Operation Wedding - Full Steam Ahead

Kyna and Cody have decided to Elope (kinda). It was my suggestion, and they loved it.

To begin with, we have a trip planned to New Orleans for a day, then on to board a 5 day cruise. Its a work planned thing from my Office, but The owner of the company has graciously offered to pay for Spouses and Kids for the cruise and flights to and from New Orleans.

Kyna wanted Cody to go along, but he had to pay his own way. We scrimped and saved and he was able to get it done. So a few weeks back, I mentioned that they should try to get married on the cruise, thinking of the enormous amount of money they would be saving, not to have to do the big ceremony. (Something that was really bothering Cody, because his family is so dysfunctional) They loved the Idea, so we were off and running. Kyna was more excited about this event, that I saw her excited about the big wedding planned for next summer, so I knew that we were doing the right thing.

We found a lovely little boutique, and was able to purchase a wedding dress that was half the price of David's Bridal, then we found her shoes, and trousseau and a nice suite for Cody. The Bouquet has been made, the something old has been done (actually she has a lace purse made from my Wedding Dress, and also My mother gave her a little cameo necklace, that belonged to my Grandmother) That one made me cry.

The only thing left to do is get the marriage license. They are going to drive to Shreveport next week to pick it up. But we could get it in New Orleans on the day of the wedding if we needed to.

We found a minister in New Orleans, a photographer (from Craig's list of all things) She is a graphic artist and freelance magazine photographer. Can't wait to see how those pictures turn out. We found a place to have it. In the french quarter, a gourmet restaurant is letting us come in before they are open (since we already have a reservation to eat there) They have a beautiful courtyard with a fountain, and they will be married in the garden. The guest house on the property has a balcony, and an old kitchen, they will be allowed to take photo's there. Coincidentally the photographer was the person that took the pictures of the restaurant for their on-line site.

After an overnight stay in New Orleans, we will all board the boat, I bet we don't see much of them, they will be on their Honeymoon, and I will the proud Mother, telling everyone, look at my Beautiful Children. I am so Blessed.

We are planning to have a reception honoring them after we return. Probably in February, because we are full on - planning a 50th wedding anniversary party for my Mother and Father on Saturday, Jan 31st, and I just can't do two events that close.