So we piled in the limo and headed to Martindale. I'm still not sure if it had sunk in yet that yes, we were married. When we got there we stayed downstairs for a while and tried to get some pictures. I'm not overly optimistic that any of them will be any good. It was raining and crappy and I just wasn't feeling it - but we'll see.
We went upstairs and our DJ immediately came out and got ready to introduce us. He lined us up and it was awesome. The bridal party walked into the Eye of the Tiger song and Pat and I got introduced to Shipping up to Boston by the Dropkick Murphys. People loved it! My Aunt Jackie said her favorite part was our introduction and when I raised my bouquet in the air.
From there we went right into our first dance. We chose Corey Smith's song "First Dance" and it was perfect. You probably haven't heard it - but you can do a search for him on youtube or facebook and hear it. It's worth it and perfect for our fall wedding! We did an abbreviated fox trot and I guess I'm glad we did that rather than just sway back and forth. I don't think we looked super professional or anything, but I hope we didn't look like fools.
After that we sat down to eat. The head table was served by the waitstaff and everyone else was dismissed to get food table by table. The food was delicious - what little I ate of it. I was too anxious to get up and talk to everyone. I let Pat have a few bites and then I dragged him around to the tables. This wasn't planned, but it just felt right.
Once we were finished with that I danced with Dad. He had chosen a Paul Anka song to dance to and then Pat and his mom danced to a Kermit the Frog song - The Rainbow Connection. Two groomsmen also went to get his aunts and danced with them during it as well - it was planned and cute.
After that we had open dancing for about an hour. I was SHOCKED how many people were out on that floor, it was seriously rocking. Everyone was just having such a blast, I was thrilled. People were drinking and laughing and dancing and it was just great.
We cut the cake after about an hour and we were nice to each other - no smashing for us! People tried to egg us on, but we weren't having it. The cake was delicious! We only got the one bite, but later in the night I had one of the waitresses find us each a piece so we could enjoy some cake and down time.
After that we just danced, danced, danced. We wound down around 9:30 and that was long enough considering the ceremony was at 2pm. I think if it was a nicer night people might have stayed later, but it was raining so we didn't get to use the deck that I was excited about. I hardly noticed, I promise. Nothing was getting me down that day...and there were certainly a number of things that went wrong!!
We didn't have a car at the reception so my parents drove us to the hotel, even though we were both stone cold sober. Once we got to the hotel I just crashed. We had a ton of friends staying there though, so we hung out with them for a while. But when you're sober and tired and everyone else is drunk it just isn't that much fun.
Pat and I went back to our room, lit the fire and got in the jacuzzi. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day.
**If I'm forgetting anything or you have questions or want clarification just leave me a comment!**
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Wedding part two
So on the limo finally showed up and we got in to head to the ceremony. I was sitting sideways and I'm not sure if it was car sickness, or hunger, or nerves or what, but I got a little sick. I think it was a combination of the three. Addie luckily had some water and I was able to calm down.
When we got to the church and saw the parking lot I got very emotional. I actually said "wow, all these people are here for us". It was overwhelming - more than a normal Sunday mass and it choked me up. I started seeing all the cars of all of our friends and family and I got so excited. Luckily nobody could see us in the limo.
Eventually Mom had to get out and see what the status was. At that time Pat's mom came over to say hello. She told me that she had a moment with Pat a few minutes before and she had made him cry. The church doors were open so I could see the groomsmen and I was getting so excited!
It seemed like before I knew it I was getting out of the limo and into the entryway of the church. It was so surreal. I saw Pat across the way so I rushed off to the side. I had the girls fluff out my dress and attached myself to Dad's arm. I saw Pat walk down with his best man and the priest and he looked very emotional. I was shocked that I didn't lose it!
Soon the music started and the mothers were being sat. Next it was the bridesmaids turn and then it was just Dad and I. We were both adamant that we weren't going to cry. It was tough! The music started in and we entered the church. I remember seeing everyone stand up and I was a little overwhelmed. I remember seeing Kenny & Carla and Addie's parents and then I looked at Pat. He looked so handsome standing up there.
