Sam and Noel - The Wedding Day Arrives!

I will admit to having watched my share of Nicholas Sparks movies, and plenty of movies and stories that highlight in the climax the perfect couple at the end getting married.   And while the story often creates tears, it is even more so in the music that surrounds these moments.   I knew during the rehearsal that these moments would be difficult as I looked up to see the sunlight glistening between the leaves above, then heard the music softly play, then watched a beautiful girl walk down the aisle to take my son’s hand.  

But on this wedding day, everything was just perfect, and I knew that tears would come, I just had to keep them in check.   Magan handed me a small handkerchief with the words “Tears of Joy” written on it.   And while there were tears of joy overflowing, it was the tears of transition that tightened my chest.   The look between Sam and his mom was the first that hit hard, in watching them both realize that his love had shifted to a new girl.   Then watching Davis, as his “best man” walk down with both recognizing that their friendship while forever tight, would shift due to this new best friend.   Watching little Ruby when the dam broke, and tears could not stop flowing for her buddy would not be at the house nearly as much as he used to be.   And finally watching Wes’s trembling hand as he handed Noel over to Sam.  

I was sniffling and making noises that sounded inhuman, only explained by a man trying his best not to allow the tears that wanted to flow.   But then it passed into the joy of the moment.   Watching Sam bumble over a few of the repeated phrases, with both of them laughing.   I finally felt some of the emotion creep back and recess inside where I could release it later during late hours of the night.   As for now, we watched the most perfect day continue forward.  

Hours Earlier...

Magan began with an early morning make-up session with Amber Day, this was just one of many girly things I just say "OK" and keep moving on.   As for the boys, we woke up for a groomsmen lunch at Pops (or whatever the BBQ place is named in Dodge City).   They were nice enough to invite me, or at least Will was, no one else thought to invite the old man.   But old man had the bill, so he does come in good use.   I just sat back enjoying the conversation of all these young kids.   I remember clearly our groomsman meal at the McDonalds in Cullman.   All already in our tuxes, Michael Barrett leaning over to John asking him "so, how long have you known Scott"?   Friends from high school, Friends from college, but all there to help you make it through the day.   Jacob shared some crazy leg shaving stories that happen at FC and random gun battles.   That stuff never makes the facebook posts.   Zach showing off his crazy calf muscles, with stories to go with them.   He also talked about his issues with women making nasty chinese food, then doubling down with Will about not freezing things in the fridge.   Most of these guys knew each other pretty well, so it was just fun to watch them laugh together.   We did get one "no smile" picture as we knew that is what we would be doing the rest of the day.   

The pre-wedding festivities continued with wiffleball when we made it to the venue.   Sam presented all of his groomsmen with sunglasses with their names on them.   He did good, as I had forgotten to remind him that these gifts were expected...but really only expected due to the women involved, so I assume Noel reminded him.   Sam and Davis also both forgot to shave for this day, so Sam shaved, then shaved Davis neck, while his groomsmen guarded the door.   I will admit that during much of these morning festivities, I found a place outside in the shade, and took a nap.   But when I walked back in the groomsmen were in their tuxes and singing Gansta's Paradise (video hanging out on facebook of that) and later Let it Go (with Will taking the lead...but no video evidence).    

As the ceremony was about to begin, the wedding party was herded inside to wait for all to begin.   It was at this point that Grandad began randomly walking around talking to everyone not wanting to join the wedding party inside.   Then I think he started coming that way, but again wandered off somewhere else.   I think the same thing happened to Waymon...perhaps they got lost.   

And then it was time...the music begin, and the most perfect wedding rolled to a start.   Noel had become a Junkin officially that morning, but now it was time to make the vows before God.   The story was told later how she almost took Wes out by saying "I'll always be your little girl", right before walking her down the aisle.   Belle, Ruby...DO NOT DO THIS...I will seriously run out to the van to have a panic attack because I will not be able to breath.   I am sure I will already be a crying mess.   Davis...DO NOT DO THIS...as it would be extremely weird.  

After the Wedding...

The first thing I will always remember is a long walk around to the front of the venue for pictures, and Sam trying to console his little sister, Ruby.   I talk alot about Sam and Davis, but Sam is a good big brother to both of his sisters.   But there has always been something special between him and Ruby.   They are alike in many ways (personality and punctuality), and perhaps he was old enough to really know he had to take care of her when she was little.   And while Ruby, like Belle, are so happy to have Noel as a big sister...they know that some of those special times at the house will grow...dear me...why do I even write these things.  

