2014 has been an exciting year for the Long family.
Dan and I wed on March 22.
Jeremy graduated from Clemson University on May 9.
Most recently, Harry and Celia wed on October 4.
It was a joyous weekend with friends and family coming together from near and far to celebrate my twin brother and his wonderful bride.
Friday afternoon, Dan was the dutiful son-in-law, running errands for my parents while I had a manicure, pedicure, deep conditioning treatment, and my hair straightened.
The rehearsal dinner was a great opportunity to chat with my aunts and catch up with my friend Matt. The barbecue was delicious as was the local honeyed beer. I only wish I’d had the chance to take pictures of the table decor. Burlap table runners, autumn confetti, candy, and mini pumpkins. Too cute!
The wedding itself was simple and beautiful. At Celia’s request, I wore the same navy dress I’d worn as a bridesmaid in March 2013 for my best friend Rachel’s wedding. I also had a lovely corsage to wear, a thoughtful touch. My mom let me borrow her sapphire earrings, and she also gave me the smaller of her two diamond and sapphire necklaces to keep. I apologize for the iPhone/Instagram quality of those pictures.
The reception gave Dan and me the chance to see friends again for the first time since our own reception. We joined old high school friends for dinner. I also got to see old friends from Bonclarken, the church camp Harry and I attended throughout our adolescence.
The reception also featured a LOT of speeches. Apparently all the Robinson-Long siblings got the “prepare a speech” memo except for me. Chalk it up to one of many overlooked side effects of not living in South Carolina anymore. If I had known, I would have said something like this.
Harry, we’ve been fighting like cats and dogs since before we were born, but I wouldn’t trade our twin powers for anything. I love you so much. My heart is overwhelmed with joy that you have found someone as amazing as Celia. I’ve cried more happy tears this weekend than I did at my own wedding.
Celia, I’ve always wanted a sister, and I couldn’t ask for a better one than you. You have been a part of our family since well before you and Harry started dating, but I am so happy that you’re officially one of us.
Also, is it okay if I address all mail to y’all as Harry and Celia Robinslong? Because I’m pretty sure that’s what I heard back at the church. Robinslong. Great name.
All in all, it was a wonderful weekend. Outside of the wedding festivities themselves, I also really enjoyed spending time with Matt again. He was gallivanting across Italy during my wedding reception, so we hadn’t seen each other in a few years. And apparently he’s a good dancer after a few beers.
On our way back home Sunday, Dan and I had time to see one last friend. Nicole and I have known each other since December 2010, when she first started the Crohn’s and Colitis blog Crohn’s Sucks on Tumblr. Finally, in October 2014, we got to meet in person! She’s just as cool in real life as she is on the Internet. Now I just need to go to Michigan and finally meet the third blog moderator, Stewart.
As always, the hardest part about living in Ohio is being so far away from my family. I love my parents, Jeremy, Harry, and Celia so much. I wish I could see them more than a few times a year. At least we had two weddings this year to bring us all together.
Linking up for Wedding Wednesday! Have you attended any family weddings lately?
