The headlines have moved on, but for awhile this summer the hottest topic was The Eclipse.  As it turned out, our little community was in the path of totality and people arrived here in droves.

Our town prepared for many months for this great influx of people.  Stores, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs stocked up as best they could.  Town folks were encouraged to stock up as well in case stores sold out or we couldn't get through heavy traffic.  Parks and businesses spruced up to look their best.  It reminded me of when I lived in Idaho years ago and Cycle Oregon came to our town.  It was population 380 with 2,000 cyclers expected for an evening and overnight stay.  Individuals and civic and church groups tackled projects up and down our little main street.  It all got a face lift and even the few fire hydrants got new paint.  It was fun then, as it was recently, to be a part of pride in community and helping to host a community-wide event.  I ventured to town the weekend before the eclipse to take in a vintage market and have lunch at one of the local restaurants.  The mood was joyous and festive.  Things didn't turn out the way many of us anticipated but it was still fun and amazing.  

Similarly, but on a much smaller scale, it's fun to be a part of the planning and execution of a wedding.  From a vendor's point of view, networking is so very important to the success of a wedding where many colleagues coordinate happily with the goal of producing a breathtaking wedding.  And, just as in the planning of most events, things don't always turn out as planned.  Fortunately, even the unplanned moments are beautiful and memorable, fun and amazing.