We totally weren't in Kansas anymore

So, this past weekend was the wedding of my good pal, Michael Brownlee.

Sara and I packed up the car Friday, and left for the exotic locale of... Rockford, IL.

The wedding itself was happening in Delavan, WI, but I wanted to stay cheaply, so I booked an employee rated room at the closest Holiday Inn I could. Driving 30 minutes isn't that big of a deal when you're only paying $39 / night!
So anyway, with weather, traffic, etc, we pulled into the Rockford area just about 10pm.
Sara and I were starved, so we got some KFC and headed to the hotel to check in.

We woke up nice and late the next day - it's those damn room-darkening shades, they make you feel like you're in a coma, for crying out loud and you lose ALL sense of time!

The wedding was set for 5:30ish, but since it was happening at a Summer Camp, there were some fun and games planned for the time leading up to the ceremony - so there was an all around sense of "get there when you can". I love weddings with no pressure.

When we got there around 3:30-4pm, there was a spirited game of "Capture the flag" going on. That was defintely the first time that's ever been my first image of a wedding!
Shortly after that, the "storm sirens" went off, indicating there was a tornado spotted in the area. I'd describe how it went from there, but Don is so much better at it.

Once we got the all clear, it felt like smooth sailing after that - sure it rained off and on, but Michael and Karyn were so laid back and gracious about everything, you just couldn't help but get caught up in the same feeling.

The ceremony was lovely, and I only cried a little bit.

The food was AWESOME! Who was expecting such delicious food at a summer camp, in the DINING HALL, no less? Seriously? Garlic mashed potatoes that were to DIE for, and a vegetable/rice casserole that I am still thinking about.

Then, for the reception/dancing period of the evening, they kicked the party off with a "first dance w/ slide show" that was so touching that I was bawling like a baby by the mid-way point. Hundreds of pics of them growing up, then together as a couple, then tons of shots of their families, and then a bunch of pics of their friends. I was touched to see a pic of me included (and a HILARIOUS one at that - taken just seconds after Kevin had knocked into my elbow and sent the upper 2 inches of my Guinness, foam and all, onto my glasses. classic)

We had a GREAT time - hanging with friends, sitting by a campfire, eating good food, slapping away the bugs and trying to stay dry.

Congrats Karyn & Michael - I love you both and I wish you nothing but good times and joy.

Mazel Tov.