So yesterday Matty, myself, Tommy and Will headed up the mountain to attend a wedding for our buddies Steph and Jared. We had to drive basically all way up the mountain and then get shuttled back down to Windy Point (which is about half way up) and go to this lone spire near the parking lot called Hitchcock Pinacle.  At the campground where we left the car to get carpooled back down, it was raining which basically foreshadowed the rest of the evening but we didn’t realize until later how bad it was going to get.  So we all hopped the van and were driven back down to the site. Upon arriving the weather looked OK and we were impressed with the way the nuptials looked like they were going to go.

At the tip top of the spire, which is roughly about 30 feet ( I think) stood a guy who looked to be performing the ceremony. The groom (Jared) threw on his harness and climbed to the top as well – while also wearing a tux! The guests were chilling out at the bottom of this rock mingling and commiserating on the crazy approach hike to this location. While it wasn’t too far from the parking lot, it WAS fairly steep and some ladies made the treck in high heels which seemed absolutely insane. They did tell us to wear the appropriate attire but I suppose, like myself, they thought it would be on more even ground. Anyway, I had flip flops on, Will on my chest and was wearing a  long ass skirt that i kept stepping on so between trying to find good footing, not falling on my baby and not de-pantzing myself, I was a little flustered. However, we did find a good place to hang out and then began waiting for the bride (Steph) to arrive.

After about 45 minutes of waiting and mingling, we noticed dark clouds rolling in to our left. On top of the rock, the guys were looking a little weary. Wouldn’t it be nice to be struck by lighting on your wedding day? Not only that but we were given these little paper binoculars to see to the top so we assumed that Steph would be climbing up to the top as well which would most likely take 5-10 minutes and she hadn’t even arrived yet. Suddenly the wind started picking up and we began to feel a couple drops of rain…just as we saw Steph walking down the sidewalk to make her way up to the rock. Within a couple of seconds the weather went from little rain drops to big ones and then to full on hail. It was coming down fast and we were soaked within a matter of minutes. Steph made her way up to a smaller rock on the side of the big one and Jared repelled down and gave her a quick kiss for a photo op and then it was every man for himself. People scattered everywhere trying to get back down to their cars or the vans and it was hilarious. I needed help from Tommy and Kevin to not trip and fall and kill my poor baby so it took a little time but Kevin saved our butts and offered up his car for shelter. We all hopped in but were absolutely soaked.

We made our way back up to the campground and it was pouring rain. After getting Will some food we went and gathered under the veranda with all the other people and Steph told us we were going to eat first to stay warm and then after that they’d probably try the ceremony again. Meanwhile, I was freezing and wet and trying to warm up but to no avail. After about an hour and a half, the food was finally ready and we had some good eats. So at about 7:30 or so, it was time for a second try. We all sat down and watched the two sweethearts finally say their vows. It was short, sweet and beautiful. Then for the first dance. The DJ played some kind of Russian song and the bride and groom tore up the dance floor. It was absolutely amazing to see Steph move around like that in her wedding dress! After dancing, the cake was cut and we ate some red velvet deliciousness. By that time however, Tommy and I were pooped and said our goodbyes and made our way back down the mountain.

This wedding was the coolest one I think I’ve ever been too. Maybe that’s not saying much since I can count the number of weddings I’ve attended on one hand, but Steph and Jared were absolute troopers after getting rained out and demoralized – they just kept rolling with the punches and smiling the whole time. It was a fun atmosphere and we got to catch up with a lot of good people we hadn’t seen in a while. Even though we got soaked and were cold for most of the night, the company was great and it was a lot of fun to see our buddies start a new chapter together.