Anna Getting Married

Congratulations to Matt and Anna - now Mr. and Mrs. Gospodinovich! (And, yes, that picture is my dad and not Matt in case you are confused) The Land clan arrived on Thursday afternoon, just in time for the festivities!

That evening, we had a great pizza dinner in downtown Hattiesburg with my parents, the kids and my Uncle Owen just in from Austin, TX. The twins had picked up authentic Texas cowboy hats from Nana and Papa on the way down, so those were passed around during dinner. And, Owen fed Evie her first bites of pizza! I looked over and she was chowing down, but I'm not sure how discriminating her taste is just yet as she was soon chowing down on the tablecloth.

From Collages

Friday morning, the girls headed over to a local spa for manis and pedis in honor of the bride. Anna has a fantastic group of girlfriends and it was a great time to drink mimosas, sample Sarah Halliwell's gourmet fare and catch up. Carli got her first manicure that morning, too!

From Collages

The rehearsal went fairly smoothly, but was a sure sign of things to come... The twins were all over the place, especially in and around Kendal as he tried to lead the group in discussing wedding logistics, leading in prayer - you know, nothing too important. After the rehearsal we had a fantastic dinner hosted by a group of my parents friends. Many of these folks (the Heberts, the Rhodes, the Jacksons, Claire and Myra, the Roberts, the Grahams, the Hesters). I have known for much of my life and it was such a gift for them to give our family a special evening to relax and enjoy. We had to leave the party a little early to get the kids down for bed, but they were not ready to go - Mr. Barney Hebert introduced them to the ice chest and they were munching on ice the entire time! I guess that's how they entertain their kids in south Louisiana :)

From Collages

The wedding ceremony was just beautiful. Anna and Matt chose to get married in the Danforth Chapel at the Univ. of Southern Mississippi, where they both went to school. There had been threats of tornadoes and thunderstorms and we were all just terrified, but everything worked out just perfectly with nary a raindrop once the service began. Anna looked absolutely beautiful and very Carrie Bradshaw in a short dress highlighted by ostrich feathers - just amazing. Dad, Anna and I (plus an unexpected guest in Jackson!) got to spend some time across the street in the USM Student Union as we waited to walk in and got to laugh and work out any jitters.

Alas, any worries I had quickly returned when we walked into the chapel and I took my place at the front. Jackson insisted on standing with me, which was fine, but he was still for about five seconds before he was all in Kendal's business. Then, Carlisle jumped out of GanGan's lap and ran to the front to play with Bubba. They ran around, insisted on being held, then got back down and ran some more. We knew if we intervened tantrums would result so we tried to stay focused on the ceremony... then I heard five terrible words. Jackson, pointing at the communion table behind Kendal, pulled on my skirt and said loudly, "Mama, I want that bread!" Oh, no. The heresy, the audacity - not the communion bread! But, yes, that's exactly what they wanted. They started with tiny pinches then began grabbing handfuls, stuffing their faces and showing everyone in the church how much they had eaten. There were titters, giggles and a few angry stares from Big Daddy. No, to answer any questions from the audience, I cannot control my children.

The service was incredibly special, though, with all in attendance being family members and close friends. My grandmother, Bessie Diket, was able to attend - she could not have looked more beautiful that day! I think one of the most special moments for Anna and Matt was serving Mama Diket communion during the wedding service. My Uncle Edward later commented that he thinks that was the first time she's been able to take communion in at least twenty-five years, making it even more special. And, thankfully, the twins left enough bread to share!

My parents hosted the reception at a New Orleans-style wine bar downtown - the site of Anna and Matt's first date no less. The party was perfect - French pastries and foods as requested by Anna, a jazz combo that Evie LOVED, a courtyard for guests to sit and visit and perfect weather!

From Collages

From Collages