CLEMSON TACKLES CHARLESTON, SC!

Hello All,

So, the journey south continues.. This time, I found myself in Charleston, SC for a big time Clemson affair!  Brad and Amy's wedding!  As soon as I rolled into town, there was one thing on my mind.  Other than the wedding that is.  WAFFLE HOUSE!    My longtime pal and college roommate, OC, picked me up from my train hopping jaunt from Virginia and off we went.  Waffle House is heaven in the form of waffles and hash browns available 24/7.  Delicious.  From there, I began to prepare for a weekend of absolute chaos. After all, I was about to spend a weekend with about 20 Clemson Crew guys.  That typically means epic proportions of fun, combined with a moment or two of uncertainty as to whether or not everyone will survive.  This weekend proved to be exactly that.  

Friday, we had a great night at Brad and Amy's rehearsal dinner.  This was held outdoors at a really cool public park on the outskirts of Charleston.  Plenty of great food and libations for all.  Combine this with catching up with folks I had not seen in years, a few playful brawls, hunting for alligators, and some pretty women, and I'd call it a great night.  

Saturday, we all made our way over to Sullivan's Island to hit up the beach for the day.  Gosh, beach days in October really strike my fancy.  I could get used to this.  

Saturday night was the wedding!  Brad and Amy crushed it at the church.  Amy, you looked so very pretty.  Brad, you looked so very lucky.  Together, you two looked perfect!  Shortest wedding ceremony of the season!  Solid effort there!

The wedding reception was a site to be seen.  I took to the dance floor with my partners in crime, Adam and Adam.  These guys know how to work a wedding dance floor like no one I have ever seen.  Total domination!  Bless the bridal party/family and friends.  I don't think they had ever seen anything like the 3 of us in their lives.  3 guys.  No rhythm, but also, absolutely no fear to let loose and go wild.  We danced like our lives depended on it from beginning to end.  Diving off chairs.  Bouncing off walls. Sacrificing our bodies in honor of the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Brad Friebel!  I am fairly certain that nobody of the opposite sex felt comfortable dancing within 10 feet of any of us.  Shockingly, the three of us are single.  No idea how that is possible...

Today I was lucky enough to spend the day with my dear pals OC and Tayler!  We made it to brunch in a locale with no shortage of tall blondes in New England Patriots jerseys ( no complaints), followed by a trip to see the new bride and groom, and ended the afternoon with a trip to Home Depot!  Unfortunately we didn't have time for Bed Bath & Beyond. What a day!

Anyways, I am rambling.  Charleston and I have a love affair.  I love love love this place.  Brad and Amy's wedding was a blast and I just hope they are still friends with me after my criminal behavior on the dance floor.  I expected to have an amazing time with the Clemson Crew, and it lived up to the billing and then some.  What a wedding! 

Finally, I want to thank OC and Tayler for the incredible hospitality they have shown me during my time in Charleston.  Tayler, I am so lucky to have you as a friend.  OC, you are so lucky to have Tayler as your wife.  Tayler, sorry for having to put up with me this week, and for having to put up with your husband everyday for the rest of your life.

Mark/Chops

PS.. Brad and Amy, I have no doubt you two are headed for great things in life.  Each of you in your own right are a man and woman for others.  You each do it all to bring happiness into the lives of many.  With each other, you have found your equal.  

PSS.. Thanks for the brownies Miss Marsha! and Elizabeth Ann, how did we not get a picture for the blog??!!??  Frown.

HELLO CHARLESTON!

WITH THE BRIDE AND GROOM!  CONGRATS GRAMPS AND AMY! 

FIRST STOP IN THE DIRTY SOUTH, WAFFLE HOUSE WITH MY MAN OC!

JOE GRISWOLD FOLKS

THE MAYOR OF EASLEY, SC - DERRICK DBOMB SIMPSON

PROM PICTURE WITH BRIDE TO BE! AT THE REHEARSAL DINNER!

BRAD PUTTING THE MOVES ON HIS SOON TO BE BRIDE!

SULLIVAN'S ISLAND, CHARLESTON

MY HOST IN CHARLESTON.  99% ANGEL.  1% THUG.  THE BEAUTIFUL TAYLER!

CLEMSON CREW!!

67% OF MY COLLEGE ROOMMATES!  NATE AND OC.  

JOE GRISWOLD FOR A SECOND TIME.  WHY? BECAUSE  I LOVE THIS GUY.

MORE CLEMSON CREW!! MO, CLINT, AND GWA!

BRAD AND AMY, FIRST DANCE!

CLEMSON PHOTO! LOOK UP HIGH.

C'MON! WHO DID YOU THINK WAS GOING TO CATCH THE GARTER?  WITH THE GROOM, GRAMPS! AWESOME PHOTOBOMB BY AB!  DRESS SHIRT DESTROYED!

MY ROOMMATE IN CHARLESTON. SAY HI TO BANKS!

SOME HOW THIS LED TO....

THIS! CAUGHT IN THE ACT BY TAYLER!  HOW MANY CLEMSON GRADS DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL A CEILING FAN? WE COULDN'T DECIDE IF WE WANTED TO BREAK OUR LEGS OR GET ELECTROCUTED.  WE TRIED FOR BOTH.

The Future Is No Place To Place Your Better Days