding

My baby cousin got married Friday. And I say baby cousin because that is how I will always see her. My mother, sister and I moved in with her family when my parents were freshly divorced and we left the state in search for a new life. My baby cousin hadn't even been born yet. I was (almost) four and I remember standing outside one hot summer night waving to my aunt as my uncle drove her to the hospital. So that makes her twenty. (I'm turning 24 in two weeks, holy shit!) And now she's married. Wow. You know, I kept seeing the little five year old tomboy in pigtails when I looked at her, not the beautiful model-esque adult she has become. I kept seeing her squatting on the curb poking at ants with a stick, not wanting to play with the barbies her older sister and I would keep shoving in her face.
She was beautiful. The ceremony was beautiful.
The wedding was on the beach. I took these pictures so you can see the view. Breath-taking, huh? We were all barefoot most of the day, as the ceremony was on the sand and the reception was in the grassy backyard of the summer home they rented for the event. We had a wonderful time (and yes, Jay, it was only one wedding this time. Though if someone else had been getting married that day I would not have gone. This is family. Totally more important than anyone and anything else) and cried with the speeches and cried when she danced with her wonderful father. And we cheered as they kissed and cried as we said good-byes, because not only were we saying good-bye to the new couple, I felt I was saying good-bye to the little girl who screamed at the sight of a dress. (We have pictures of her sitting in church with the biggest scowl on her face because she had to wear a dress to services.) She's all grown up, and I'm happy for them both. I wish them both a beautiful life together.
This picture is when they were announcing the new couple at the reception, my Little Man was standing on the table and he was cheering and clapping along with us. I had to capture the moment. That's the back of my mother. Like her hair? My sister did it in five minutes right before we left...

So that was my Friday.

11 comments:

Jen said...

When's your birtday? I'm going to be 24 on the 24th!

Diana said...

The 22nd.
Hey this is going to be your "Golden Birthday". Have you ever heard of that?

Jen said...

no i haven't...what is it?

Tuesday Girl said...

You are only 24?
I hate you.

Diana said...

Tuesday don't hate me. I am not an average 24-year-old. I'm ancient on the inside.
Jen- your golden birthday is when you turn the age of the day you were born. Does that make sense? I was pregnant for my 22nd, so i didn't get to "Party Hardy" like someone had put it. Wow, I'm going to write that down so I can send you birthday wishes!

Mama of 2 said...

What a beautiful wedding.
Beach weddings always take my breath away. Glad you enjoyed yourself -- nice to have you back in the blogging world again though.

Jen said...

Oh Diana...I'm an ancient 24 y/o too! Two kids since the age of 20 really doesn't make for an exciting decade of 20-something partying! Although I am going to have to dig up some fun for my "Golden Birthday"! I had no idea about that!!

dennis said...

Ok, not being a huge fan of beaches I have to admit to being somewhat jealous!

I almost wish I had been involved at in a Beach Wedding at some point in my life.

SuperMom said...

I don't know what makes me more jealous. The fact that you were barefoot on the beach all day or that you are just turning 24.

Oh, well. I still like you. Even if I do feel really old now.

Diana said...

See, that's why I never talk about my age. I knew I was going to get this reaction...*sniff*
Yes, I'm only turning 24- boo-hoo (melissa!) Would you believe I cried when i turned 20? And pretended my birthday had never come for my 21st? (Didn't go and take my 21 shots!bummer) But now that i have my son no one pays attention to my birthday anyway, so I can be this age forever!
Dennis- Welcome. And be afraid! Be very afraid!

Lynanne said...

Ok, so now I feel old too :) You had your 16th birthday the day after my second son was born (July 21st). Let's just say I was in my upper 20's than. :)

Don't be ashamed of your age - be proud of it! You are wise beyond your years and people see you as older. There is nothing wrong with that. When I was in my early 20's I never wanted to talk about my age because I wished I could be older. Now I wish I could be 20-something again. How ironic!

What a beautiful wedding, btw!