May 8, 2009
June 13th, 2009 by Dusty
Now I can always come back to my blog if I forget my anniversary. Some people have memories, and some have the internet.
I got married to Sara a few weeks ago in St Croix. We had 48 of our closest friends and family there with us (don’t have a wedding anywhere far away and exotic and use the logic that it will be a small simple wedding because no one will want to use the vacation time and cash it takes to show up. They will.) I do have to say, however, that I had the best ten days of my life on that trip. And it was due almost entirely to the fact that those people were there. So here’s how it went…if this doesn’t bore you to death, I’ll send you a link to the 2000 or so pictures we had taken while we were there and you can thumb through those.
We left on Wednesday the sixth, and we had about 30 of the 48 expected guests on the same airplane departing at 9 am. Said airplane’s flight crew was not warned of the load of functioning alcoholics that would be traveling that day, and they were out of beer by the time the wheels left the ground. That was sort of a bummer. And by “bummer” I mean “time to switch to liquor”. 4 hours later we were in St. Croix, and we all went to the hotel and unloaded our bags into our rooms. I was leaping over the balcony to the beach when Sara reminded me that we were getting married in two days and that “the ruined part of my life starts now.”
We had about fourteen tons of crap to do before the actual wedding, so I had to hang up my spiderman swimtrunks, matching fins and crimefighting snorkel so we could go take care of bidness. For the next two and a half days we ran around town picking stuff up, meeting with all of the wedding people, signing papers, and so on. Small price to pay, considering the wedding coordinator and her crew had already done the hard stuff.
Seriously, If I had spent the past year debating the merits of white napkins instead of off-white, I would be living in my old condo by myself right now. Of course, I never would have married someone who would want to have that discussion…
The hardest part was walking along the beach being shown where we’d be standing, who would do what, and so on while my bestest jackass friends were screwing around getting drunk 10 yards away. I’m so good at screwing around and getting drunk…I mean…it’s really my best quality. The wedding was Friday at 5, and I felt a little bit guilty for wanting to get it over with. So whenever I had that feeling, I’d look around me and breathe in the fact that my life was absolutely perfect at that moment. And it was. Almost everybody I cared about in the world was there with us, they were having a good time, and I needed to take it in and savor it like good heroin.
The night before the big day, some friends of ours who live on the island offered to throw a party for everyone, so we all piled into random rental cars and headed up the hill. After we’d been there a while, our friend Chris (formerly known as Jamiroquai if you’ve been reading this blog for a while) said he had something for us. We sat down to a video he had made called “Sara and Dusty – How it all Began”. It was almost 30 minutes long, and he had somehow (without either of our knowledge) gathered hundreds of pictures of us as kids and pictures we have taken together for the past four years. For the next half hour, everyone was glued to the television, alternately laughing, crying, admiring my creamy white thighs in a bikini, and in my case thinking “holy crap this must have taken over 300 hours to put together.
I’m not trying to play favorites or anything, but I don’t think anyone will fault me for saying that that was the most meaningful gift we received.
Most of the day of the wedding was spent anticipating the event. I was out on the beach while she was getting her hair did, and they were setting up the wedding area with chairs and flowers and seashells and pig blood and everything.
I kept looking over at the setup, wondering why I was so nervous. It wasn’t the idea of getting married – I have been at peace with that idea since long before we got engaged. And it definitely was not the group of people who were there – I mean, more than half of them have seen me naked, and the other half probably did in the next few days.
I guess I wish it was more of a “you guys will be over here getting hitched and your friends can watch from the bar if they want to” thing than a “okay at five after the hour you will be here and your bride will be lowered from the heavens on a unicorn and everyone in the world will be staring at you while you forget what to do or say, vomit on your shoes, and finally look out in the crowd and see tears welling up in your proud parents’ eyes and you’ll cry like a little bitch. No, not just choked up, my friend, you will lose control of your diaphragm and be completely unable to speak. Then, if you ever make it to the part where you kiss her, your faces will part to reveal a nice snotcord connecting her upper lip to your nostril. Enjoy.”
Crying for me is a slippery slope. I am an emotional guy when it comes to babies and family and friends and machine guns and ninjas and stuff that matters to me, and this was like all of those things had been diced, pan seared, deglazed with white wine, and reduced until thickened. I knew that if I saw my mom or dad getting all watery around the orbital sockets, I’d be a heap in a matter of seconds.
Sara and I talked about it for a while and decided that we should practice our vows a few times before the actual wedding so we could just get through it without blubbering.
