My Brother’s Outer Banks Beach Wedding

“A brother is a friend given by Nature.”~ Jean Baptiste Legouve ~

A brother from another mother.

Dad had two daughters named Sherry and Audrey, and one son named Chase. The daughters were from Dad’s first marriage and the son was from another marriage. My brother is much younger than me, but there is no denying that we have the same father.

I had the wonderful privilege of attending Chase’s wedding in the Outer Banks and more specifically, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, on July 26th. The wedding was ON THE BEACH. Yeah, I’m not kidding.

When I talk about the beach all the time, I’m sure many of you just roll your eyes, but attending a wedding on the beach was AWESOME. Since that wedding on the beach was my brother’s, it was PHENOMENAL!

From the balcony of my hotel room, I watched as the staff set up for the wedding on the beach. See how close we were to the ocean?

In the evening while we waited for the wedding to begin, a beautiful young woman played the violin. Have you ever heard the violin playing to the ocean waves? No? Well, it is worth hearing.

My brother looked so much like Dad that he took my breath away. It was so wonderful seeing Chase, but it was so nice to see so much of Dad in him. Chase made such a handsome groom and he was wearing my two favorite colors – blue and white.

Chase’s beautiful bride, Tina, was so delicate and petite in her simple yet elegant wedding gown. She may not realize it now, but in years to come, that simple walk on the beach with her dad will be one of her most favorite memories.

Chase teared up as he watched Tina walk with her arm tucked into the crook of her father’s arm. Seeing him so in love made me love my brother even more.

The ceremony was simple and beautiful, so it didn’t take long to get to the exchanging of rings and vows.

While the couple said the beautiful words of hope and promise to each other, the waves of the ocean splashed and crashed on the beach like it has done for thousands of years.

“How did it happen that their lips came together? How does it happen that birds sing, that snow melts, that the rose unfolds, that the dawn whitens behind the stark shapes of treeson the quivering summit of the hill? A kiss, and all was said.”~ Victor Hugo ~

The kiss was over signifying that Chase and Tina had just become husband and wife. Their love entwined and if nurtured, will carry them through all the good times and bad that life can toss their way.

The wedding ceremony was absolutely gorgeous.

What follows a wedding ceremony?

Ahhh yessss, the reception!

And what is frequently served at a reception?

Uh huh, food. From the fancy appetizers to the crab soup, then the salad and finally a salmon or steak entree with fresh vegetables, everything was visually appealing and tasted absolutely delicious.

The tables and chairs were covered with white cloth and decorated with a large soft green satin ribbon and a large soft pink starfish, sand dollar or shell.

The wedding cake was equally as elegant and decorated with the same softness as the rest of the decorations in the room.

While waiting for the food to be served, the bride and groom took to the dance floor.

It was time for the first dance as man and wife.

I think everyone agrees that they make a very lovely couple.

Throughout the evening I totally enjoyed the centerpieces which were made up of mirrors, candles, flowers, shells, sand and glass marbles. I love all that sparkly kind of stuff.

Here we are…brother and sister. Twenty plus years difference, but we have Dad’s eyes, nose, cheekbones, lips, fingers, walk and basic movements. I always knew I looked a lot like Dad, but it is so nice to see him reflected in someone other than me. The similarities I have with Chase make me feel closer to him and so thankful that we share the sibling bond.

The couple cut and ate the cake without all the normal cake smearing and smooshing in the face.

Although I couldn’t eat the cakes, my eyes enjoyed them.

Who is this redheaded woman sitting quietly in the corner watching all the people dance and laugh? What was she thinking?

I’ll tell you what she was thinking.

I was thinking about how happy everyone was at this wedding. This room was overflowing with love, hope, appreciation and excitement during the exuberant celebration of a beautiful union. I felt great love for my brother and new sister-in-law as they begin this beautiful journey together. I also thought about how much I wish Dad was there to enjoy the festivities.

Although Dad is gone, he still lives on in my brother, sister and of course, me.

Happy Wedding Chase and Tina! Thank you so much for including me in your special day. I love you both!