So I'll pause because I am still emotional even writing 1 month later.   I remember when my dad started being emotional about much more, and it was probably in the late 40s or as he turned the corner into the 50s.   Maybe mine hit a little earlier, but it is here, and hard to deal with sometimes.   I remember two times seeing Granddad cry when I was young...one was when I left for Germany, not even understanding why his eyes were red like that...two was when I stood with him to the right of the church building waiting to walk to the front before my wedding.   And I could see what I know feel.   But I have also watched him smile and laugh since then, so "To everything....Turn Turn Turn".

But I loved the picture Magan captured of Sam consoling his little sister.   I loved that moment they had together.   And really the only thing that seemed to finally help Ruby gather herself at the reception, was letting her share the surprise with Ellie that she would be coming home with them for a few nights.   That was a sweet moment also, and again, I loved seeing these cousins joy spending time with each other.   

The rest of the reception was a blur.   You want to just sit and enjoy it, but with that many friends and family, Magan and I both made the rounds chatting with everyone we could.   Magan missed the cake cutting while taking pictures and chatting.   I missed the first of Davis' speech, but he did great.   I had read over it, and while we did get help from Gemini on one joke, it was all him, and was perfectly written.   

For these blogs, I typically pull the family picture to the top, as the top picture is the one that is shared when it is placed into messenger or a text...but this one was my favorite.   My very first daughter in law...she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.    She was glowing on this day, and it was really the most amazing day.   And my son, captured by her glow, so much so that he can't stop smiling.   Them running away to their new life together, excited for the adventures that are only just beginning.   I can see Sam holding her hand watching in horror as I met her the first time thinking she was the mexican shower guy.   I can see Sam holding her hand in the back of my van in shock due to a crazy day in Atlanta.   I can see Sam on one knee holding her hand on a mountain that we hiked many times before.   And I watched Sam and Noel hand in hand running to that 2004 Chevy Impala, PeePaw to those that know him, and drive away.   

Clean up time deserves a few lines, as it did happen.   There was cake.   There was a lot of garbage.   And then a long drive home with just one kid in tow.   Ruby with John and Shay.   Davis stayed with Eli.   What is next for the Newly Weds?   A fun cross country flight the next day for a 7 day Alaskan Cruise.   What could go wrong?   

The Best Man Speech...

For those who don't know me, I am Sam's younger brother, Davis.  I would like to start by saying that most people can't say they have a kind, caring, and good-looking brother........But Sam sure can.

Though he's lucky to have me, I'm even luckier to have him.  My earliest memories are of us together on road trips, at campouts, or just at home playing with Lego or Mario.  Though we fought when we were younger, Sam, you turned out to be my best friend.

There are tons of stories and pictures of us just being goobers like the kiddie train in Phoenix, Arizona, but Noel said I only get 2 minutes so I won’t go into detail.  I still remember when Sam and Noel first started talking.  Sam went up to a 4th of July party with Will Montgomery, and I don't know if it was the fact that hanging out with Will meant he got to talk to Noel, or just the curls, but Sam was hooked.

So after many FaceTime calls and weekend trips up to Cullman, Sam decided Noel could handle meeting us.  Now, the first introduction didn't go quite as planned.  I don't know if y'all know this, but Noel has a striking resemblance to the Hispanic construction worker who fixed our shower.  At least Dad thought she did when they first met.

Noel, you had a unique first introduction to our family, but we could immediately tell that you fit right in. Anabelle and Ruby quickly had another sister and friend, and I became y'all's designated third wheel.  I still think it was weird how quickly you became a part of the family, but it shows that you and Sam are a perfect match.

That brings me to one last thing: Sam and I worked the night shift for the Alabama Football game day parking.  The night shift is a rough, freezing 12-hour shift sitting out in the elements, but it was nothing Sam and I couldn't handle. Though only Sam and I were getting paid, Noel would willingly join us for each shift just to be with Sam...and also me.  That's when I knew Noel wasn't just Sam's girlfriend, but his new best friend. The love and bond between you two is awesome, and I wish nothing but the best for y'all as you take on life together.  Sam and Noel, I love yall, and may the force be with you.