It is not every day your brother-in-law marries his true love in a stylish wedding in St. Louis, between perfectly timed rain storms and far from the hustle & bustle of the city. As I drove out to Labadie, Missouri, through the winding roads blasting country music (yes, that is what you listen to when you’re in the middle of grassy meadows) I was giddy with excitement that I was FINALLY going to see the school house and property that the Schwetye and Smith families have worked so hard to prepare for this day. And there wasn’t a single detail that hadn’t been personally made. Kris and her mom feverishly found plates and china at second hand stores over the course of the year and followed the rule that it must be under $1. Kris made the centerpieces from old books hollowed out with plants, the ceremony benches made from their trees, and all the flowers from their neighbor. And most special of all, the reception property was once a long time ago a real school house, like something straight out of Anne of Green Gables, where Kris and her sisters and cousins would play. A year ago there weren’t steps, or a red door, or any electricity (great job Mr. Smith!) and now it’s full of love and new memories. My hat goes off to you guys. Truly amazing labor of love.
Neil and Kris, I am so proud to call you both family. Cannot wait until Christmas when we get to play marbles on Smith mountain, next to a fading wood fire and with full bellies and lots of laughs.