So for a few days we stood in our condo and got through about two sentences each before we both teared up, and then decided we’d try harder tomorrow. We finally gave up and made a pact that we’d only look at each other during the vows. If you don’t cry, I won’t.
And it worked. I realized something as I squeaked and choked my way through the vows. Right at that moment we were depending on one another to get through something (albeit something quick and painless), and it really was a pretty awesome example of why we are making this commitment. The best statement I ever heard in favor of marriage was that you will never have to face anything alone again.
True.
In a short 20 minutes, we were Mr. and Mrs. Dusty Scott. And I was Mr. relieved. Then we went around the resort property and took more pictures. I’m going to go ahead and retract almost everything I said about the photography being too expensive while I’m at it. I still can’t logically fathom why the pictures cost so much when you break it down to time, effort, and materials used, but sweet mother Mary and all of the pixels that fall from her brow did we ever get some good shots. Here are a few –
The hottie on the top right is my sister, and she is married to the guy on the bottom left (shown attempting to restrain the raw power of the dance machine we know as Savannah). So please don’t ask me to hook her up with you. You aren’t better than my brother in law at anything. Trust me.
Needless to say, the liver punishment started in earnest when we got to the reception. Little did I know my speech at dinner would be at least as hard to get through as the actual wedding was. For those who were there but couldn’t understand me through the involuntary regression to puberty I seemed to be going through, here’s what I said–
“Those of you who know me well know that I am really only comfortable expressing myself through the majesty of dance, but I’ll do my best here…(polite “get on with it, funny guy” laughter)…and I also wanted to let you know that I was only able to get through that ceremony by picturing you in your underwear (I heard laughter, but I think it was one of those laugh tracks they use on sitcoms. So thanks to DJ Bootz for having my back)…by the way, Chris, you need to start wearing underwear to these things.”
“First, Sara and I can’t thank all of you enough for taking the time and effort it took to come all this way, so if I say it over and over, forgive me, but it means the world to both of us to have you all here. I’ve had a lot of time to think lately, being barely employed and all, but I have been thinking about what it means to be successful, since it obviously has nothing to do with having a job. Looking around me now, I really hope success can be measured by the quality of people you surround yourself with, because I could not imagine having a finer group of people than we have right here.
“And to an even greater extent, I believe that the truest and most undeniable measure of success over the course of a lifetime can only be shown by what your children think of you. So Mom, Dad, Sara’s mom (dunno if she wants her name in this blog), all I can say is ‘well done’. I can’t imagine better parents, and thank you for giving us all something to aspire to.”
And then I sat down because I was having to clear my throat every fifth word. My brother then got up and did his speech, which contained more beatboxing than I expected, but it made water come out of my eyes. The boy can bust a poignant rhythm. He had a speech written down, but ended up talking about standing next to us at the wedding and how much he was touched by the simple sincerity of it all. Sweet toddler Jesus with a ring on a tiny pillow, I am lucky to have the family I have.
Once that was over, I thought I was going to fall asleep with my face in my plate like I did when I was a kid. The stress was gone and I still had a week to party my ass off with all of these great people. And holy spirits, did we ever party.
As the party started in earnest, I realized that if the most important expenditure at a wedding is photography, the second best place to spend money is on booze. I say that as not only a semi-pro drinker, but as a friend and an American patriot. Everyone who felt the urge got lit up like Air France flight 447 (too soon?) and we had to pile the asses in the parking lot as everyone danced them off.
At the end of the night, the DJ played that song by Rusted Root that (if you are old enough) was played at the end of every party you went to in college. “Send Me On My Way”. By now the dancing had become largely interpretive, and we were looking to my niece and nephew for new dance moves. At one point, someone asked Savannah (my niece) how she came up with such great moves. “I just go crazy.” Was her sage response. My nephew’s exlplanation was “I dunno, just dance and have fun.” So everybody somehow ended up in a big sweaty circle doing this strange kicking thing with the music loud enough to make a fat guy dance, and I looked around and thought,
“This is actually the happiest I have been in my entire life”
So far.
Congratulations again are in order! Those pictures are simply beautiful! Best of luck to you and the lady…I have a feeling you won’t be needing any luck though.
Nice of the lead singer of Midnight Oil to show up at your wedding. How cool is that?
Congratulations! My 12th anniversary was on Wednesday, and I spent a lot of the day recalling what a crappy experience the whole wedding was (not the husband–just the wedding).
I’m a little jealous of how awesome yours appears to have been.
