October 4

Not going to lie...I am tired again. I suppose that's what 3.5 hours of sleep will do to a person. However, I need to over all the events of yesterday and today. So, may as well start off.

Yesterday began with a breakfast with Brandon, his family, and friends/groomsmen. I hadn't been to Bob Evans in a long time, so it was good to grab an early morning meal. Those pancakes...wow. I can NEVER finish them all. Hell, I had a hard time finishing half. Regardless, it was a good time with plenty of laughing (as always). It was then time to run some errands for Brandon and drop of a surprise to the bride-to-be. Myself, Ryan (who had gotten married a couple weeks ago), and Matt drove to Edible Arrangements to pick up a fruit piece Brandon had bought for the girls. We then took that and a card to the hotel they were staying and acted as his personal room service. My camera was rolling the entire time, so I definitely got the trip to the door, the surprise on the faces of the ladies inside, and the expression on Laura's face when she read the card and realized that a trip had been planned for the soon-to-be-newlyweds next week in Northern Michigan. A "fall tour" so to speak. Good way to start the morning. Matt then headed back to his place to change while Ryan and I drove to Oliver T's to pick up some "beverages" for the limo. A decent amount was purchased and, by the end of the ride later that day, only two bottles remained. Those guys are a fun time. Haha. Anyway, Ryan dropped me back off at my car and I headed home to change for the rest of the day.

I arrived to the church early. So early, in fact, that only one other groomsmen - Ryan - was there. He helped me carry my equipment inside where I started setting up and getting some extra B-roll. Donnell soon drove in and we had a quick meeting before the rest of the guys got there. As soon as more vehicles started parking, it was time for pictures before the girls got there - which happened sooner than expected. As we were walking outside to start the limo pulled and in Brandon IMMEDIATELY ran back in and headed toward his room in the back. A funny sight, but it all ended up working out. The girls ran to their room, the guys went outside and snapped some pictures, the guys gathered into the limo and drove around while the girls took their pictures, and all went by without a problem. Funny additional note, during all of this the Michigan/Michigan State game was being played. So throughout the pictures and prepping everyone was checking their phone, texting, calling friends - getting updates anyway they could. By the time the groomsmen got back it was nearing the end of the 4th quarter and Michigan was trying to send the game into O.T. I was in the limo for their final drive when they scored the TD and got reactions from everyone. As soon as I stopped recording there was a bit of swearing and a thought of, "REALLY, MSU? You're going to do this to me AGAIN!?" But I couldn't react too much given that EVERYONE (besides myself and Matt) were rooting for U of M. Flash ahead a little later: As I was walking out of the girl's room after finishing up with some prep-shots, I heard someone whisper my name. I turned to my right and it was Matt, with his fist in the air and a big smile. I asked what had happened and he said MSU had scored a touchdown in O.T. and won. I just smiled. It was a good day.

The wedding itself went by without a hitch. The sound was great, I could actually USE my camera, and the ceremony was short, sweet, and to the point. During a slide show I even had a chance to get some great reaction shots from the bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, and, of course, Brandon and Laura. Before we headed out to the reception more pictures were taken which meant more filming, including B-roll shots of the church's exterior, interior, etc. There was enough time left over to pack everything up and get in our cars to follow the wedding party, too. Everything was right on schedule.

At the reception hall (Davison Country Club) a few more pictures were taken before everyone was introduced. True to form, and despite suffering a hard-fought loss earlier in the day, the just-married couple ran in to the Michigan fight song. It was great. You could imagine all of what happened next. Thanks all around, speeches, food, etc. I will say that, instead of cake, there was wedding pie, and lots of it (about 4 different flavors in all). In fact, I really enjoyed this fall themed wedding. Carmel apples were given to every guest at their table, the decorations were as such, and, at around 10, they brought out the cider and donuts. Oh man...SOOOOO GOOD!!! You have no idea. Mmmm.

The end of the night was filled with more dancing, more pictures, and a nice final shot of Brandon and Laura walking out to their car and leaving for the night. I drove home, exhausted, and realizing that I had to get up at 5:15 the next morning for the Buy.

Speaking of the Buy, it was a long but easy day (as always). As soon as I got out I headed to Gander Mountain to pick up a present that Matt had got for the wedding. Today was the day that the newlyweds were going to be opening their gifts from the night before. I arrived with a present of my own and Matt's in each hand. I will say those two made out very well. Very well. After we loaded all of the stuff in a few cars, we headed out to their apartment (the opening took place at the parent's house) to drop everything off, then out to dinner for some Pizza. Once we got back from all of this, we watched Sunshine Cleaning and hung out for a bit. The movie was OK, but Brandon and Laura ended up passing out half-way through it. Those two do have THAT in common - the uncanny ability to fall asleep at any time. Once the film finished everyone said their goodbye's and headed out. I drove over to Brad's house for the replay of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Great episodes this season, so far. The first of the Seinfeld series. WOOO!!! After a few games of NBA Live 09 I got home and passed out myself. It was worth it. Such a great weekend. One more wedding in two weeks and that should be about it.

NBA Live 10 on Tuesday. It's as good as bought. Speaking of the NBA, first preseason game for the Pistons is on FSN tonight against the Heat. I'm the only person I know who gets excited for pre-season games, but I just want to see how our young players/rookies look. I know I shouldn't get my hopes up in a rebuilding year, but I still think Detroit can do some work in the Eastern Conference. I will say, though, that a lot of teams improved, including the Wizards. Watch out the Washington.

Tigers won on Sunday as well, which means that Tuesday our playoff hopes are on the line. It's going to be our rookie, Rick Porcello (14-9), against Scott Baker (15-9), IN Minnesota. This is going to be a tough game. I can't wait. Wow, Tuesday will be a busy day.

Where the Wild Things Are,
B