Back in Lawrence

This last weekend, I went to a wedding in Lawrence, Kan. It was a return to my college town and to my life back in Kansas, partying with friends from both high school and college and even making late-night runs to the same pizza spot I enjoyed for so many years. (And we got it for free!)

Of course, it was also a weekend to appreciate all the fabulous venues in this charming little, Jayhawk-loving town. First was the wedding ceremony at Clinton Lake Overlook Park. It was a true-to-Kansas spot, set in a field under oak trees, overlooking (as its name suggests) Clinton Lake. Luckily, the trees and a much-needed breeze provided an escape from the balmy 103-degree day for long enough to enjoy the ceremony. Afterwards, drinks were provided in one of the two shelters available for up to 100 guests.

The wedding reception was then held at Liberty Hall, a longtime favorite theater of mine, where I’ve seen countless bluegrass shows and danced until my feet hurt with the same people in attendance. And this night was no different. The couple hired bluegrass band Oakhurst to play for guests after we ate catered barbecue from Oklahoma Joe’s, a Kansas City favorite. As soon as the bride changed into a more bluegrass-dancing-appropriate dress (and wedding guests, myself included, ditched their shoes), the party really got started and didn’t stop until the Liberty Hall staff informed us it was time to leave.

Next up was a post-reception cocktail with the bride and groom at The Jayhawker in the 48-suite Eldridge Hotel across the street (which also has 4,247 sq. ft. of meeting space). When they called it a night, several of us ended up back at the six-room Runaway Pony Bed & Breakfast, which we had rented for the night. There we ate some leftover barbecue and discussed the day’s events before bed.

All in all, it was great to be back in Kansas, dancing (and eating barbecue) with the people I love. Congratulations to Jill and Ty Martin!

—Jessie Fetterling

For more information on planning an event in Kansas, read “At the Heart of It All” from our April issue.