kindergarten teachers, for goodness sake. We don’t act glass windows of the church sanctuary as Julie married like that.” her partner of 10 years, Edwin Maisonet. A singer Which is not to say things weren’t stressful in the performed “Ave Maria.” Julie’s voice trembled as she wedding planning department. Julie is her father’s spoke her vows, her lace train spread elegantly across daughter, Pat says, strong-willed and determined to do the altar. Afterward, guests headed to the reception things her way. The one thing that kept most of the while the wedding party posed for photographs. family drama at bay was the memory of their other daughter, Julie’s older sister, Jennifer Jones, who was killed There’s no swearing, but no shortage of drama, as a in a car accident two years earlier. family of diehard USF fans plan a real Bulls wedding. “A lot of things were put on hold after that,” Pat said. “Our Bulls family really helped us through that tragedy.” Then it was time. Julie understood that this would be Art’s only In a last-minute change of plans, the wedding party opportunity to walk his daughter down the aisle. scurried out of the sanctuary to a nearby field, carrying They reached a compromise. Julie chose “clover” helmets, pom poms and assorted Bulls paraphernalia. and “sunshine” (green and gold) for her colors. The They had less than half an hour to get to the new groom’s cake had a USF theme. Art went to work beachfront reception hall before the sun set, a sight cutting the Astroturf runner, borrowing USF helmets Julie and Edwin were determined to share on their and pom poms, getting necessary clearances from wedding day. USF for the “Bridezilla” tapings. The new plan was a Julie channeled her inner Bridezilla to get the “mock wedding” to be held in the church sanctuary show on the road. The bridal party quickly donned immediately after the real ceremony. their gear; the couple walked the Astroturf aisle and Does any wedding ever go off without a hitch? exchanged International Bowl rings borrowed from USF First, Julie discovered that the dress she had bought a Athletics. As they turned to leave, Art threw out a red year earlier was ruined by an incompetent seamstress. flag, indicating that he wanted to appeal their decision. Then the reception hall cancelled because of the Julie stood stoically while referee Jason Hubbard “Bridezilla” video releases. Personalities clashed and ducked beneath the black hood of the mock camera. tension rose as the May 1st wedding date neared. “The play on the field stands!” Hubbard shouted, to “Anytime you get a group of people together, not the cheers of the bridal party, before they sprinted for everyone will see eye to eye,” Julie said diplomatically. the limos. “I told them all to be on ‘Team Jux’ and it will be fine, “Bridezilla” cameras were there to film it all. Look for the show to air sometime in the late summer. but trust me, some have to be reminded whose team they’re on.” And when you see Art at Homecoming, please say Afternoon sunlight streamed through the stained “Congratulations!” to the father of the bride.
Newly married Julie Jones Maisonet urges her wedding party to hurry up with the Bulls wedding so they can get to the reception before sunset. JULY 2010 | ALUMNIVOICE
15