FRIDAY — June, 6, 2008
My mom and I headed up to Atlanta to pick Elisa Beth up at her mom & dad's house and then headed to the bridesmaid's luncheon. It was at a beautiful location at a restaurant called "Canoe". The food was plentiful and delicious and it was a great chance for a bunch of girls to get together. Carrie also gave her bridesmaids our gifts and let me tell you, she went above and beyond. She and her mom thought of everything and the presentation was beautiful. I will treasure all the goodies in my basket for years to come.While the girls were enjoying lunch, Brian, Christian, Grant, Spencer, John & Brac went out on Spencer's boat and wake boarded. I think they all had a good time, but Brian got a little fried in the process (despite the fact that I put sunscreen on him in the morning). He is now peeling like crazy. (no pictures because I wasn't there...Christian, if you want to send me a video file, I'd love to upload it!)
Carrie and I got manicures and pedicures on Friday afternoon before the rehearsal & dinner so that was one less thing to do on the big day. It was fun to be pampered and my feet really needed some extra treatment! Thanks Carrie! :)
The rehearsal itself went quite well. Short and sweet and we all felt like we knew what we were supposed to do the next day. I knew I'd probably be especially "pooly" on the actual wedding day because I found myself getting all choked up just during the rehearsal. Although I think I kept it together pretty well, this was certainly foreshadowing to emotions I would express on Saturday.Mom and Dad hosted the rehearsal dinner at the Governor's House in Kingston, Georgia. It was a little bit out of the way, but what a beautiful place. The food was great and it was a treat to spend some extra time with lots of out-of-towners in addition to members of the wedding party. Mom created a looped slide-show of pictures of Carrie and Grant from baby to present that lots of people were able to enjoy. Some also shared stories and passed on well-wishes to the couple.
Most of the out-of-towners (including all of the Trotter family) stayed at the Hampton Inn in Cartersville on Friday and Saturday nights. Although the pool was supposed to close at 10:00, I think the staff preferred us to have our late night conversations out there instead of bothering other guests by gathering in the lobby. 
I don't know that anyone swam, but it was fun to gather, talk and drink (nothing alcoholic for me) out by the pool....despite the sweltering heat.Ok, I'm tired now....I'll do Saturday and Sunday later. :)
