March 18, 2024

Wedding season

This summer and fall we have a boom of weddings to attend. One stretch has us attending a ceremony three weekends in a row.

This past weekend was the latest wedding for us to attend. It was for my husband’s friend, and he was asked to be in the wedding, leaving me on my own.

Usually, I don’t mind being on my own. I don’t know if it is because my brother and sisters are so much older than me I didn’t have a built in playmate or it is just my personality type.

At this wedding, I only knew four people, all of whom happen to be in the wedding party. Sitting at the wedding wasn’t terrible because there isn’t a lot of small talk during the ceremony.

It wasn’t until I got to the reception I thought it might get awkward. I arrived early enough so there were several open tables available. I selected one on the end and sat down, not knowing if I would get any company or fly solo the whole night (which I would have been OK with).

Lucky me, not long after I sat down two nice couples decided to join me. After introducing ourselves I learned we had no connection whatsoever as they knew the bride’s mother and I knew the groom.

After a little small talk, they continued their conversations with each other and I sat waiting for the wedding party to arrive. I decided to get myself some liquid courage and when I returned another couple decided to join us.

They were closer in age to me and said they knew the groom, so my hopes went up a little. Then they introduced themselves. The man’s name was Bobby and the woman’s Hope and just like that I was sitting with “Bob Hope” as they said in unison. My night was made.

The evening continued and my husband finally arrived, but since he was sitting at the head table, I was still on my own. I did end up having a nice conversation with the woman who sat next to me about Iowa football and our shared knowledge of Musco Lighting from Oskaloosa.

The meal soon followed, which meant we didn’t have to talk and then the bridal party was released and my stag time was up. It wasn’t terrible but definitely isn’t the way I would choose to spend four hours of my weekend.

I won’t have that problem at any of the upcoming weddings. Even if my husband was a participant, which he isn’t, the upcoming weddings either have friends or family who will also be in attendance.

I do have to give a shout out to those who chose a date where Iowa does not have a home game — thank you. And for those who made me choose, it should really say something that I chose your wedding over the Hawkeyes. Cheers.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson
at jpierson@newtondailynews.com