We recently attended a beautiful wedding in downtown Tulsa at the Mayo Hotel. When I say “we” I am referring to my husband, Mike, and I and our middle daughter, Courtney, and her youngest child, Kinsey. It was a happy occasion and a blessing to be included in the first moments of a young couple’s marriage. An added blessing was to witness the ceremony in the company of our four year old granddaughter, Kinsey, and experience the event through her eyes.
Upon arriving in Tulsa we circled the block searching for a parking space and Kinsey got her first glimpse of the historic hotel, she said “This is amazing.” Her big blue eyes seemed to be even larger then normal, memorizing everything around her. We visited with family before the ceremony, Kinsey happy to see her Aunt Jane and Christi. After a visit to the impressive ladies room, Kinsey returned to find two people she adores, her uncles, Jake (always Bubba to Kinsey) and Eric. These two young men treat her as the princess she is. This might be a good place to add, Kinsey was dressed in the most beautiful pink dress, her golden blonde hair curled, wearing a special necklace and bracelet and, of course, the perfect shoes.
She set very quietly during the ceremony, not an easy task for a four year old. She listened to their vows, the music and the official’s words and she seemed to absorb it all. At the end we all applauded the new Mr. and Mrs. and exited the area to allow the wedding party photographs. Kinsey seemed a little disappointed and I asked what’s wrong, she looked up and questioned, “When are they going to twirl?” I smiled and answered, “Later sweetheart, you will see them twirl later”.
We all headed to the elevators for our ride to the 20th floor, where the dinner and reception would take place. There were delicious snacks and drinks being served as we waited, a beautiful view from the tall windows and even entertainment in the form of a slide show of the bride and groom and their respective families. Also in the room was a photo booth, our little group crowded into the small area for our family picture. Kinsey thought this was a wonderful idea and upon hearing there would be crafting involved (she must have a little bit of Aunt Charity in her) she was even more excited. Scissors, glue, photos, what more could you ask for, she was in heaven.
A short time later we were told to enter the ballroom for dinner. This was a served meal with place cards to guide you. We were honored to be seated with the mother and father of the groom, Janell and Don. Kinsey took issue with her place card, the card was beautifully printed “Roy”. Roy is her father and it had been naturally assumed that Courtney’s RSVP for two meant husband and wife. Kinsey is already starting to read, knows her alphabet and has been writing her name for more than a year, the incorrect place card was a problem. Janell, always the perfect hostess, came to her rescue. Janell found a pen and Kinsey was happy to turn her card over and neatly print her own name, disaster averted.
As dinner began salads were being served to all the guests. Kinsey said she did not want a salad, she was polite and offered no complaints (I was grateful). In a few moments a plate of fruit magically appeared before Kinsey, the waiters were so quick we missed their delivery. Kinsey loves fruit and ate every bite, kiwi, cantaloupe, strawberries and all. She quizzed me “how do they know me and what I like?”, Janell offered her answer, “they are just that good”. The main course was next, this selection we had all pre-chosen. Much to Kinsey’s delight a waiter brought her chicken strips (she’s quite the carnivore) with French fries and two perfect condiments, ketchup and ranch dressing. That Mayo Hotel knows how to make a four year old smile.
Now the moment Kinsey had been waiting for, the twirling. She was eager to watch the bride and groom, she offered them smiles and applause, waiting patiently (a virtue she is still learning) for her chance on the dance floor. As the night continued she had many willing dance partners, her mom, her Grandad, her new best friends (the flower girls), and young men from the wedding party she didn’t really know. Kinsey had a ball, twirling and twirling, making memories I hope will last a lifetime. I know they will for me. Thank you, Kinsey, for being you.
Family 
Dear Judy,
Oh, what wonderful memories that wedding made — truly, it was one of the highlights of my year, along with the birth of Reese. (If Bryan were here, he would be asking me to name which of the two was most important — and I would say — like any old wise woman should — “Why, you know, Bryan — It’s a tie!”)
I love reading your words — you tell the story very well. And what joy to “see” the wedding through your eyes and Kinsey’s. Thanks for sharing. I plan to share this with Amy — because somethings in life — like this post about her wedding — are just too good to keep to ourselves.
Here’s to many, many more!
Janel
Thank you Janell, your thoughtful words mean a lot to me. I wrote my Kinsey story just days after the wedding and saved it until I could get my blog set up. It was such a memorable night.