It all started at the rehearsal. The plan was for Owen and Wakeley (the flower girl and Owen's cousin) to hold hands and walk down the aisle right before Ang would walk down the aisle with her father.
During the rehearsal Owen held Wakeley's hand and started off down the aisle. (The aisle takes a 90 degree turn to the left to get to the area where vows would be exchanged.) My job is to get the kids going and then run up to the front of the church area around where everyone is sitting so I could peak my head through the door and get the kids off the stage as Ang is walking down the aisle so they wouldn't have to stand up front the entire ceremony.
As I'm running up to the front I hear a fairly large "Gasp" and then an all-to-familiar sound of my son crying. Evidently, Wakeley (who was SO excited to be the flower girl was just a little too quick down the aisle for Owen to keep up with her) so he fell down....and may or may not have been drug a little ways. (I got conflicting stories.)
Practicing holding hands before the rehearsal
Walking down the aisle right before the Left Turn....and before the tumble
Fast forward to the next door. Owen is "tuxed up" and Wakeley has a cute dress on that makes her look like a princess. The 2 of them are next up to walk down the aisle, and Owen is still in my arms as he had been ultra-clingy all day (lack of a quality nap that afternoon probably didn't help). At the last second I put him down and Wakeley grabs his hand. I give her a quick "Remember to go slowly for Owen so he can keep up with you." She understood. And off they went.....
I watch them go a few steps without any problems....until I see Owen just turn his head and look right at me. I could see his little face start to freak out and he started to turn around and come right back to me. This is the worst thing that could happen because I knew it would be near impossible to try to convince the little guy to do it when he doesn't even talk yet. Reasoning was out.
I turned to Ang who was standing right behind me with her father waiting to walk down the aisle in one of the biggest moments in her life and I ask her, "Do you want me to go down with them?" I wasn't sure what else I could do at that point.
She quickly responded, "Yes, go ahead and go down with them."
I took 2 steps, but as soon as I got that far, I saw Jamie (the groom) had already headed up the aisle to help them. This was the absolute best alternative as he is fantastic with kids and he was supposed to be seen by the crowd. As soon as I saw him get to Wakeley, I knew they were in good hands so I started to go around to the front of the church to handle the 2nd part of my duties (get the kids off of the stage).
About half way up to the front, I heard a thunderous applause. My immediate thought was "at least it isn't crying", but I was thoroughly confused on what happened.
I get to the front of the church and peek my head inside to try to get the attention of the 2 children. Owen is still being held by Jamie, but when Ang is heading down the aisle I see Jamie give him to his parents who are sitting on the farthest side away from the church then I am. This presents a new challenge to me...what do I do now? Do I walk in front of the bride coming down the aisle? Or just let Owen stay with his dad hoping that he doesn't freak out? Not great options.
Thankfully, one of the attendants (Cara) saw what was going on and took Owen and walked out the back of the church and handed him to me. Crisis avoided.
Here are some pics of the Dude (pre-ceremony). Sorry I didn't get any pics of anything during the ceremony, but I was a little too preoccupied trying to put out mini-fires to even think about pulling my iPhone out of my pocket.
Stayin' Classy
Ring Bearer & Bridesmaid (Mom)
During the wedding (after their portion) the cousins playing (quietly)
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