Best Friend's Wedding

Wow it's been a while since I posted!! Then again, I say that almost every time, haha.

I can remember almost as clearly as last week, that first day of undergrad moving into the dorms and meeting my roommate for the time. Some of these contractual meetings end in friendship while others in enemies, I'm glad ours became the former. Over the following few years I'd come to consider him my best friend from undergrad. I had come to admire his intellect, his wit, his calm mind, and above all his inner child. He's one of perhaps five people who knows exactly what to say to put me in a great mood. Anyway . . .

Kalamazoo, MI
On July 9th, I drove from Milwaukee, WI to Kalamazoo, MI to attending the wedding of my best friend from undergrad, Jackson to Mandi. I had known both of them since freshman year of undergrad and it was no surprise to me that this would be the eventual outcome. Only death, dismemberment, or serious illness would prevent me from attending their day and celebrating it with them.

I arrive in Kalamazoo and check into my hotel before making my way to Stetson Chapel. I was glad to see Jackson's other friends - also my friends - as the best men and ushering in people. Oh how long it's been since I've seen all of them in one spot! The wedding ceremony itself was short and sweet without many bells and whistles. It suited the both of them perfectly.

Stetson Chapel.

The lovely Mandi.

After the wedding ceremony, we had about an hour to kill before going to the Fetzer Center at WMU for the reception. Several of us decided to hang out at a nearby Starbuck's for that time. The reception hall was very nice and I'm always amazed at the food they serve at weddings. After a period of time, the whole wedding train made their way down the stairs, with Jackson and Mandi addressing the populace briefly, before making their way into the dining area.

Jackson & Mandi addressing the populace.

Jackson in one of his classic poses. This is why I love the guy.

Their cake was quite delicious. Of course it was, Jackson had his hand in picking it. I would trust his palate with (almost) all dessert items, lol. I do believe I had a second slice later in the evening after everyone had been served. They also had the nice (and cute) idea of having a cookie bar towards the end of the evening - huge plus there, haha.

Their first dance. :-)

Others line-dancing. I didn't partake.

I'm glad I went, truly. And Jackson kept telling me how glad he was to have me there as I was (apparently) one of the few close friends he's made throughout undergrad. I guess it's likewise.

Me with Jackson, Mandi, and Sarah (going counterclockwise from me).

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South Haven, MI
The following day, I had to decide between driving straight back to Milwaukee or first stopping by South Haven, MI to spend more of the day with Jackson, Mandi, and others. I decided on the latter. Because I had gotten up early and had a huge chunk of the day to do whatever, I decided to drive to South Haven on my own first and explore around a bit. It's not something I normally do (or normally like doing) but hey, I have the time, so why not?

Driving into South Haven, MI.

I decided to have lunch there. I went online and found a nice little place called the Chocolate Cafe. I got one of their signature mocha (which was delicious) and a Tuscan chicken wrap, also pretty good. After lunch I decided walk around town and down to the beach while I waited for them to arrive. It was easily 90+ degrees outside, but it was still somehow nice.

Chocolate Cafe.

Along the South Haven Riverfront out to Lake Michigan.

Lighthouse!

Pirate ship!!

Looking back at the South Beach.

Soon Haley, Adam, Katie, and Geoff arrive at the South Beach and I join them shortly. Jackson and Mandi arrived a little while later.

I was clearly not dressed for the occasion, and so stayed on the beach.

Jackson, the beach ninja!

Friends! Haley, Adam, and Katie (left to right).

This is how you tell they're married: they assume the same stance. :-P

After a couple hours on the beach, we decided to head back to town for a light dinner. We make our way to Clementine's. It was really good. I wish I had been hungrier and tried more of their food, but oh well. Maybe next time. It was a great end to a wonderful day with old friends. :-)

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