Photographs often have a story within a story. I am excited to see the photos from Brian and Gina's wedding generally, but also for this reason. Obviously the wedding is the real story, but Jack is one of the many stories within the story.
When Brian and Gina asked us if Jack could be their ring bearer we thought they were insane. Seriously, "Hurricane Jack" was likely to either wreck the place, hijack the show or both. After a lengthy legal disclaimer (I should have made them sign a release), I promised them we would dress him up for the part and do our best to invoke cooperation.
We purchased the suit for Jack a few months ago. He enjoyed putting it on and showing it off to random visitors. I got him a book about being a ring bearer. I thought it might be a good introduction since he'd never been to a wedding. He refused to read it. He pouted as he watched our wedding video and I pointed out Colin and Tyler acting as our ring bearers. At the rehearsal, he flat out refused to participate even with coaching from his cousin Kerri. Jack adores his cousins and Kerri was one of the flower girls. When he wouldn't participate at all at the rehearsal, I breathed a sigh of relief. I thought he simply won't do it, he can sit with us during the wedding, we are off the hook. As most things aren't with Jack, it wasn't that simple.
At some point after we arrived at the wedding venue on Saturday for the celebration, Jack decided he was all in. Bernie was going to stand at the back of the room, and I would be at the front in case one of us needed to grab him and make a quick exit.
The entrance music started and Jack came in with the ring pillow and trailing slightly behind Kerri. He was slightly embarrassed with everyone looking at him and was trying to hide a little bit. The problem with him not rehearsing, is that he didn't know where to go. When he got to the arch where my brother was waiting, he was supposed to go stand with the groomsmen, near Nick, where I was waiting to take him. Instead, he followed Kerri. He ended up on the side with the bridesmaids where no one really knew him and we had no access to him without making a scene. This meant that Jack had to stand up in the front of the room through the entire 20 minute service. I was a nervous wreck.
Jack played with the arch a little. Fortunately it did not fall. When Brian and Gina were exchanging vows, he decided he was tired of standing and sat down on the step right in front of them. He saw Bernie in the back of the room and was smiling and waiving to him. Jack loves chocolate. If he did what he was asked, he would get a piece of Halloween candy. Bernie held up a mini Hershey bar so Jack could see it and put his finger to his mouth indicating that Jack should be quiet, and he was.
When it came time to exchange the rings, I was sure we were in for a full blown meltdown. When my mother (who presided over the wedding) asked for the rings, Jack tried several times to give her the pillow. We never explained to him that the rings he had were for decoration. You could see the realization in his face - "you made me carry this pillow with these rings and you aren't even going to use them?" Fortunately, something (although I am not sure what) stopped him from vocalizing his discontent. When it was finally time to pass the peace, I was able to sit him down next to me for the rest of the ceremony.
He didn't really walk out with Kerri the way he was supposed to, but he did participate in the wedding party pictures and did walk in with Kerri during the introductions. He cooperated because he knew a new four pack of matchbox vehicles with a "space shuffle" was waiting for him. I think he probably "danced" more than anyone else during the reception.
I am really proud of my little guy. I hope the photographer caught just a little glimpse of his giant personality.
