Erin and Darren's Wedding

This past weekend I was in Wichita for my friends Erin and Darren's wedding. Here is the story.

I started out my 6.5 hour drive Thursday morning at 8.  I was going to meet Megan, Hannah and Olive Kerr in KC for lunch, and then planned to be in Wichita by 3.  Around 10:30, the Jetta was setting off alarms to notify me that the engine was overheating.  All this happened about 15 miles from Odessa, MO.

I figured that maybe to coolant was low, so after waiting to let the engine cool a bit, and stopping each time the temp went back up, I made it to Odessa in under an hour.  (Yea!) Getting there I find out that not only is the coolant level fine, but Jettas require a very specific type of coolant anyway, which can only be purchased at a dealership. Loooooong story short, I was very lucky to find a mechanic that not only looked at my car the moment I wandered into the shop, but also previously owned a VW.  (Not too many VWs worked on in podunk MO.)  I was told (accurately) that the car will overheat if it exceeds 3000 rph, or roughly 50 mph.  Not much else can be done in Odessa.

Thankfully Kevin had a rental waiting for me in KC, I just had to get there. So I drove back-roads all the way to KC.  It reminded me how much I enjoy the hills and turns when driving through Missouri!

Not the best picture of the roads, but you know what I am talking about if you have seen them.

I was able to make it to the Kerr's around 2:30, and was back on the road by 4.

And I got there at the end of naptime!

I finally made it to Wichita just in time for a 7:00 appointment!  (Those noticing will realize that was an 11 hour drive!)  It is like the fates were reminding me that I do not belong in Kansas.  That, and those lovely billboards you see on the side of the highway.

And this is a nice, nonviolent one!

Thankfully, Erin is the coolest bride ever and didn't mind at all that I missed the 5:00 appointment (or that I recently dyed my hair and another bridesmaid got another tattoo).  She understood that I may have needed to walk the last few hundred miles or make SteveKerr drive me - I was going to get there. 

Not only a nice bride, but a beautiful one too!

The rehearsal dinner was Friday night, and I met my groomsman-counterpart for the second time.  (The first time was brief, but I was able to share a fascinating story on outhouses.  This time I shared a story on the Halifax explosion - do I ever make people feel better after meeting me?) He was so nice, and he and the other groomsmen laughed when I asked them if they talk to all women like they are idiots, or just me.  I am glad they got my humor.  And that they stopped explaining things like "Stanford is near San Francisco."

Time for the rehearsal!  I love this picture!

Erin and Darren are one of the coolest couples.  One reason is that they let me crash at their house when I visit.  Another reason is that the wedding was held at Exploration Place.   The third reason is that the place (kind of like our Science Center) was having a STAR WARS exhibit!  I had to take pictures just for my boys.  Seriously, there were storm troopers and characters walking around while we were there on Friday!

Don't mess with me.  My boyfriend will kill you with his mind.  Unless you are Chuck Norris.  Then it is a draw.

Erin and her niece Tatum.  She was the flower girl.

Another great picture of Erin, and Darren even made it into this one!

During the rehearsal I saw this "river" boat.  It was giving rides for the Wichita "River" Festival that was going on about 1/2 mile away.  I use quotations since Kevin and I laugh at those who call this a river.  It isn't a river to us unless you can die jumping into it.  And we are not talking about death from contamination from the local sewage plant. 

The wedding day finally arrived.  We started getting out hair done at 11:00, which actually gave us p[lenty of time for food and relaxing before pictures around 4:30.  (If anyone is planning on having a wedding soon, ask Erin to plan it.  Not only was everything well-planned, but she was very laid back about it all.  And a VERY fun bride to hang out with!)  Pictures with family and the wedding party were before the before the 7:00 ceremony.  Then the guests had a cocktail hour while the wedding party took more pictures.  (These were so fun!  And I am very excited to see what Sara Mac Photography and Darrin Hackney Photography captured.) The reception (and said cocktail hour) were also at Exploration Place, which was amazing.

Myself and Tracy, Erin's new sister-in-law.

Erin and me before the ceremony.  I spent a few minutes holding a fan, reminding me of out ANTM days.

Per Tracy's request, the purple made an appearance.

The reception was so much fun.  I danced for hours.  I have several stories, but I either don't want to type them, or they will be easier to tell in person.  All I know is that I had a blast and was so glad to be a part of this wedding.  I only cried twice too!  (The first time was when she walked down the aisle, and the second time was when I gave my speech.)  Erin's family has always been so wonderful to me, and it was heartwarming to see them all again!

The groom and myself.

Erin's dance with her dad, Joe.

Coolest. Bride. Ever.      Chucks.