Hopefully the awesomeness will just keep growing, because really wouldn’t it suck if it all went downhill from there?
Nice. Try to make me mist up at the airport, jerk. Trying to work over here.
So, my toast was supposed to tie back into the following you around theme i started with. I was suposed to say that if it was socially acceptable, i’d still follow you around in hopes of finally getting a magic pill and eventually forcing you to call mom and ask her to tell me to stop following you. Supposed to end with a laugh, but we were to busy man crying and i was ready to sit.
Now I know why old guys kinda sit around with a little shit eating grin on their face. We are proud of our kids, their choices, and their friends. I advised against doing this sort of wedding – - I was wroooonngga. What fun. (or maybe it is a gas grin). Your turn Josh. What a family – I am blessed.
Congrats Dusty.
I have a great marriage. Fifteen years now.
But my wedding was not much of an event. It was full of tension, awkwardness, nerves, and it was really low-budget to boot. I wish I had a great memory like yours to go along with my great marriage. Best wishes to you and your new bride.
Thanks for sharing.
Michael
Holy shit, Dusty! Congrats. It’s good to see good things happen to good people. Actually, I don’t know if you’re a good person, really. You may kick puppies and strangle kittens, but just don’t have the balls to write about it. But your blog cracks me up, and brings joy to my life. I’m going under the W knife myself in October for the first time. I’m a bit older than you, but took longer to find the one for me.
Congrats man…only you could write something so simultaneously beautiful, touching, meaningful, and f*cking funny!
Best of luck to you both! Your wife is my hero.
i’m just a follower of the blog, and i can’t say i know you better than just as another random reader, but in knowing you from your writings(and hoping that doesn’t sound creepy), i’m genuinely happy for you. may we all aspire to experience that kind of happiness, and be wise enough to recognize, enjoy and remember it when it comes.
the new Missus is beautiful, and i send you both my best wishes and congratulations.
power to you, good sir. this is better than the infamous spider-bathtub incident.
…yes, i HAD to throw that in there.
-PC
Cheers to you and yours. Spectacular post.
Now when you gonna start with the baby makin?
jeez! i don’t even know you and this entry had me tearing up! so happy for you
beautiful wedding, beautiful bride. i love this entry. thanks for sharing 
Congrats on your beautiful wedding and your beautiful life! You deserve it. I’ll buy your book, but I want mine autographed and possibly hand-delivered.
My sister will be weighing in with her 2 cents about your wedding soon. She is the one who wrote asking about angel flights. Our dad is doing well so far, btw!
Your pictures are awesome. I guess the photographer was worth her feeeelthy fees afterall. Good stuff, Dusty. ~Locki
Wilberteets was right, here I am, and WOW! Wowie- wow! First, I want to congratulate you and Sara…wait. Lies. First, I want to collapse in a heap, roll back and forth, wallow and blubber, gnash teeth and beat my fists against my skull like Rainman while asking God in a spitty gargle whyyyy He let me get married to Mr.Wrong when I was 21 and dumber than a bag of hammers…but this isn’t the time nor place, is it? NO. No, it’s not. So I’ll get back to congratulating you and Sara. The wedding was beautiful, the love is palpable, and the heart-shaped opening in the clouds is just frickin’ ridiculous. Clearly, God approves, too. I wish you both a big, long, crazy-joyous, love-filled, bootylicious, happiness-encrusted marriage just like your folks have…and I hope you will find yourself flying to Monroe soon. I’ve decided against the blowing of the spit bubbles…I think I might’ve scared you off with those. For the record, they were spit bubbles of joy. Mazeltov!
Dusty,
I enjoyed the pictures and play by play of yours and Sarah’s wedding.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together for all of us who couldn’t be there or come to the party in Atlanta.
Your parents are very proud of all of their children and they speak so lovingly of all of you.
They look wonderful. I can see that they are enjoying life!
Janie- your mom’s college roommate– I could tell you some stories!!
Hey Rusty,
Just a quick note to say congrats to you and your lovely bride. Although I could not attend in person, I had a cold beer in your honor..(and one in Sarah’s honor too if we’re being honest.)
I wish you both a very happy and joyful marriage.
Cheers,
Rob
Rusty? Really? His name was spelled out and everything.
I think it’s great that you didn’t show your face in most of the formal shots…
She’s pretty. You…. not so much.
Congrats!
Congrats! I agree…the pictures are the MOST important place to spend the dough. Everything looks beautiful.
