Peace Corps Love - The Binzer and Bri Wedding

One week after the hen party, and as soon as work ended that Friday, I was in my car again going north for a union of friendship and love.

The trip, one I had driven and loved, after hours became one of frustration, nerves, and tiredness, brought on by being pulled over for speeding (of which I got out of as #1 - I was the 3rd Amanda to have been pulled over, #2 - I was going to a wedding, and #3 - let's face it, the cute factor had to be part of it), then missed my exit for the next highway, adding miles onto the drive, and then ending with tricky roads (there were NO markers or reflectors anywhere) and a down-pouring rain that threatened to get the best of and pull me over.

When I finally and oh-so-thankfully made it to the lodge, the rain still pouring down, I ran in, the long drive immediately washed away as I thought of what I was there for. Everyone asleep except for some stragglers, I made my way to my room, wished the fireplace was as easy as flicking a switch, and tucked myself into bed.

The next morning I awoke to Naniboujou Lodge, each rounded corner unfolding one of the most unique places I had ever seen.

That morning family and friends trickled into the lounge area, introductions made or familiar laughter shared over cups of coffee, then breakfast. I hugged and talked with Lindsey, Brian, and the other Peace Corps people that had traveled far and wide for the event, not to mention family members and friends that I was finally meeting after countless stories shared while in China.

With the day already rolling, a group of us dressed for the outdoors, and joined Brian and Lindsey on their pre-wedding hike.



The views were wonderful, the scent of pine relaxing, the laughter of friends, heart-lifting. Everyone talked and caught-up with each other, most of us not having seen each other for a year or two, then meeting and getting to know Lindsey and Brian's friends for the first time. For me, the best part of the hike was watching my two friends, my Panzhihua family, just hours before their wedding as they shared jokes and looks of love.

Back at the Lodge, the trio, as picked by the couple, got together to rehearse for the first time a song to be sung during the wedding. I think it is fair to say that nerves were high, as the performance at that point lay only hours ahead, but we went at the practice with gusto. We laughed nervously at mistakes and asked to go back time and time again, Cimino (Bri's friend from home) on guitar and singing with Emily and I. In no time we even seemed to have surprised ourselves with how good we sounded and I was relieved by Bri's "That sounds good!"



With practice deemed over for the time being, I talked with Lindsey's mom and soon jumped in on the preparations for the reception. Lindsey grew up loving rock candy and so after being shown by her mom, I put the sticks into arrangements of sugary crystals of color which would later be put on all of the tables. I had never seen or heard of decorations so personal and fitting.

With time running even faster now, I headed upstairs and readied myself for the event. While getting ready, I wished that there had been more time, as I had wanted to be there with Lindsey like I had been for their wedding in China. All too soon people were filing downstairs, the music group climbing into my car to make its way to the event that we all came for.



The church, traditional and old, was the idealic setting to house such a love and union.

Upon entering the church, the trio being a few of the first there, practiced our song once more then sat down. Soon all of the guests, the witnesses to Lindsey and Brian's lives, came into the church one by one. The small church, each pew soon packed, seemed to be brimming with a feeling that at the moment I couldn't put a finger on.

A friend of theirs rang the steeple bell, its toll ringing out to announce the couple's big day and the beginning of the new life they would soon forever share. The processional music of violin and guitar then started, and sisters, then Lindsey were walking down the isle, causing tears to well in countless eyes.


The ceremony started and before long the trio was up at the front of the church, Cimino introducing the song with each strum. I sang 'Oh Happy Day', starting out low and quiet, as I tried to steady my nerves. I looked at Lindsey and Brian as I sang to them, the best gift I could give - a piece of myself coming from every part of my heart. As Emily sang, and then Cimino and I joined in followed by the rest of the people in the church, it was then, through the clapping, Lindsey's tears and her and Brian's smiles as they watched us, lights seeming to beam from inside each and every person as I looked out at them, that I understood what that feeling was. Love - all encompassing, the kind of which lifts people up. I could feel it as I watched everyone, the love that radiated from everyone's smiles, that was worn on everyone's sleeves, for Brian and Lindsey. It was intense, awe-inspiring, and could make anyone a believer. Feeling that much love in one place for two people and SEEING it was the most spectacular thing.


Listening to Lindsey's, then Brian's vows, brought about tears and laughter from everyone, their thoughts and love shared with each other, promises for what their life would be together, witnessed by all that loved them.


I loved watching the mothers', having pitchers of water from both the couples' homes, combine the water into one, representing the union of not only their children, but their families.


Ta-da! Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin!


Back at the lodge, we all sat down to pictures of Brian and Lindsey from their lives together as we ate, drank, and celebrated the marriage of two extraordinary people.


The Peace Corps ladies.


Brian and Lindsey's Peace Corps family.


Lindsey and Brian twirled, spun, and danced together for their first dance and all through the night.


They weren't the only ones dancing! As Linds likes to say, 'Mandski's out!' I danced non-stop, at one point even clearing the floor with A.Z., as we stomped and jumped our way through 500 Miles.

Everyone, from the parents, grandparents, siblings, to the friends, danced, the happiness tangible.


The night kept going with dances to Thriller and O.A.R. and didn't stop till 4am!


I couldn't be happier - me between my Panzhihua family.

Lindsey's parents and a few other people said how great they thought it was that I was there, had made the journey several times up to see them. I said thanks, knowing in my head it had never been an option. Having been lucky enough to have seen their love from the start, I wouldn't have missed.