Mission Accomplished

Goals were set, a plan was put into place and all went off without a hitch. Hayley officially became Mrs. Tyler Ash this weekend and everything went very well. Her and Tyler are officially wed and they are officially on west coast, Sand Diego, for their honeymoon. 

There was a special surprise that no one could have predicted or planned for. We held the wedding on Assateague Island, an island where wild ponies reside. This is their natural habitat and they do live there. As Hayley and I crossed the sand dune and looked to the ocean, there were 8 or 9 ponies just lined up by the ocean. They didn't move and just stood there until the ceremony was over. That's when a few of them decided they wanted to be a part of the party and broke their formation and almost as if it were on que, came and greeted everyone in a very friendly manner. One of the locals said it was a perfect day, as the ponies have not been on this beach for a couple of months but showed up on Hayley's wedding day. This was unexpected and just made her day.
 

I carried her Dad's remains in one arm and her in the other as Michelle and I gave her away to become Tyler's bride. I think it is one of the most honored that I have ever been in my life, that she allowed me to not only be a part of it, but in such an important role that I was honored to do. I am proud to call this young woman my daughter, oh and today also happens to be her Birthday. Reach out to her and wish this beautiful young lady a very happy birthday. 

I want to thank any and all who were involved in this weekend, everything came together like clockwork and gave Hayley a very memorable wedding. 

Monday

Well we made it home safe and sound yesterday, we had a great and refreshing trip to an amazing area. Michelle and I both loved it down there and felt it was an honor being there to share this magical day with these two wonderful people.

I did manage to get all my pictures loaded to the Facebook Album as well as convert the video footage that we shot and put it up on YouTube (Share at the end of this blog post).

We took our time coming home yesterday, we went a completely different route home that we took getting there. Possibly because we stayed about 25 miles south of the Wedding Venue and we just headed up I-81.

We made a couple of stops on the way home, the first was called the Virginia Farm Market, if you are ever in the area take the time to stop on by, fresh baked goods with free try it before you buy it samples galore to go with a lot of very fresh produce. I think Michelle got some peach cider to bring home with us and some strawberries.

On the way home were were going through Berkeley Spring where I stayed a couple of nights while working in the area earlier this year for RTI. Michelle had never been there and I showed her the baths and the gift shop where she bought a few things. After that we went up to the scenic overlook before returning back home.

I've got a few chores to do today that we put off due to all the travel yesterday, like grocery shopping, but that's not a problem.

I hope everyone had as great of a weekend as we did, now it's time to stick those collective noses back on the grindstone. I know I just had to remind you...lol

Have a great day.

Travel and Wedding Day

For Calvin and Jeannetta the countdown stops, all the preparation and planning is has come to fruition and we have arrived at their special day. I am honored to be able to witness these two love birds tying the knot of Matrimony and welcoming Jeannetta into the family officially although she has actually been a part of it for a while, now she has the hardware and paper to prove it. 

Michelle and I will be heading out later this morning and heading to the venue later this morning, We're going to give ourselves plenty of time to get there and are planning on getting there a little early to see everyone and spend a little bit of time with them. I'm taking my regular camera, my video camera and my 360° camera down with me, so hopefully I can get some decent images to share. I've already created the Facebook Album to share the moments for those who were not able to make the trip and be there in person. 

Harrisonburg is about three hours away from Morgantown, so this is a trip that we will do over a couple of days and returning tomorrow morning. Michelle and I are actually staying in Staunton Virginia taking advantage of my annual free night for being a IHG Platinum Member. We were going to stay at one of the local hotels, but we missed the window to book any of the blocked off rooms and the special rate. 

Should be a great day, I've never ventured into this part of (East) Virginia so it will be an adventure. Michelle and I have been in the state of Virginia together, but that was only in Dulles Airport coming back from St. Louis earlier this year. We're planning on having a great day, I hope you do the same. 

Congratulations Trish and Joe Donaldson

Yesterday after work Michelle and I went to Jackie's home in Preston County to witness the marriage of a long time friend of ours and her Fiancee Joe.

It was a small and informal ceremony, but a very nice one hosted by her long time best friend Jackie Thompson. It was nice to see our extended family grow with the addition of Joe and it was nice to be there for the new Mrs. Donaldson.

It was very windy up there and a little colder than in Morgantown, I managed to capture it on video for everyone to enjoy, the only problem was my microphone was very sensitive and caught all of the wind, screwing up the audio part of it.

After the wedding a reception was held at the same location, where old friends and new friends sat around and reminisced about a number if things.

Congratulations to Joe and Trish,  may you have a long, happy, loving and fulfilling life together. Thank you for allowing Michelle and I to be a part of this special day.

Video below.