Man Plans. God Laughs. And Mother Nature? She Howls.

A Nor’easter, an outdoor wedding, and a very good reason to leave the umbrellas at the door.

Dear Mother Nature,

You still laughing? You enjoyed this, didn’t you? Rolling up your sleeves and tossing out a Nor’easter that hit smack dab in the middle of my sister’s outdoor tented wedding on the ocean? I bet you’re still doubled over, guffawing at us knuckleheads who showed up and got a little wet.

But here’s what you didn’t expect, lady: We had an absolute, all-out blast.

In the days and hours leading up to the shindig, we listened to the politicians’ warnings and watched the weather reporters brave the elements. We got calls from guests bailing, understandably, while friends emailed with tales of their own blizzard weddings, saying that a wet wedding is a good omen.

And though the whitecaps were visible on the waves in Cape Cod Bay and the rain came down sideways just minutes before the ceremony began, when the bride entered the tent — looking stunning, with the largest smile on her face — the crowd of family and friends leapt to their feet, clapping, tears in their eyes, relieved she'd made it.

From one woman to another, I know you can be strong willed, and that’s great. But here’s what you don’t know: my sister has a stronger will. She and her groom were determined that the show must go on. And since I was a part of the show, I went on too.

The tent was staked into the ground six ways to Sunday. The sides held tight, billowing in and out from the wind gusts. And the many large, clear plastic windowpanes gave us a front-row seat to your spectacular show. But get this: no one was watching.

Our eyes were on the bride and groom, looking beautiful and happy and dry. Their words were as clear as their intent. (We were in a tent. No pun intended.)

Sure, my hair got a little wet and looked a little less polished, and my brown silk dress was paired with Chukka rain boots (which were the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn to any wedding, so thank you for that), but I still danced and ate and enjoyed the evening

Sure, we prepared like crazy. We bought large umbrellas, loads of bath towels, even warm cozy socks for guests, but once we came to terms with the fact there was nothing we could do about the weather, we decided to simply enjoy ourselves. The band played. The food was served. The drinks were poured. And, for one magical night, nobody cared that you, sweet Mother Nature, howled outside.

I had been considering putting in a request to you for good weather with a list of upcoming commencement and bat mitzvah dates, but after this wedding, I realize you’re going to do what you’re going to do.

And I respect that. But I also know that regardless of what you’re going to do, we’ll still have an ass-kicking good time.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go wipe down my rain boots.

With love (and a slew of golf umbrellas),

P.S. Friends got us through this by sharing their own blizzard-wedding stories. Now I want yours. Tell me about the time the weather tried to ruin your plans and lost.

SONG OF THE WEEK

Dear Mother Nature by Brainheart