Congratulations, Dusty. I have been reading your blog for a few years now and, in my opinion, this post was one of your best. I’m really happy for you and Sara. You really are quite fortunate to have found somebody with whom you are so well matched. I can tell you from experience that if you work at it, it only gets better from here on out. From what I can tell, I think that that will be how it goes for you guys.
You think getting married makes you all blubbery? My wife and I just had our first child 4 months ago. There’s nothing like the first time that you hold your new baby or when your child looks up at you and smiles because he/she is genuinely happy to see you. What a joy that is! Hopefully that will be in the future for you and Sara; we need more offspring from sensible people like yourselves (no pressure, though).
I wish you two only the best. Thank you so much for sharing your special time with your extended blog family.
–John
Been reading this website a long time. It’s made me laugh and cry and cry laughing. This? Best entry ever.
Congratulations kiddo, you deserve it.
Congrats! Great story. It was almost like bein there!
John
Nice.
I’m a strange stranger that’s been reading your blog for years and I am coming out of lurkdom to tell you how happy I am for you! Oh, and to tell you that your brother is a hottie. haha.
Congratulations! Marriage rocks…just wait until parenthood.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this entry – congratulations!
Congrats, dude! You definately did it up right! Oh, and Sara looks amazing! You look a little like Sonny Crockett.
Congratulations, Dusty!
At the expense of sounding like everyone else, congratulations. Sincerely. That pic of you bustin a move looks eerily like the mojo you laid down on the grill in Deutschland… Sara looks incredible. We pay attention, Dusty. We pay attention…
Dusty, you are an amazing writer!! The amount of love you and your family share is not only beautiful but something to be valued and treasured for life. I have seen organized and executed numerous weddings and the love between you & Sara is the forever kind. It helps restore hope for those who sometimes feel hopeless. It was an honor to host and be apart of your special day. Just so you know I’m not a stalker your adorable brother sent me this link. The pictures are absolutely amazing!!!! I can’t wait to see you and Sara in a Coke commercial
Please send my very best to Sara!
Congratulations, Dusty and Sara! What a lovely wedding. You have made me laugh, made me cry and made me laugh until snot came out my nose (while at work, no less) so thanks for that. Wishing you all the best.
Yeah, yeah – Congratulations and crap. Now make with your brother’s digits. I meet all the tough qualifications. (I’m a girl.)
Really though, congrats. I had the song “Brick House” in my head during all of those pictures.
Oh crap… im sorry. Side affect of prescription painkillers I guess
Congrats Dusty
And just in time for Hanukkawesome!
Congratualtions to you both. The photos are perfect.
I can’t remember the last time when I literally laughed out loud over something I read on the internet. (i.e. snotcord)
Oh yeah… it was the last time you posted on your blog. Ü
Congrats!
Nancy
Congratulations to you both – what a wonderful party!
Congrats to you guys! I’m just some guy who reads every word you say, and love the way you chronicle your life. I’m also a part time wedding photographer and from what I saw on this blog, you had a freaking awesome photographer! Enjoy each other and keep us lurkers up to date with all the fun happening in your life!
Ron
Hey Dusty…
Long time reader here…so pleased to see this post. Thanks for sharing it, I’m really happy for you. You guys deserve every happiness…my best to you both.
Beautiful couple, beautiful photos, and wishing you both a beautiful life. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I wish you both love, laughter, and happily ever after.
Dusty, I’m not sure what I can say that’s not been said…
So, I’ll just say congratulations, and I hope that it’s as great as the moment that you said “I do” from now on.
Okay, now that all that mushy shit’s out of the way, how’s the new kitty?
Trent
Congratulations to you both.
Beautiful shots.
Enjoy the ride, sometimes it gets bumpy but if you keep current on your maintenance it makes for a smoother journey!
Does that make sense outside my head?
congrats! you did it right! (ALL of it!)
wishing you good luck & happiness…
Hey Dusty,
Love your stuff man. A big congrats to you and your lovely bride. I wish you both all the best.
The heart-cloud move was smooooth man.
And you’re right, plundering would have definately been pretty cool.
Congrats again.
Dude, the Skirt looks fabulous! Just beautiful, and you’re right, great wedding photos, worth every dime . . . Thanks for sharing them with us. I too am incredibly impressed with the heart-shaped opening in the cloud, how completely awesome! I’ve been a fan for a long time (favorite post ever . . . Captain Danger-puss breaks his arm popping wheelies in the driveway . . . PRICELESS!!!) Wishing you guys all the best in your fabulous future together!
I’ll give you $6 for the Butless Chap – and $8 if you never mention your creamy white thighs again.