Shannon and I flew on the Tuesday before our wedding to Rome then to Chicago and drove down to Herrin, a 20 hour trip where everything was on time and all of our luggage arrived unspoiled. On Wednesday we battled severe jet-lag and took care of last minute details because the first guests arrived in Southern Illinois on Thursday.
Malcolm and Carol Zwick are renowned for being the greatest of hosts. On Thursday they more than lived up to their reputation with the fantastic dinner and cocktail party they put together for us. We were treated to prime rib, homemade raviolis and more than a few spirits. It was the first planned event of the weekend and an opportunity for many people to meet.
On Friday the men and women went their respective luncheons in the country. The women went to Blue Sky vineyards, also the site of Greg and Rebekkah Wedding Reception last year. The Men went to Hedman’s Vineyard, a Swedish vineyard in restaurant in Alto Pass. The fellows ate traditional Scandinavian food and drank wine made from the grapes of the vineyard.
Friday night we had the rehearsal where it was revealed that I did not have my lines memorized yet, but the run-through was largely successful. The dinner to follow was at the finest restaruant in Southern Illinois. Mary’s was the site of my proposal 10 months before and now a venue with more great memories after the grand meal that was prepared for us.
Saturday was the big day. My morning was spent watching College Gameday with my groomsmen. The limo picked up the tuxedoed chaps at 12:45 and we arrived at the church to begin the first of many sessions of pictures for the day.
I will always remember the doors opening at the back of the church and Shannon emerging from the light. The ceremony included many loved ones standing or reading and very importantly, I didn’t forget what I was supposed to say or faint.
Afterwards everyone went to Kokopelli country club. Bagpipes serenaded the guests during the cocktail hour. The dinner and reception was great. The food was outstanding, the Sicilian wine was tasty and the band was entertaining. Looking around the room it was obvious the guests were enjoying themselves. People danced, the Father of the Bride sang, and Michigan State beat Michigan in football. Perfect.The next morning there was a brunch at Mary’s where people joined in arrived in various states of exhaustion. Shannon and I opened our gifts, said our goodbyes and headed back up to Chicago.
We stayed in the city for a few nights taking care of some business at the Navy base there and tying up other loose ends. Chicago is where Shannon and I met and fell in love. Returning for the first time in more than a year we both realized how much we missed the skyline, the restaurants and our friends.
We returned to Sicily exhausted and happy.
