My turn
By Crystal Thompson
I will try my hardest to compose myself and make this column readable and intelligible. The final countdown has begun. There's no turning back now.
I guess I really shouldn't make it sound like my wedding is some ominous looming darkness when, in fact, I am quite happy and excited that the day is approaching so quickly.
My co-worker, Julie Groven, who has been diligently working on my wedding dress, my veil and all four of my bridesmaids' dresses for over a month or so now, brought my completed veil to me last week. Now that I have something that I can prance around the house in, I feel much better. It's been torture allowing her to hold my dress hostage while she works on it. But I know it's for the best. I probably would have ruined it somehow if I'd been allowed to have it within my reach whenever I felt like playing dress-up.
On June 2, my fiance was a groomsman in his friends' wedding. The service was simple and beautiful and I had an awesome time at the reception, so I'm rather anticipating my own now. We'll be using the same deejay service they did, James Hayward of Shades of Grey here in Havre. I really enjoyed the music and interaction he provided at their reception, and I'm glad we hired him for ours. (Free advertising, James, that should earn me an extra disco ball or something!)
I think going to that wedding got me into the proper celebratory mood and caused some of my jitters to dissipate. Everyone keeps telling me to chill out about the little details, to let things happen. I realized that they are right, if something goes wrong, it goes wrong, and nothing's going to stop me from getting married. (Except, of course, if the groom fails to show up ... and we won't even begin to think about that scenario.)
Besides, like I told my fiance, there's four groomsmen to pick from, so I have backup if he doesn't show. (To the girlfriends/wives of the groomsmen: I'M KIDDING!!) Anyway, I have so many great people planning to attend the ceremony and/or reception, that I will no doubt have a fun time. Family and friends are traveling miles to be here on our special day, and that really makes me feel great.
You know what else makes me feel great? Surprises! Kind of like the surprise wedding shower the lovely HDN ladies threw for me last week. What a cool bunch of people I work with!!!
We were having a potluck at work to welcome four new additions to our staff and to say a fond farewell to Dave Brewer. Little did I know that we were also celebrating my upcoming wedding. Julie Groven (Jill of all trades) made me a beautiful mini-wedding cake (it's pictured on the front of HDN's June bridal tab). I was given some wonderful gifts from my co-workers and played a wedding word jumble game. It was just a wonderful surprise. I'm such a lucky gal.
On Sunday I had my "official" bridal shower in Gildford. It was thrown by a committee of the mothers of my former high school classmates. Several people showed up and the place was decorated beautifully. Many members of the Hi-Line communities were present, and I got to see some of my old friends. It was great fun and I was spoiled with countless gifts. I can now replace all my mismatched dishes, towels and hand-me-down appliances with the wonderful gifts I received.
I finally know the reason there's all those parties and stuff before the wedding: it de-stresses the bride! Catching up with friends, eating cookies and receiving gifts has always done wonders for me!
Well, when I write my next column, I will no longer be a Thompson, much to the dismay of my father, who has tried unsuccessfully to talk me into keeping his last name. As of June 23 I will be Crystal Faldalen and no amount of wedding jitters, stress or cranky people will keep me from enjoying that day. I hope to see everyone there!
