Shotguns, Weddings, and a Cabin in the Woods: Southern Hospitality and a New Addition to the Family

I flew out last weekend to Memphis, Tennessee, to go to the wedding of my cousin. I was expecting to have a very pleasant time and enjoy a nice little wedding.

I wasn't expecting to be deep in the woods, in a cabin by the lake.

I wasn't expecting such incredible hospitality.

I wasn't expecting such an incredible ceremony, a unification of two different countries, cultures and traditions.

And I wasn't expecting to meet such wonderful people, and to make friends I hope will last a lifetime.

The weekend began on Beale Street in Downtown Memphis, the one from the song "Walking in Memphis"- that was all that was running through my head as I took in the sights, sounds and smells of this famous road. That song also happens to be one of my favourite songs, because it's the only one I could ever sing reasonably well at SingStar.

I met my cousin, his fiancee, and some fellow groomsmen and bridesmaids at the Hard Rock Cafe, where we all went for a meal. If you don't know this about me, I've made it a mission of mine to visit as many HRC's across the world as I can. In fact, I have made a blog post about it, when I went to the newest addition in LA.  Anyway, the Cafe in Memphis was a really classic one, perfect for representing such an iconic music town. A whole upstairs of memorabilia dedicated to the King! Better still, they took us all backstage so we could go on stage with some guitars and a drumkit! It made for a great picture of us all!

After a great meal, it was off to Moscow, TN. a small town an hour away from Memphis. And by small, I mean the nearest shop was 30 mins drive away! One main road, stretching for miles and miles. To say it was out in the sticks is an understatement. And yet, it was perfect.

It was perfect because of the hospitality we received there. Grammy and Granddaddy, or Mai Ida and Maynard, Michelle's Grandparents, opened up their wonderful home and land to the British Invasion. They live in a stunning house at the end of a beautiful winding driveway. It's huge, but homely at the same time. We were all welcomed at the door and immediately treated like family. The Stiles' were such wonderful hosts, grandparents, and parents, Lee Ann and Trey, and together they orchestrated a phenomenal weekend.

I mustn't forget Uncle Joe either. He lent us his cabin for the weekend. And boy, what a cabin it was. These were the instructions we were given to get there.

"You turn left at the corner of the cornfield. There's a gate that's padlocked, here's the key for it. Then drive along the field until you get to the railroad track. You must stop here, turn the radio off, and wind both windows down. There's no barrier, so look and listen both ways for a train. The crossings on a curve so you won't see anything coming until its upon you. It's a really narrow crossing, be careful you don't fall off the edge. Drive along the track through the woods, into the big field, and you will see the cabin. Be careful you don't fall into the lake!"

And that was that. The cabin was perfect for the groomsmen, a little bachelor pad for Jon's last couple of days of freedom! Cards, beer, and Ice Pops! All set to a backdrop of deer, bobcats, raccoons and ducks mounted on the wall. The setting was idyllic, as some of these photos show, a beautiful lake to frame the landscape.

Friday dawned, and all the boys went into Memphis pick up our wedding suits. Dressed to the nines we paraded around the shop ensuring everything was a good fit. Laughing and joking, we then had a pizza lunch, and drove home with classic rock blaring on the radio, rocking out American style.

As if that wasn't enough, we then did something really "American", or at least to Southerners anyway. We went shooting. Only in the backgarden (which includes acres of forest) but still. We used a small rifle, with the smallest, least powerful bullets, but it was shooting nonetheless. We all thoroughly enjoyed it, but probably wouldn't do it again any time soon. I should clarify that we were shooting at a target, not animals, despite Maynard's story about how he enjoyed watching armadillos jump into the air when shot at!

After the rehearsal dinner and a night of poker, wedding day dawned. Bright and early for Adam and I, as we got up especially to see sunrise. After more cards and a quick round of golf, and then various organising, we suited up. It was roasting in our morning suits, at 2.30pm, but we all looked the part. Very sharp indeed. Off to the house for photos, and hiding Jon from the bride, and then, Wedding Time!

 



 

What a ceremony it was. I don't want to go into too much detail here, I think that's best heard in person. Needless to say, it was perfect. Michelle looked stunning, Jon was impeccable, everything ran smoother than possible (baring the train blasting through midway through a hymm!). It was like no other wedding, unique in every way. Every one said they'd never been to anything like it; gorgeous setting, funny, beautiful, emotional.

And it was emotional, or I found it to be so anyway. I don't know what came over me, I never expected to get all teared up, not at all, but it happened. A combination of things, but it just hit me. My big cousin Jon getting married on such a perfect occasion to such a beautiful bride. He couldn't be luckier. My deepest, sincerest congratulations to them both.

 

They've hit the nail on the head with transatlantic relationships, and united families and friends from both sides of the pond. A great big family, spanning oceans. It was wonderful to be part of something so special.

There's lots more stories from the wedding, but I'll let them be shared in person before I perhaps write about them on here!

A word of note on being a Best Man: It isn't all fun and games with the bridesmaids, with just a little speech to give! And the rings are the least of your worries, so long as you don't need to carry vaseline and icewater with you to ensure they fit! Lots of organisation, mastering of ceremonies, and making sure everything runs smoothly is in order. If the groom forgets something or needs something, its all down to you! Even if that means a rendezvous in the airport before the honeymoon!

Oh and, keep that speech short! Sorry about the length of mine everyone!



 

Comments

[Adam Peters]

Ben this is brilliant!!! A perfect explanation of all that occurred. Not too vague, but never too much detail so it gets dull. And a great range of photos to top it off!!! Looking forward to seeing you again at the UK celebration.

[Linda Fuson]

Ben, such a sweet remembrance of such a beautiful weekend! You said it so beautifully. It was such a pleasure to meet you all. We have talked and talked about what wonderful manners you all had. Hope you all made it home safely. Linda Fuson (friend of Lee Ann's from Nashville)

[Ben]

Aww well Thank You Linda! Thanks for taking the time to read! I think we've all had safe travels so far, and I hope you did too. Here's hoping we'll all meet again soon!

[Connie Woodham]

Ben, I loved reading your description of everything! We enjoyed so much meeting yall of you that came from England! As you said, the weekend and wedding were beautiful and wonderful in every way. We do hope to meet you again one day - maybe in England when we visit Michelle and Jon!

Connie, Andrew and Drew Woodham (Michelle's cousins from South Carolina)

[Ben]

Thank you Connie! Thanks so much for reading, it was such a pleasure meeting you! I'm actually in SC right now, in Myrtle Beach! Flying home on Saturday though. It would be so great if we could all get together again soon! You're always more than welcome in England.