Being A Guest at a Wedding

This week I am taking a break from being the bride and planner and went on a week long wedding adventure, My husbands long time friend and groomsman in our wedding, Michael, got married to Courtney in the Outer Banks, NC. The had started planning for their wedding in May of 2010 and settled on what was an idea that was not only a great vacation, but a beautiful wedding. They rented a house in Corolla, Outer Banks, which is in the Northern part. The house was huge and was called The Ritz Palm.

It had 9 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and 3 half baths and sleeps 28 people. Not only did more that 28 people stay there (kids slept on air mattresses in parents bedrooms), but this was the location for the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception with the ceremony on the beach that connected to the house.
Now, to being the guest part. You have to understand that being a guest at a wedding like this you understand full well that you will also be asked to help in any way possible and we all did without a bat of the eye. Now, this may not work for those who have family or friends that do not get along, but this couple truly have people who love and care about them. What we did as guests: The guys, especially 2, made the funfetti cake.

 A few girls staying at the house set up tables with linens including 2 high beach tables in the pool (1 foot area). Guys set up chairs and sound system on beach, while I came over and set up the remaining chairs around the tables for dinner around the pool area. I also made sure certain things were set up correctly and was there to help in any way. I just couldn't not help, I am a wedding planner. I also organized the beach chair transport to pool area. The food was fun and appropriate. Mini-sliders and chicken fingers with sweet potato fries and au gratin potatoes and pasta salad. Drinks were beer and wine and soda and lemonade. It was the perfect beach wedding. At the end of the night everyone chipped in and tore down the tables, chairs, centerpieces and set up the pool area to how it was originally.
The couple were appreciative of everyone's hard work and the guests were so happy to be able to be a part of it. The week did have some stresses for the couple as well as the parents. With so many people staying in a house, they didn't have any alone time or time to think about anything. But the family executed a fun filled week of activities including a couples shower followed by bachelor and bachelorette parties, a Princess and Pirate Pizza Birthday Party for mother of groom and best man, and  a shrimp boil rehearsal dinner. Over all a great week away to share with friends and family.