Do you even bridesmaid?

My nephews have adapted the decidedly young and male habit of asking others about their workout habits for their own amusement.  The typical thing to ask, apparently, is, "Dude, do you even lift, bro?"

Instead of worrying over people's gym habits, they ask bros if they even do a bunch of other stuff.  Apparently, the most recent incarnation for them is Do you even America, bro?

Ah, to be a teenager.  So, to answer the question before it's asked, I do bridesmaid, bro.  I so freaking bridesmaid. 

I have endured all manner of brides-maidery lately.  I have a fancy paint job on my fingernails and toenails.  I own a shirt with rhinestones on the front that spell out the word bridesmaid.  I had my hair done by the maid of honor, and I got into a changing room where the bride and all of the bridesmaids got dressed.  I grew up with brothers, so when Bobbie Jo said it was time to get dressed, I naturally took my things and excused myself to the ladies room.  I popped into the handicapped stall, changed my clothes and returned to the group.  That is what I have always done.  If you are the only girl in a house of boys growing up, it doesn't naturally occur to you that you should change right there with other people.  

I came back to the room where everyone was getting ready, and I pretty much saw everyone else in their underwear.  Oh, that's what I was probably supposed to do.  Whatever- I grew up with male siblings, so I value privacy when I am in my underpants.  So sue me.  

I walked where I was supposed to walk, stood where I was supposed to stand and held the flowers I was supposed to hold.  After the ceremony, we took photos.  In the reception area, Cas was saving me a seat.  He was at the table with my parents and my nephews.  Jeff was the best man, so he and I joined our people at the table.  We had dinner and made toasts.  Jeff spoke first, then Laurie's sister got up to say a few words.  They both improvised a brief speech, but I wrote mine down.  I felt a little silly with my note cards, but I wanted to get it just right.  I thought it was for the best, anyhow.  Jeff could talk about Danny.  Ganice could talk about Laurie.  I could actually talk about both of them.  I have had the opportunity to see them become a couple.  I visit the house every Sunday.  I have seen a lot of them together.  

After dinner, toasts and cake, Cas and I headed over to the selfie station for a few prop-laden photos.  

It was a pretty huge night.  We saw Danny sing.  I had never seen him sing before.  I knew he was a big karaoke fan and went all the time before he met Laurie, but I had never seen him do it.  He's actually pretty good.  

There were seven aunts and uncles there, eight cousins, six second cousins, three nephews, two parents, two brothers and a brand new sister in law.  There were bunches of friends assembled and plenty of people from Laurie's family.  There was seating for 120 people, but I think they expected the head count to be something more like 110.  Still, it was a lot of humans, but it was a good night.  It's almost time now to get cleaned up and take Cas around to the whole assembled mass one more time.  My aunts and uncles will be heading to their homes today, so I wanted to give them one more shot at getting to know my guy.