Two Hearts, One Flesh

You have all patiently indulged me, but now I will tell you all about...

JEROMIE'S WEDDING

Thank you, Imposing Voice

NO PROBLEM

I headed up to Clemson on Friday, stopping by Greenville to pick up my tux. Apparently, Peridot is a lime-green color and not a yellow. I feel let down by my birthstone.

I arrived at DCF just in time for the rehearsal dinner. I was a little out of it at first having just finished a 3-hour drive, but the constant joking of Lance, Cory, and Ed soon woke me up. It was also good to see the Rands again. It had been years since I last saw Jeromie's family, and the kids have gotten big. Jonathan's going to college in the fall! Crazy.

After the short rehearsal, we all went for dinner at Calhoun Corners. I must say, I was impressed. This was my first time there (indeed, I didn't know there WAS a restaurant past the train tracks of downtown Clemson). It was a fun and delicious evening, but nervousness hung in the air for everyone (except the groomsmen; we're too laid-back to let it bust our chill). Lance even streaked around the house in celebration of Jeromie's impending hitching. Fortunately, he was clothed by the time Jeromie's parents showed up for a brief visit.

The next morning we rose and donned our penguin suits. I rode with Lance, Jeromie, and Jonathan up to Pretty Place. We stopped at Camp Greenville to stretch our legs, and I got the chance to chat with Jeromie's dad about trying to find my true passions.

It was quite remarkable when we got there. I imagine that all of you reading this needn't hear my sentiments, but this was my first time at Pretty Place. I missed or wasn't invited to other weddings there, which, in afterthought, made this day all the more special.

Jeromie waited in the car until everyone was certain Liz was nowhere in sight; I laughed to myself at the cuteness of it. Ed got to work setting up sound and cameras while the rest of us wandered around trading jokes and looking sharp.

Then, it was time. When I heard Canon on guitar and dulcimer, I knew to get ready. The groomsmen walked in the family, then took our place at Jeromie's side (Cory Kalbaugh was the Best Man, for those wondering). It was hard for all us groomsmen not to stare at Jeromie as the bridesmaid came in. He was grinning in an almost palpable excitement. I found myself smiling in return and inwardly rejoiced that, for the first time, I truly shared the joy of a wedding (and I've even been a groomsmen before).

And down she came. Liz's face was colored with the same untameable happiness as Jeromie's, and my heart was so full as they came together that it was hard not to laugh in merriment. The usual wedding trappings followed, including an excellent message by the DCF preacher Winn Collier (who has a book out, actually) where he addressed each of them, identifying their personalities, their passions, and their faiths. However, the true melody of love rang out when they each, starting with Jeromie, read their own vows. I had proofread Jeromie's the night before, but watching both Liz and Jeromie's mother react while he promised to fight for his bride was something I hope I never forget. My heart went out to Liz when she began to read her vows through tears she had to fight back.

Meanwhile, we groomsmen were silently suffering as the sunlight bore down on our right feet, burning in cramped black leather. We all joined in on the song and the new couple took their own communion before exchanging rings and being presented to the world. The following bustle was unremarkable by wedding standards except for one moment amidst the commotion when the photographer wanted pictures of the bride and groom and Liz, without saying a word, grabbed her new husband's hand and stood there for a few moments with what J.K. Rowling would call a "hard, burning look."

The reception was in Brevard, NC, and I got to spend some quality time with old friends Ben and Heidi. To my utter astonishment, there were no meatballs. I mean, what wedding reception doesn't have meatballs? Cake was cut, about 6 toasts were made, and the new Mr. and Mrs. Rand made their escape. The groomsmen managed to paint their car with shaving cream in time with such classics as "We're wed," "Two randy peeps," "Lizeromie," and "We're about to get it on."

After the reception, I went with Lance, Ed, and the other Rand children to a nearby bar to watch the U.S./Italy World Cup match. Such a shame...

I kept the kids entertained for the rest of the night while Lance took a nap and Ed went... somewhere. We explored the woods behind what once was Jeromie's house and waded through a river. It was an uncommonly enjoyable evening. Even eating lunch with the family the next day was fun. I just love that family!

I left late that afternoon, but not before listening to Ed, Lance, Jonathan, and Jeromie's mother debate when Jeromie and Liz would actually get around to having sex. I swear, she has to be the coolest mom ever.

And now they are enjoying the jungles of Costa Rica. A hot and steamy honeymoon for a cute and honorable, and a little reserved, courtship. I think perhaps the best way to sum up the weekend is what Winn said at the reception. For those who don't know, Jeromie has been interested in Liz for some years. When he first pursued her, she wasn't interesting in a relationship. They then built a friendship through DCF and house church until Jeromie approached her again with better results. I remember getting an e-mail from him when they started dating that said simply, "She said yes." Winn recapped this, although more briefly. Jeromie saw a woman worth fighting for, and he sought her. When turned away, he didn't give up. He came back, and slowly won her heart.

Never have I been prouder than this weekend to know Jeromie Robert Rand, my brother in Christ, and a man.


Twilight out.