BEAVER/DUFFY WEDDING MINUS 1 DAY

Clever table decorations were used at the rehearsal dinner in the evening.  Family picture centerpieces with Anna and Dan at various ages during those important formative childhood years.  FOG liked age seven--a He-Man beach-going Dan and a confident gymnast for Anna.

Well, let's start the day at the beginning.  Today, Friday October 12, the day before the wedding  was very busy for the wedding party.  There was a bridesmaid luncheon, golf outing, the wedding rehearsal and then the rehearsal dinner.  Colonel Gary said it was a tight fit to get 18 holes of golf, change, make the rehearsal on time, get to the rehearsal dinner and still look good and refreshed.  Somehow all the guests seemed to do this and all looked great and relaxed.  Check out our three  generations of golfers who got spiffed up for the rehearsal diner and a group picture.

 

FOG slept late and skipped the golf, kayaking, beach fun, bridesmaid luncheon, and wedding rehearsal and took a day off.  He went to Walmart for cheap gas and a casting net.  He has seen people throwing nets from piers or wading in a bit at low tide using these nets to catch fish, mostly small ones.  FOG does not have the patience it takes for pole fishing and thought he would want to try to the net approach.  Perhaps the net can be cast from the kayak in better fishing spots that the fishermen on foot can’t get to. 

Also with the net, he might be able to circumvent the live shrimp bait rip off.  The fish won’t be getting the high priced shrimp but may get live minnow bait, if FOG or His Lordship become proficient with the net.  The economy is rough, and if these fish were used to getting Kobe steaks; they are going to be getting ground hamburgers from now on, and like it. 

Brunswick Manor
 

While off the island, FOG also took a quick tour of Brunswick.  While St. Simons Island is much more scenic, Brunswick is worth a drive by and maybe a lunch stop.  He stopped by a bed and breakfast in the historic district that he has been meaning to try, but the opportunity has not presented itself.

Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner was held at Village Creek Landing, a gorgeous location at the edge of the marsh that separates St. Simons from Sea Island.  Since we were having such good weather, tables and a bar had been set up outside.  Passed around were a fried coconut shrimp with panko bread crumbs in sweet and sour sauce.  They were delicious. We had drinks and mingled before it was dinner time; and a University of Georgia corn hole game, a Tom, Earl of Coors Light gift to the couple, was set up.  The kids had a great time with it.  Tom the Often Wise welcomed the guests on behalf of the Duffy clan and Reverend Randy said grace and we shortly sat down for the meal, some guests inside and others outside. 

Anna and Dan; Jane, the Bride's Mother; Reverend Randy Hall;
and our hosts, the Duffy's Bj and Tom

 

 

At these events there are sometimes problems with wedding crashers.  Usually in small hometown weddings once knows most all the guests and this does not happen.  However with two extended families from different states it is difficult to identify for an intruder.  Unfortunately we had two intruders at the rehearsal dinner.  The first wedding crashers were the raccoons that frequent the area.  These were not really a problem, they only eat a little of the leftovers, but the no-see-ums were another matter.  Just as dinner started they came out in full force.  The clever guests had bug spray which helped a bit.  Other guests escaped to dining room, deciding that al fresco dining was not going to work with these un-invited critters.   In the big picture these creatures are part of the food chain, as apparently we are to them also, and they did leave us alone while we were having our drinks. Also we were on the edge of a marsh.  We crashed their party, not the other way around.  In a strategic retreat, all the guests followed the bar which was moved to the indoor space for the toasts and video presentation.   Leaving the al-fresco dinning to the no-see-ums or whatever they were.   

http://www.city-data.com/forum/florida/106670-whats-trick-battling-no-see-ums.html

BLOG ALERT:  Epworth by the Sea may also have insect wedding crashers.  Please come prepared.  Jack Lumpkin pointed out that he has no such critters at his place and this due to the a natural immunity of residents.  Frankly I think he pays protection money to this insect mafia to keep his place safe.

Inside, the festivities continued with walk down memory lane and toasts.  Three videos showing Anna growing up at various ages. the same for Dan, and then the two of themn together.  In Anna's childhood video we of course saw Jane and Gary, Anna's parents; but also pictured was Momma Jane, and she looked very good in her swim suit.  Dan's formative years video followed, showing a feisty boy with loving parents and often he was pictured with his big brother Tom and sister, Sherry.  It seemed as now, the siblings very close to one another.  The last picture montage was of Dan and Anna together.  FOG was spechless.  It was all very well done and added a very nostagic view of how our children grow up and start therir own lives.  

The toasts were next.  But the toasting and well-wishing was only part of what was said.  Funny stories, remembrances and personal sharing of emotions about Anna and Dan.  Our Toastmasters included:  Mario, USMC Don, Kaitlin, Sherry, Jack Lumpkin, Bucky, Ellen,  and several others.  If you did not get your chance to share with happy couple at the rehearsal dinner;  you may get a second one at the reception.

A very good evening ws had by all.