Marriage of Nikki Maybin and Andrew French

My youngest 1^st cousin (though older than me), Nikki, and her fiancé, Andrew, were married on Saturday, October 16.  The weekend started with the rehearsal at St. Andrew’s Friday evening, which I didn’t need to attend, so my parents and I went to the Winery at Wolf Creek, where we met the wedding party for dinner.  The food was good and scenery outside the window (leaves turning colors and falling off the trees) was very peaceful.  Fortunately, Father Tarsis was able to donate the extra food to the homeless.

On Saturday, the wedding ceremony was held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Barberton at 3:30 pm.  Cousin Krissy served as matron of honor and Andrew’s brother, Doug, served as best-man.  Two of Andrew’s friends ushered and four of Nikki’s friends read passages.  It lasted about 45 minutes and included a few humorous moments.  I remember Krissy’s daughter, Kate, laughing when Father Tarsis talked about wishing for 60 years of marriage and hoping his hip (which he was scheduled to have surgery on) would be better by then.  Even a two-year old knew a 61 year old wouldn’t be alive for that long from now!  After the ceremony, Nikki and Andrew walked around to the pews to dismiss the guest.  Everyone went outside to blow bubbles as the newlyweds walked out of the double doors of the church.

The reception was held at the Akron Art Museum at 6pm.  The Ohio St-Wisconsin game (which we would all rather forget about) was on during the reception, so the DJ made periodic announcements on the score.  The DJ played “Hang on Sloopy” and everyone on the dance floor shouted “OH” and “IO.”  Kate was having about as much fun as anyone.  The married couples dance was interesting to see, as they leave the floor in opposite order of their marriage duration.  Grandma Maybin has both a brother and sister who were married for 60 years who made it to the end.  I danced several times, although I’ve lost a few steps since I was in high school since I rarely dance these days.  I tried to say hi to everyone there that I knew, which was quite a few people.  It was a very fun evening.