The engagement party went off without a hitch. Julie and Alan had decorated their backyard with pictures of us over the years, had bought beautiful fall centerpieces for the tables, and Rob and I showed up in time to help set up the chairs. It wasn't until the Market Basket eighteen-wheeler showed up with the food that I realized that I forgot the color-coordinated tablecloths and matching napkins, plates, forks, etc. So here's me, sweating like a freak, stealing Rob's car keys and heading down J&A's seven-mile long driveway, with Julie yelling after me to pick up balloons, coffee, coffee cups, an extra case of beer, and the dessert, which I had also forgotten. Le sigh.
Forty-five minutes later, I show up with the goods, and instruct poor Alan and Rob to cart the shit out of the truck while I went to go wash up. I'm fairly certain I looked like ALICE COOPER at this point with my eyeliner running down my face in two uber-gawth trickles. Julie ran about like my fairy godmother, making sure everything was in place for my family, his family, our family (the Waterses) and our bridal party, while I guzzled a Miller Lite in the bathroom to calm my nerves.
But really, like I said, everything went off without a hitch, everyone mingled well, enjoyed the food, and enjoyed meeting each other. Steve (our best man) gave a small speech (because Rob and I are half Irish, half German, and half Chickenshit) which really was moving and sweet.
Soon enough, my family decided it was time to hit the trail, and amongst the hugs and kisses, well wishes, and about forty plates of leftover take-home food, they took off. Dyra and Bill (Rob's mom and step-father) and Big D and Steve-O (Steve's mom and dad) stuck around long after. Alan lit the firepit and we sat around until about 10pm laughing and joking, drinking wine and making S'mores.
I really cannot thank Julie and Alan enough for hosting our party at their new house. Actually I tried. We went out to the Office a few weeks later and I told them that it really was so gracious of them, not knowing either of our families, to open up their home to us. Julie commented that she knew that we didn't have any crazy family members, and that it was their pleasure. Little does she know. Let's see what the next year brings. :)
A comedian and a comedy writer have decided to get married. What could go wrong?
