Kathy und Carsten - Half the Reason we are Here!

I met Kathy back in my senior year of high school - she was our German exchange student. While we kept in touch throughout the years, we did not see much of each other. But when we are together, it's like no time has passed. She's one of those friends. Certainly a friend I very deliberately choose to have in my life. This picture says it all.

When she visited Jordan and I in October we didn't skip a beat. Suddenly all the German curses and dirty words came flooding back and we spent most of the time laughing, reliving old times, and making new times with our new participants/partners Jordan and Carsten. When she invited us to their wedding, neither Jordan or I skipped a beat - of course! So today was the long awaited day (it also happened to be our nation's birthday and Jordan and my engagement anniversary). Kathy looked beautiful in her dress. I oddly don't have any good pictures of it, but if you're curious there are some on my Facebook. Here is the back. 

The wedding happened to fall on the hottest day of the year in Germany in 2015. It reached well into the 90s and almost hit 100. While I'm not complaining (I do that enough in other posts) it is relevant to the story. The room you see above is where their ceremony was. It was in a beautiful old stone building complete with ornate fixtures and a charming garden outside. 

Once we crammed the 100 people inside, the room became one of the hottest places I think man has ever endured. Looking back I think I am being a big baby, but in the moment it was rough. If nothing else It was certainly memorable! Complaining aside, as soon as the ceremony was in full swing I couldn't care less how hot it was. The joy, happiness and love that filled the room was palpable. Even though we only understood the odd word here and there, we knew exactly what was happening and how special the moment was. 

Once the vows were said, songs were sung, poems were read, and the state rep pronounced them man and wife, we headed outside to greet the newlyweds and have some champaign from a converted VW van, because this is Germany and imports are hard to come by. 

After a group photo and a selfie, it was time to caravan to the reception location for the real party to begin. 

Apparently it's a German tradition when they win a big soccer match or get married to hang out the car window and honk incessantly in a caravan. This was no exception and Kathy and Carsten clearly enjoyed every minute. Even those not in the caravan honked along. It was a truly touching cultural experience. 

The venue was an old piano factory, making for a really great open area to throw a party in. 

The entire event just exuded Kathy and Carsten down to the last detail. From the laid back feel, to the emotional environment, to the physical details of the  venue:

Heart shaped escort cards/party favors:

German guest book (I translated that one myself):

Center pieces with real sod!

Table assignments:

And of course the dance floor was hopping all night. We decided Germans like some angry music, but we won't fault them too much for it. Let's just say that rage against the machine made more than a couple appearances in the set list. I kinda dug it though! So did Kathy, who was one hell of a bride. 

She spent time at our table during dinner. 

She gave speeches (and props to those of us who came from the U.S.)

She cut the cake 

She danced until she was soaked 

And delusional 

The night was long but incredibly fun. I haven't had that kind of night for years. Germans know how to party - we didn't stop until we all walked home in our sweaty clothes at 5 am. Carsten wins the prize for most exhausted but most happy at the end of the night. This sums it up:

The Germans were so friendly and outgoing, they made us feel like one of the family! I'm a little fuzzy on this, but I think we were invited to some future weddings - some of which weren't planned yet, and some weddings for our new friends and TBD spouses. Needless to say, we will be there. How could we not? Look how good of friends we are! 

From left to right, henning, Tim, us, Lisa, I forget the girl in the black dress' name. 

Us and Christian. 

This was a wedding I'll never forget to honor a woman I'll always be friends with. Thanks to Kathy for having us as part of your special day. And when I say special, I mean it. 

Here's to you, my big bean and Carsten!