It was warm and steamy when we arrived in the DC area last week and checked into our AirBnB. I’d found a huge house to accommodate 10 adults, 1 teenager, 7 children and 1 infant. I was truly excited to have everyone together for our family celebration and couldn’t wait for the festivities to begin. Of course, a gathering of this size will always have it’s bumps along the way and an illness threatened to derail the entire weekend but we moved on.
Leading up to the wedding, some of us played a round at the Army Navy Country Club, others went sight-seeing and met up with old friends. Everyone staying in our house made a trek to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and though we did see a panda, it was an underwhelming visit. You can imagine the scene: 90 degrees, 90% humidity, 7 sweaty, hungry children. I think the highlight of this outing for me was the delicious lobster rolls we had for lunch!
Friday afternoon brought a quick and efficient rehearsal at Georgetown’s Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart followed by dinner in Arlington, VA. My goal was to bring Texas to DC with a fun night of barbecue and country music, and Texas Jack’s BBQ did not disappoint. The food was outstanding - smoky brisket, chicken, and sausage; fabulous sides, delicious appetizers. The bride and groom had two signature cocktails: The Funkytown (Ft. Worth Ranch Water) and Sundance (bourbon). And to end the meal in Texan style, a chocolate TCU cake with Blue Bell ice cream cups!
Our dinner was immediately followed by a welcome party at the same location. Almost the entire guest list and wedding party traveled to DC for the wedding so it was really fun to have everyone come by on Friday night to say hello once they’d arrived in town. Many friends showed up in boots and cowboy duds to help up stay on the Texas theme! Several of James’ Jesuit classmates attended, a huge group of his fraternity brothers, his godmother and husband from Coppell, the entire Butterfield clan (not a small group), Emma’s 88 year-old grandmother from Arizona, James’ 90 and 88 year-old grandparents from New Mexico, childhood friends, several of the couple’s TCU pals and sorority sisters, long lost family and cousins…it was a real hoedown! Loud, energetic, and emotionally charged.
As the groom’s parents, we felt immensely relieved at the successful conclusion of Friday evening’s event. I charged several of James’ buddies to keep my champagne glass filled on Saturday night because I was ready to celebrate! But the morning of the wedding dawned and I felt nervous and anxious. I had only my hair, makeup, and dress to see to while my daughters had 6 girls and 2 little guys to take care of in addition to their own appearances. By the time we reached the Georgetown campus, I was a wreck. My hands were shaking, my insides were rolling, my eyes were tearing up.
My husband and I were standing at the back of the church and I saw two beautiful women whom we raised ushering 8 children (2 missing) into pews. One son-in-law and daughter-in-law in the wedding party, with loving smiles for me. Our eldest son acting the part of best man with solemn gravity. Our youngest son, so handsome, joy shining in his eyes, heading down the aisle to stand at the front of the church, ready to receive his bride. And when walking up to the front of the church on the arm of the love of my life, an enormous feeling of complete closure and peace came over me.
Emma was a radiant bride, her gown and veil, exquisite. There was no cellphone photography allowed in the chapel so I hope to be able to share some images of the ceremony in the future. It was a beautiful service but passed in a blur. And when it was over, we gained a daughter and our family circle became complete.
And then on to the last party of the weekend at the Army Navy Country Club! Cocktails and hors d’Oeuvres on the rooftop terrace with a view of both the Washington Monument and the U.S. Air Force Memorial were really spectacular. The atmosphere was relaxed and celebratory, champagne flowed freely, as did the couple’s signature cocktails: The Princess Bride (French 75) and The Arsenal (Negroni). We moved into the Five Star Ballroom for dinner and dancing and drinking and toasts and dancing and drinking and mingling and speeches and drinking and dancing. The meal was delicious and I especially enjoyed the Best Man’s speech though all the toasts were lovely. A lot of cigars were smoked on the terrace after dinner, there may have been a few tequila shots and the bride and groom twirled and boogied all over the dance floor. Sparklers, movie theater candies and ice cream treats to end the evening. What a night!
Sunday morning arrived and with it the ugly realities of cleaning out an AirBnB, returning 3 minivans, saying goodbye to a daughter I won’t see for a while, and to the newlyweds who we definitely won’t see for a few months. I am so grateful to my three older children who made sacrifices to be present for their baby brother’s big weekend. Family is everything to me and when they show up, help out and celebrate with each other, it makes this momma’s heart so happy.
I want to personally welcome Emma to the Mrs. Butterfield club and congratulate both James and Emma on a beautiful event and the start of your new life together! 🥳