We reached the front of the church and Dad was kissing me and shaking Pat's hand and then he put my hand in Pat's hand. It was so sweaty!! I have never felt him have sweaty hands before. He was a little emotional, but we didn't have much time to enjoy it. The priest said a few words to us to calm us down and we were off!
The ceremony was wonderful. Erica and Pat's dad did our readings and Father Murray did an awesome job with the homily. When it came time for vows, Pat messed his up a little and I basically forgot mine. Father Murray needed to prompt me a little and I think my voice broke a little. I also know that I wasn't very loud, it's hard to say those sacred words loudly!
The rings were on, the first kiss happened, the blessing was next, communion was fast and we were married! I can't wait to see the ceremony pictures because it was such a blur to me. While I was totally in the moment during the reception I really thought the ceremony flew by. A total blur. But I wouldn't have had it any other way. I thought it was perfect.
Before I knew it we were walking down the aisle and people were clapping for us. We did a quick receiving line in the narthex, but it went by really fast. I really enjoyed seeing everyone right then, although it did feel a little rushed. I think I was just reeling from it all.
After the receiving line we did some pictures in the church, but we didn't do enough. I wish I had been more organized with the pictures. See, I thought we were having two photographers so they'd be all over everything. Then we ended up with one and I should have been more organized to ensure everything was covered. We did get one with Pat's Mom's side of the family, but no other big wedding party pictures. We also got VERY few full wedding party pictures and that's sad. I would have liked a few more. My brain just wasn't in it.
Next it was off to Martindale for the reception! Stay tuned for part three!
When we got to the church and saw the parking lot I got very emotional. I actually said "wow, all these people are here for us". It was overwhelming - more than a normal Sunday mass and it choked me up. I started seeing all the cars of all of our friends and family and I got so excited. Luckily nobody could see us in the limo.
Eventually Mom had to get out and see what the status was. At that time Pat's mom came over to say hello. She told me that she had a moment with Pat a few minutes before and she had made him cry. The church doors were open so I could see the groomsmen and I was getting so excited!
It seemed like before I knew it I was getting out of the limo and into the entryway of the church. It was so surreal. I saw Pat across the way so I rushed off to the side. I had the girls fluff out my dress and attached myself to Dad's arm. I saw Pat walk down with his best man and the priest and he looked very emotional. I was shocked that I didn't lose it!
Soon the music started and the mothers were being sat. Next it was the bridesmaids turn and then it was just Dad and I. We were both adamant that we weren't going to cry. It was tough! The music started in and we entered the church. I remember seeing everyone stand up and I was a little overwhelmed. I remember seeing Kenny & Carla and Addie's parents and then I looked at Pat. He looked so handsome standing up there.
We reached the front of the church and Dad was kissing me and shaking Pat's hand and then he put my hand in Pat's hand. It was so sweaty!! I have never felt him have sweaty hands before. He was a little emotional, but we didn't have much time to enjoy it. The priest said a few words to us to calm us down and we were off!
The ceremony was wonderful. Erica and Pat's dad did our readings and Father Murray did an awesome job with the homily. When it came time for vows, Pat messed his up a little and I basically forgot mine. Father Murray needed to prompt me a little and I think my voice broke a little. I also know that I wasn't very loud, it's hard to say those sacred words loudly!
The rings were on, the first kiss happened, the blessing was next, communion was fast and we were married! I can't wait to see the ceremony pictures because it was such a blur to me. While I was totally in the moment during the reception I really thought the ceremony flew by. A total blur. But I wouldn't have had it any other way. I thought it was perfect.
Before I knew it we were walking down the aisle and people were clapping for us. We did a quick receiving line in the narthex, but it went by really fast. I really enjoyed seeing everyone right then, although it did feel a little rushed. I think I was just reeling from it all.
After the receiving line we did some pictures in the church, but we didn't do enough. I wish I had been more organized with the pictures. See, I thought we were having two photographers so they'd be all over everything. Then we ended up with one and I should have been more organized to ensure everything was covered. We did get one with Pat's Mom's side of the family, but no other big wedding party pictures. We also got VERY few full wedding party pictures and that's sad. I would have liked a few more. My brain just wasn't in it.
