There are several events that have gone on recently that are blog worthy, and something I probably should at some point document alongside all of Sadie’s life experiences. But for some reason I haven’t blogged in over 2 weeks despite having some decent material. I wasn’t aware of why I hadn’t blogged, but perhaps I was saving myself for this one. Because yes, everyday adventures are great and invigorating – but nothing really compares to this.
My sister got married on May 18th, 2012 to her wonderful husband Jason Redwood.
Their wedding was in beautiful Santa Barbara and was everything and more that you would expect of a small 50 person intimate gathering.
From the moment I arrived at the bridal suite I was instantly calmed (because lord knows I was a stressed out nervous wreck all day) by my sister’s calm demeanor and total composure. I hurriedly checked into our hotel and called her to let her know I was on my way to her, apologizing for not being there since the break of dawn that morning. She said, “No rush – I really want a cheeseburger.” So, one short drive and a stop at McDonald’s for a burger and fries later, I was there. I walked in and was already floored by her beauty. Her hair was half way done and her makeup base had just been applied. She was wearing a strapless silk maxi dress and had bare feet. She welcomed me in with a deep hug. And I suddenly felt calm in her presence. We ate cheeseburgers and fries as friends, family and even Jason came in and out of the hotel bridal suite room to say hello and tell her how stunning she already looked. The best man even popped in and dropped off a bin full of champagne on ice for all of us ladies.
This style of wedding prep was totally unconventional to me, but for Jamie and Jason, this laid back approach seemed to fit them and the rest of the evening so well.
It seemed to only take minutes before we were all dressed and made up and ready to get on our way. My parents came to pick Jamie up and take her to the hotel where her and Jason would be spending their first night as husband and wife so she could change into her gown before heading to the ceremony. I rushed back to my hotel to get a certain little flower girl ready to go and give Devin some time to get ready and then we were off to the cliff side location in Wilcox State Park.
The site was breath-taking. They hadn’t acquired any sort of permit or even permission to hold the wedding ceremony, so it was done so minimally. My brother went out to the location 30 minutes before we all arrived and but up some paper flags and a large area rug for Jamie and Jason to stand on during the ceremony. The rest of the location was naturally decorated in cactus, wild bougainvillea and the crashing sandy beach below.
Friends and family scattered in and stood around chatting and waiting to see a bride emerge. And then there she came. Out of behind scattered trees, tall wild grass and purple and yellow wild flowers she seemed to almost float towards us. With my mother and father fastened to both of her sides she came walking towards us, towards Jason, holding a bouquet of the wild flowers she walked in amongst. I couldn’t take my teared up eyes off of her, but did steal a glance at Jason to see him choked up and holding back his own tears.
The ceremony itself was quick, to the point and very heart-felt. Jamie and Jason’s dear friend Karla, who has known them both for a very long time and was the one who actually set them up, was the one to perform the intimate ceremony. She spoke of both of them as separates and of them as a couple and about how strong their love was – and truer words have not been spoken. I stood huddled with my mom, dad and brother as we all cried watching our big sister/ first born child leave the Bresnan nest and become Jamie Redwood.
They were pronounced husband and wife and everyone present wiped away their happy tears and we clapped and hoorahed for the new couple. And then naturally, the paparazzi came out in full effect and the next 30 mins were spent clicking the shoot button and posing for photos. Along with many, many hugs and kisses and well wishes from the friends and family that felt honored to be there.
Soon after the crowd all made their way back to the hotel rooftop where dinner, dancing and drinks were to follow. Guests trickled in one by one and admired the view and the most spectacular wedding decorations I’ve ever seen. Each table was set with a thick slab of tree trunk and upon that were scattered hand painted antlers, arrows, candles and hand made paper mache bougainvillea. Our place settings were marked by a succulents placed in hand painted terracotta pots that also doubled as a gift to each individual guest.
Drinks were flowing generously and a few of the men gathered around the fireplace to celebrate the newlyweds and enjoy some cigars. All the little ones started the dance party off by jumping up and down and running in circles. Sadie thoroughly enjoyed this part of the evening.
As the sun set and the night sky slowly appeared, dinner was served and toasts to the happy couple were made.
After dinner, Devin and I snuck away into our room to get Sadie ready for bed and awaited the babysitter to arrive. Sadie was exhausted and fast asleep in a matter of minutes and we were able to get back up to the party to dance and celebrate the night away.
And it appears that we made it back just in time for the epic dance party to ensue. Photos became a bit blurry around this time of the night, which you know it means it was a good night.
And at that the night was at it’s close. What a wonderful night it was. And to Jamie and Jason, may you live happily ever after.
