Sept. 19, 2009: The Biggest Event

Before our Martin Fierro/iList Paducah After Hours big event this past Saturday, I was in awe throughout The Biggest Event in our family this year: the marriage of my niece Sarah Bynum to Alex Roman. I have lots to say about Sarah Bynum. I've known her since she was just a few weeks old. I was there for her baptism (I'm one of her Godmothers), called her every week during her middle and high school years, watched as she wow'd the crowds in a Teen Mississippi pageant (she was not only the most beautiful, but she had the smarts and the talent down, too!), hosted her at Camp Mare Mare for several summers (she's the one who gave me that nickname, by the way), cheered for her at her high school and Ole Miss graduations and have been so proud to see her take Paducah by storm. Sarah's made a great life and a great career for herself here, as no doubt she would. Everyone who knows her loves her energy, enthusiasm and, of course, that beautiful, beautiful smile. This past Saturday, I admit to getting a little teary as the little girl I've known and loved for so long exchanged I-Dos with the love of her life, Alex. She's all grown up and ready for a new adventure as she creates a new life with a very sweet fella. I'm very happy for her. The two tied the knot at Grace Episcopal Church in an absolutely beautiful ceremony (flowers by Betty Hall of Green Door Floral) and a lovely reception at the Carson Center (catering, including the gorgeous cake, by Artisan Kitchen)! My mac-daddy camera is on the fritz, so I just snapped a few photos with my little Casio. This was at a bridal luncheon we held for Sarah the day before, hosted by my mom Mary Lee, then there's Sarah and me, my mother-in-law Pat Brockenborough and my sister Susan. Here's the whole luncheon crew. We had no shortage of girl talk, Sarah stories, martial advice and no telling what else. Sarah's friends gathered from all over, with an especially large contingent from her home state of Mississippi. Then it was on to the church the next day for the gettin' gussied up portion — so exciting! That's Sarah's lovely maid of honor Melissa Marchant, who took care of EVERYTHING! Pre-wedding photos with my sister Linda — she's Sarah's mom and Alex's now mother-in-law! Susan and my mom getting my brother Bill all fixed up. Bill walked the gorgeous Sarah down the aisle and gave her away on behalf of our family. Both he and Susan gave beautiful toasts to Sarah and Alex at the rehearsal dinner the night before. I chimed in, too, thanking Alex's parents, Diane and Wayne for the di Fratelli dinner — awesome. And this is Bill with his daughter (my other niece) Katie. She's studying medicine at the University of Tennessee. She was a gorgeous bridesmaid — all the bridesmaids were stunning! So there's a preview — but way better photos are in the works. Sarah had the fab Glenn Hall photograph the wedding, so keep a look out for those. By the way, one of the sweetest parts of the wedding was the tribute that Sarah and Alex gave for my dad, Sarah's grandfather. Sarah had asked him to play the trumpet during her wedding just as he did for mine. I know he was excited about that, and I'm sad he didn't live to share this special day with Sarah, Alex and all of us. Ped Foster, a musician from the Paducah Symphony, played Ave Maria in his memory. That was a very sweet touch to a very sweet ceremony. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Roman! We'll look forward to continuing the celebration when you return from your honeymoon!

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