Next it was off to Martindale for the reception! Stay tuned for part three!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Wedding Recap #1
The days leading up to the wedding were insane. Between getting everything to Martindale and trying to get everything done I was just exhausted. I think I was running on pure adrenaline.
On Friday we needed to bring the last load of stuff to Martindale and set up the candy buffet. They failed to tell me there was a meeting at 3pm in our room so we had to rush and get it done before then. After that we rushed home to shower before the rehearsal dinner (RD). I was supposed to meet my bridesmaid, Deb, at the hotel before the RD, but there wasn't any time for me to check in. She checked in for me and then we scooped her up on the way to the rehearsal.
Of course people were late to the rehearsal and that ticked me off. I don't know what is so difficult about planning ahead, but some people just don't get it. The rehearsal was nice. Father Murray did a great job of having everything organized and it ran very smoothly. Everyone understood their jobs and it was great.
After the rehearsal we went over to Espo's for the dinner. Mom had made Pat an ambulance cake and it was pretty cute. Everyone got a kick out of it and it tasted great. The dinner was awesome, food was excellent. Pat loved his gifts (socks for cold feet, bailey's for really cold feet, a compass to find his way to the church and a Citizen watch so he wouldn't be late). He gave me a 32GB itouch that I love! Our bridal party loved all their gifts and we quickly thanked everyone for being a part of our day.
Unfortunately Pat's groomsmen seemed to want to stay and drink (on us) so we had to kick them out eventually. I needed to get back to the hotel to sleep! I was staying at the hotel with Deb and Pat was staying at the condo. He stopped by the hotel and it was actually sad saying good night to him. Before he left we practiced our first dance in the courtyard, it was pretty cute.
Deb and I stayed up until around midnight and I actually slept pretty good that night. I think exhaustion had set in! I woke up around 6:30am and then finally got out of bed around 7am. Of course my sister called to tell me she was running late meeting us for our hair appointments. We arranged just to meet her at Orbit Salon.
We got to the salon and everyone started getting all beautified. My sister didn't end up being late at all, which was good. I thought she was just going to get her hair done as a blow out, but she ended up with an updo. I'm not sure the person listened to her and that's my only complaint with the salon. It seems that they heard "wedding" and automatically thought "updo" and did what they wanted without listening to anyone. I didn't like Mom's hair so we had to tame it down at the hotel when we got back there. However, after three discussions with my stylist (Hillary) we finally got on the same page and I liked my hair.
Back at the hotel it was kind of chaos. The photographer missed the hotel (although I'm not sure how that was even possible since it's huge). Mom couldn't figure out how to lace me in, not entirely her fault since she had never done it by herself before. But she screwed it up twice, which really delayed us. Dad showed up on time, but I wasn't ready. I then realized the limo wasn't there, so I had Deb call Pat to find out about that. He had confirmed the limo the day before, but when he called that morning they had a pickup time of 2:30 instead of 12:30. Talk about pissed!
So once I was dressed I had to get in the back of Mom & Dad's car to head to Martindale. I debated about skipping going there, but we couldn't do pictures at the hotel since Pat was there getting ready with his groomsmen and I needed to drop off the scoops for the candy buffet.
At Martindale we took some group pictures and made sure everything was being set up properly. It looked great and I was very happy with everything. I hope we got some good pictures there, despite the rain. However, I couldn't relax because of the limo. They assured us they would be there (Martindale) to take us to the church, but time was ticking and I was stressing. I made Deb call one more time and luckily they had just driven by the road and were turning around.
What is with vendors that don't have good directions??
Ok, that's part one. I'll continue with the ceremony next!
On Friday we needed to bring the last load of stuff to Martindale and set up the candy buffet. They failed to tell me there was a meeting at 3pm in our room so we had to rush and get it done before then. After that we rushed home to shower before the rehearsal dinner (RD). I was supposed to meet my bridesmaid, Deb, at the hotel before the RD, but there wasn't any time for me to check in. She checked in for me and then we scooped her up on the way to the rehearsal.
