Memoirs of a Martin: Happily Ever After: The Hershberger Edition

On May 19th my cousin Travis made the best decision of his life and married his long-time girlfriend Miranda. Not only did this mean adding another member to the Brady Bunch with the best birthday ever (October 4th), but it also meant another opportunity for the Boarman family to take South Bend by storm. On Thursday May 17th we all met up at the airport after work and caught a flight to Chicago.

We arrived in Chicago around 10 or so which, as anyone familiar with Boarman family travel can attest, is when the fun really began. The 7 of us rented 2 cars for the road trip over to South Bend. After about 30 minutes of close inspection of said cars under the highest powered street lamps we could find and a near paper-rock-scissors match to determine who would be in which cars- we set out for our first destination - McDonald's. We decided that coffee was much needed and set our sights on a Mickey D's that was within a quarter of a mile from the rental car lot. Unfortunately proximity does NOT make it any easier to remember if you took 3 lefts, 3 rights or some combination thereof. No names will be used in order to protect the innocent but I can confirm that it took about 60% of us to determine how to safely guide ourselves to the golden arches.

After some coffee and about half of the items on the $1 menu for a caravaner who shall remain nameless (their name might rhyme with Smyan though), the remainder of the ride was fairly uneventful. That is until the coffee made it's way through our system and we needed to stop at a gas station to relieve ourselves about 30 minutes from South Bend. Much like our instinct in Christmas Tree selection, our gut feeling about gas station selection is not to be trusted. Our first clue that the occasion would go badly should have been the fact that the attendant was standing outside smoking. The second clue probably should have been that the key to the bathroom was attached to a night stick that looked like it moonlights at a Gentleman's Club. The encounter ended with Ryan literally having to place his foot onto the door of the restroom as leverage to remove said night stick. He then proceeded to chase my Mom with it around the parking lot. Because that is how we mature folk roll.

Thankfully despite both incidents, we arrived safely in South Bend at Grandpa's house around 1 am. Sure we had the giggles and needed to sanitize our whole bodies- but the important part is that we made it, right? After about 30 minutes of chatting, we all hit the hay.

Friday during the day we had some free time before the rehearsal dinner. The "child" faction of our group decided to head over to Notre Dame to show David around since he hadn't been before. It happened to be graduation weekend AND a beautiful day so there was lots of activity on campus. We all enjoyed walking around pretending to be undergrads while inevitably the real undergrads probably wondered in their heads who those 4 old people were there to watch graduate. As always, the grounds were stunning.

Statue at the entrance to campus that I've seen probably 5 times. If you think that means I remember who it is, you're definitely wrong. Maybe the 6th time will be the charm?

I just liked this building, so you get to look at it too.

Matt, David & Julie making that priest look GOOD.

Gilded dome of the Administration building amidst some foliage. Because I'm so artsy.

The inside of Sacred Heart. As you recall from my Europe vacay pics, I looooove myself some arched ceilings. I should pintrest it.

Side entrance to Sacred Heart. Ryan & I look like giants here.

Duck, duck, goose.

Touch down Jesus doing his thang.

As soon as we got home from our Notre Dame adventures we gussied ourselves up to head to the rehearsal dinner. It was held at an adorable Italian Restaurant that I can't remember the name of which is likely a testament to the quality of their wine. We dined on a fabulous meal of penne pasta, lasagne, fried chicken and spaghetti & meatballs. With bellies that full, it's impossible not to leave happy. We had a wonderful time discussing the finer points of my education (or lack thereof) in the French language, the differences in where your money is spent pre- vs post-marriage and other exciting life lessons.

Jimmy James & Caddy looking like porch rocker models.

Matty & my ever-handsome Grandpa.

Drink ticket enthusiasts. Apparently I missed the blue memo?

Julie, Laura, Matt, Aunt Jan & Matt. No doubt crucial nuggets of wisdom were exchanged right before I took this photo.

Ryan with the groom. The fact that Travis is throwing up the peace sign makes me think Ryan's advice was to run.

October 4th's finest specimens - Miranda/Randy/Dita & I.

On May 19th we lounged around in the morning and played some epic games of Euchre and Skipbo. After dominating at them all (editors note: I really don't remember who won, but since I write this blog we'll pretend I did)- we once again got ourselves dolled up to do some celebrating.

The wedding was at an adorably picturesque church that looked straight out of a movie. The ceremony was, of course, beautiful. Afterwards we headed over to the 4-H fairgrounds for the reception which was outdoors in a tent. Growing up we used to visit South Bend each summer and we always hoped that our visit would coincide with 4-H fair time because we loved to watch Kara and Travis compete. It was cool to get to go back and the tent and surroundings were perfect.

We spent the reception dancing, laughing, eating, laughing, singing, dancing some more and just generally having the time of our lives. As I'm sure the pictures below will demonstrate, the Brady portion of the family knows how to have a good time. Just to give you an idea, the night ended with all of us at Steak & Shake next to a group who had just come from prom. Fanciest night that Steak & Shake has probably ever seen.

Thank you for inviting us Trav & Miranda - we love you both so much! Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Hershberger.

If ever you need to film a movie with a church- this is in South Bend. Book it.

Caddy & JJ modeling a different variety of seat-ware.

Ryan & I looking a little windblown. I travel with a wind machine now. No big deal.

Just as delicious as it was pretty.

I need to get Shawna to teach me how to take better full room type shots. Trust me, my photography skills don't do this set-up justice.

The fun table - with 2 Amys & 2 Matts, how could it not be?

Mamacita & her daddio.

Sista, siiiiiistaaaaaa.

The happy couple.

Miranda, Caddy, Me & Grandpa with a side of sun-flare.

Ava's 3rd flower girl performance in under a year. She should teach a class. I have a feeling the first lesson would be to remember to request "All the Single Ladies" as soon as you hit the reception. If at first you don't succeed, ask, ask again.

Julie & my pretty cousins Kara & Ashleigh.

Manly men. It's a toss up whether they're discussing Fantasy Baseball or America's Got Talent.

Ava showing Shiloh how it's done.

I'm going to guess that Shiloh also likes "All the Single Ladies". That's the only thing I can think of that would elicit this level of excitement.

My cousin Kyle looks fab in ladies shades, doesn't he?

At some point Amy R. convinced Trav to switch shoes with her. I can't say I've ever seen a socked foot look better in a flip flop.

Obviously the DJ has not seen Ryan karaoke or he'd never have relinquished the mic to him. Thankfully Gina, Matt & Micky appear to be doing the bulk of the signing.