The rested travelers boarded the charter bus and then Dr. Stuever got on. He promised us a day that we would never forget, seeing the sights and hearing the sounds of the most interesting city on earth: Lawrence, Kansas.
Although I'm unsure if Dr. S has ever been a tour guide, if saving people's lives ever falls through, he has a back up. The bus took us on a tour of Lawrence, focusing primarily on KU. As we drove, the good doctor regaled us with stories of the history of KU basketball and why everyone hates Missouri (if you don't you probably should). The tour ended with a quick rundown of the main street in Lawrence, before we disembarked by the post office. We were told we had three hours to shop, eat and explore and then the mob of us set off to explore the commerce and fine dining that Kansas had to offer.
Time seems to move slower in Lawrence. The city itself is a hipster paradise filled with chic clothing and buildings that seem straight out of the late 70's. Even the weather appeared to be more hip than the average Virginia day.
We looked in shops, saw a lot of hipsters and families, and eventually ate lunch at a pizza place. It was good, and I bought a shirt from the only surf shop within hundreds of miles.
Sooner than seemed possible, the group headed back to the bus, it was time to prepare for the wedding.
Once back at the Best Western, everyone put on their finest Kansas apparel. Boys in their ties and girls in their dresses, we were prepared for the best wedding Kansas had ever and probably will ever see.
Upon arriving at the location, we walked up a trail to the clearing which contained the chairs and other things needed for an occasion such as this. Taking my seat, voices around me murmured with excited anticipation for the ceremony to begin. I could see John through the woods. Wearing his skinny tie and suspenders, he looked like a modern day Walt Whitman, ready to burst into poetry at any second,
Soon enough, the single guitarist started ripping off a steady beat, and Stef materialized out of the woods. Enchanting in her dress, and nimble as a wood elf, she made her way up the aisle, with onlookers speechless at her beauty and grace. A single tear appeared at Johns eye, almost invisible because of the vast smile encompassing his face.
Ryder preceded over the wedding, and it was filled with Scripture, God's promises for marriage and laughter about how cold it was. The I do's were said, the bride and groom kissed, and then it was off to the reception on the other side of the pond.
Dinner is one of my favorite times of the day, and the Carr wedding was no exception. The catering was wonderful, my favorite was the mashed potatoes, which were scrum-diddily-umptious.
After the food, toasts were given and received, Mezz's mike didn't work, and then it was onto the rest of the evening: dancing.
We danced and danced. Liquid courage was apparent in some as they approached that special girl and guy and asked for a slow dance. Kansasians and Virginians united in square dancing and the wobble and the fairy tale continued.
Sadly, fairy tales have to come to an end. The wedding and reception was over. Sparklers were lit and John and Stef drove away in their carriage (Ford Taurus) and onto the rest of their lives. The bus was loaded up again, and the giddy wedding guests were driven back to the Best Western.
Once home, some went to bed. Others decided to venture out again into the cold Kansas night to a local restaurant called "The Phoggy Dog." This family friendly venue provided a setting for laughter and reminiscing between friends old and new.
Morning came all too soon and the bus departed back to Virginia. The ride seemed longer this time as spirits were heavy with the impending work week. After a few close calls where we almost stopped at Denny's again, we arrived back at the Wal-Mart in Richmond around 6 a.m. on Monday morning. The weekend was over, but it will always be remembered.
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