Percolator of Life: Preparing for a Ceremony

What not to do before a big event: Take a spray tan when you are from the midwest, and it is winter and your skin has not been exfoliated. I found when I awoke the morning of the big day splotchy skin due to a spray tan the bride was so kind to provide the night before. My upper body wasn’t too bad, but the legs I had planned not to wear pantyhose on, not so good. I took myself down to the lobby and asked where the nearest pharmacy in Malibu might be located. Sally Hansen has a great product for spray on hose, I had planned on originally using this product but now I found I needed a shade darker just to even the new tone of my skin out. I wasn’t the only one needing help, my daughters, except the bride nocked on my door early in the same pigment state. A mad dash to the pharmacy for time is a wasting, we needed to be at the venue within the half hour. I had enough time to throw together the essentials I would need to prepare for the event, although hair stylist and makeup artist would be provided I packed up what I might need in case something went array with their vision of the way I should look. Upon arrival at the ranch we were met by a team of the production crew in the parking area so they could escort us to the cabin set up for the pampering session. It seemed to be a hike down a curving pathway steep at times. Wow, what a treck back into the woods we headed. I was so excited to be with the bride for the mornings readiness of the event, the moment a Mother waits to be part of, helping her child look her best on one of the most important days of her life. The producer immediately pulls me aside setting the stage for shooting and informs me what my duty would be (as if I didn’t already know.) “Your job” she says “is to stay by her side through out keeping her engaged and calm, see to her every need.” My beautiful daughter is already being prepped with makeup and each chair is host to a bridesmaid. Stage set cameras are rolling. Drinks are needed while I sit with my beauty, for pure organized chaos fills the room. Wine is shared while we talk about the day and the task still needing attention too.I truly forgot about my look for the day, it slipped my mind that filming would be happening. What the heck was I thinking, for once I look like a Mom/Grandma. (Oh boy.) I can’t remember how many times I traveled up and down the loft stairs that morning fetching whatever was needed, like, find the Father we will need him soon to present his gift, find the groom the bride desperately needs something he has of hers. My head was spinning at times, all the while I probably drove the sound crew crazy with my giddiness as I continued to sing many times an oldie but goodie Going to the Chapel of Love. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMfrLFirGWc Happiness filled me. The bride began to feel her nerves escalate and asked for a shot to calm them, vanilla vodka tossed back with a diet coke chaser settled them. Constant cameras following your every move, being pulled away many times and your big day thrown in for good measure would get the best of the calmest person. While the girls were held up in the beauty house the groomsmen were playing football, a shoot set with Dean who is a big part of the function with Tori. After a game of football I had a chance to see my future son in law cool off like any other sportsman having a beerHe appeared relaxed, how many beers helped him into this state of mind? Time is closing in, flowers for the wedding are delivered, (the bride doesn’t know what they will look like)First born carries her bouquet to her with giddiness as the cameras roll. Can you see them in the background? This is a Storybook Wedding, not a fairytale story. Shortly after this surprise who appears? Tori, she has brought to present to the bride her shoes to wear, (her something blue) and the gift the bride will give to the groom. Pictures of a photo shoot Tori put together for Cali girl. Amazement overwhelms me at this point. PhotosArtsy GEORGEOUS! stunning, shoes hand dyed with pearls attached by Tori herself.The chairs are now empty in the nick of time for the hour draws near to the start of the ceremony. Last to primp the Mother’s. I hope they have enough time for us.Even our darling Lola (flower girl) was pampered never releasing her hold on her pacifier.Bridesmaids dresses are tied upwhile the Maid of honor works on her speech in all her glory. I have a moment helping the bride into her gown and don my look for the event and down the path we head toward the ceremony. Soon, a Husband takes a Wife and vice a versa