The Wedding in Raliegh

Les and I have spent quite a bit of time in Raleigh NC.  My Sister Gail and her husband Scott moved there from Michigan about 25 or 30 years ago.  Three of their four daughters still live in the area.  We lived in Elizabeth and her husband Chris’s driveway in Cadillac earlier this summer.  Jessica and her husband Chris are raising their family of two cutie pie daughters in Durham.  Hillary and her husband Joey are taking a break from the North Carolina for two years and are living in Azerbaijan with the Peace Corps http://hillaryandjoeyabroad.blogspot.com/ .  Which, brings us to the baby; Allison.  She is the reason that in the next week family members will flood Raleigh.  After a Very long courtship she will be marring Matthew House.  He is local boy with a fabulously warm family.  One day after we blew into Raleigh we were invited to a back yard “Pig Pickin” (A southern style pig roast).  It was an amazing and gracious evening.  We had a wonderful time meeting Matts family and eating the best home roasted pig ever (Elizabeths pork is fantastic but Grandpa has time on his side).

We found perfect accommodations at the North Carolina State Fair grounds.  They offer a 1 year old RV park with full hook up for $25.00 day.  Not only are there plenty of places for Brady to run and sniff, we are positioned adjacent to the huge equestrian park.  I was able to walk the barns and watch as many of the competitions that I wanted.  The events did run heavy to hunter jumpers.  Fabulous to watch but really made me happy with my choice to be a trail rider.   We are also across the park from the RDU Center and the North Carolina State Football Stadium.   So our area was perfect for tailgaters and lots of fun.

We are staying here for two weeks so we really were able to settle in like locals.  It was so terrific to take morning walks, have dinners with Gail and Scott and help out when needed.  Hillary and Joey were able to come home for the wedding.  Joeys Mom and Dad came in from Oklahoma for a visit.  It was fun to catch up with Bob and Janiece (we have not seen them since Hillary and Joeys wedding) over Brazilian BBQ and a bar concert by Joey and his band.  This week was filled with much food and much talk two things we love.

Let the wedding festivities begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My Sister in Law Edie and I had the pleasure to be invited to the Bridesmaid luncheon thrown by Matts Godmother Maria.  It is very handy that she also owns a high end Italian restaurant; Casa Carbone http://casacarbone.com/

The food was amazing and the tortes could end wars (you may have picked up on a subtle theme of great food).  The highlight was Allisons introduction of everyone who was there and special people who could not be with us.  Smiles and moist eyes filled the room.

Off to RDU to pick up our VIP, Max.  He looks terrific and has learned the life skill of rolling a suit in a carry on bag so that it is ready to wear.  Now quick change, find niece Laura and husband Jim up at RDU and off to the Rehearsal Dinner (Also at Casa Carbone).  More family is here now!!  More food, beer, wine, cake, loud talking and a beautiful couple.  If you do find your way to Casa Carbone, please order the lasagna.      It will be the new standard future lasagnas will have to meet. The House family quickly found out that even when you close the bar, Perglers are still quite happy to stand around and talk. 

Brady is staying at a boarding kennel for the weekend and has a few spa treatments lined up for his puppy retreat. We have moved to the Marriott to be around the wedding festivities.  Bright and early Saturday morning I leave my sleeping guys and head down to the coffee shop.  Of course my brother Bob is already there.  So we headed to the café tables outside and catch up.   Much later we do see our blurry eyed groom busy on his cell.  After a brief exchange and his declaration of many errands to run Matt is off.  I buy coffees for my boys and head to the elevators.  The doors open and 8 of the NC State football players get off.  Wow – they are huge.  I did not mention that Max’s School, CMU is playing NC State this weekend.  Here I am with my coffees and my Chippewa tee shirt.  All I could do was tell them that I was sure they were nice guys but I hoped that they lost.  Later Max helped me with my sports etiquette. 

A group of willing and available family carried flowers, linens, candles and many other pieces of atmosphere to the Smith – House venue.  Allison and Matt found a beautiful space in downtown Raleigh for the reception.  It is the Stockroom, a reclaimed furniture warehouse. High open beamed industrial ceilings, brick walls, knee wall to ceiling factory windows.  Allison has designed the space with a combination of canning jars, mercury glass, vintage photos of parents, grandparents and turn of the century Raleigh.  They picked so many unique and cohesive ideas.  It was easy to see the love of family and history.  Scott created an amazing focal point.  It was a hanging chandler of lighted canning jars.  Very eye catching!

(Allison made Chess pie for all of the guests)

Well the room looks amazing.  Les, Max and I meet Laura, Jim, Susan and Bill for lunch and beers.  Now we know the main errand that Matt had.  He is watching the game with his Dad, Brother and all his buddies at the pub.  Cheers fellas.

The wedding was held at the Smith family Church; Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran.  The same church her sisters Jessica and Hillary were married in.  The bride and her attendants are all beautiful, the ceremony was smooth.  After pictures the wedding party left for a tour of Raleigh in a trolley car.  Everyone else heads to the reception.  There is a perfect open bar (is there any other kind?).  Many types of appetizers are served. Mini Rubens anyone?  Oh yes, right here please.  Everything was perfect from the carved turkey, ham and roast beef to my new favorite food…………Guda cheese grits with shrimp. There was dancing and much laughter.  The couple left under a sparkler tunnel and were peddled away in a rickshaw.

Perglers with a mission are a very efficient group.  Within minutes all decorator items and presents are collected packaged and moved into awaiting vehicles.   It is not unnoticed that superior prior planning made this day so perfect.  The night is young.  Matts parents had invited many of us to their suite to help finish the left over beer from the rehearsal dinner!!!  Many volunteers rallied to help with this problem.  The good times continue. 

Sunday morning was very foggy (brain not weather).  I make my way to the coffee shop, and see Jessica waiting in line.  We chat and Bob pops his head around the corner ( yes he is first again).  It was this moment that Jessica realized she is now “one of those morning coffee people”.     Welcome Jessica welcome.

Gail and Scott hosted a gift opening brunch.  It is a beautiful sunny day and the perfect final chapter for a perfect weekend.  Family is heading home.  We take Max to the RDU.         I just love time with him.  He is such a cool guy and makes me happy.  Brady enjoyed his weekend of spa life but was very happy to see us.  The next day we slowly pull up stakes and hit the road.

I know I have rambled.  Believe me when I say I have tried to edit this down.  It is challenging when you have such a fun family and you love spending time with them.  Allison and Matt gave us all the opportunity to get together and have a great time. 

Thanks so much Mr. and Mrs. House.  I wish you the best and happy times.  I love you.

PS -  Susan and Laura if you haven't noticed I used a bunch of your shots.  Thanks a bunch!

 9 OCT 2011