Of course people were late to the rehearsal and that ticked me off. I don't know what is so difficult about planning ahead, but some people just don't get it. The rehearsal was nice. Father Murray did a great job of having everything organized and it ran very smoothly. Everyone understood their jobs and it was great.
After the rehearsal we went over to Espo's for the dinner. Mom had made Pat an ambulance cake and it was pretty cute. Everyone got a kick out of it and it tasted great. The dinner was awesome, food was excellent. Pat loved his gifts (socks for cold feet, bailey's for really cold feet, a compass to find his way to the church and a Citizen watch so he wouldn't be late). He gave me a 32GB itouch that I love! Our bridal party loved all their gifts and we quickly thanked everyone for being a part of our day.
Unfortunately Pat's groomsmen seemed to want to stay and drink (on us) so we had to kick them out eventually. I needed to get back to the hotel to sleep! I was staying at the hotel with Deb and Pat was staying at the condo. He stopped by the hotel and it was actually sad saying good night to him. Before he left we practiced our first dance in the courtyard, it was pretty cute.
Deb and I stayed up until around midnight and I actually slept pretty good that night. I think exhaustion had set in! I woke up around 6:30am and then finally got out of bed around 7am. Of course my sister called to tell me she was running late meeting us for our hair appointments. We arranged just to meet her at Orbit Salon.
We got to the salon and everyone started getting all beautified. My sister didn't end up being late at all, which was good. I thought she was just going to get her hair done as a blow out, but she ended up with an updo. I'm not sure the person listened to her and that's my only complaint with the salon. It seems that they heard "wedding" and automatically thought "updo" and did what they wanted without listening to anyone. I didn't like Mom's hair so we had to tame it down at the hotel when we got back there. However, after three discussions with my stylist (Hillary) we finally got on the same page and I liked my hair.
Back at the hotel it was kind of chaos. The photographer missed the hotel (although I'm not sure how that was even possible since it's huge). Mom couldn't figure out how to lace me in, not entirely her fault since she had never done it by herself before. But she screwed it up twice, which really delayed us. Dad showed up on time, but I wasn't ready. I then realized the limo wasn't there, so I had Deb call Pat to find out about that. He had confirmed the limo the day before, but when he called that morning they had a pickup time of 2:30 instead of 12:30. Talk about pissed!
So once I was dressed I had to get in the back of Mom & Dad's car to head to Martindale. I debated about skipping going there, but we couldn't do pictures at the hotel since Pat was there getting ready with his groomsmen and I needed to drop off the scoops for the candy buffet.
At Martindale we took some group pictures and made sure everything was being set up properly. It looked great and I was very happy with everything. I hope we got some good pictures there, despite the rain. However, I couldn't relax because of the limo. They assured us they would be there (Martindale) to take us to the church, but time was ticking and I was stressing. I made Deb call one more time and luckily they had just driven by the road and were turning around.
What is with vendors that don't have good directions??
Ok, that's part one. I'll continue with the ceremony next!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I've been a bad blogger. :(
The weeks leading up to the wedding were just insane. I was so busy with all kinds of last minute projects that I never had time to do much other than wedding stuff. Work was also insane because we were purchased two days before the wedding.
However, now I am home. The wedding is over. The honeymoon (Royal Caribbean cruise) is over. Both were beyond amazing. The wedding was perfect and better than I envisioned and the cruise was a ton of fun, couldn't have been better.
So now what? Back to the real world. No more wedding projects. No more planning. No more travel preparations.
I still need to officially change my name. Hopefully I'll get to that soon. We're in the process of figuring out what to do with our money. Once we looked everything over we have more than we thought we did (a nice problem to have).
So I'll try and update more and be a better blogger.
However, now I am home. The wedding is over. The honeymoon (Royal Caribbean cruise) is over. Both were beyond amazing. The wedding was perfect and better than I envisioned and the cruise was a ton of fun, couldn't have been better.
So now what? Back to the real world. No more wedding projects. No more planning. No more travel preparations.
I still need to officially change my name. Hopefully I'll get to that soon. We're in the process of figuring out what to do with our money. Once we looked everything over we have more than we thought we did (a nice problem to have).
So I'll try and update more and be a better blogger.
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