In this case, we do need to turn around.

We all pile into the limo and we're ready to go.  With me are my parents, my brother Joe (aka, bro of honor), my cousins jr bridesmaid and flower girl and Jake.  We pull away from the hotel and I play with the radio station, as my dad is talking up a storm to Jake.  Jr bridesmaid is looking out the window and flower girl is taking in the sights of her first limo.  

 this is such a cool picture. I saw it, loved it and knew that Jake got us.

I look at my mom who is sitting next to me and I ask "you have the rings, right?"  Can you guess her answer?

She gasps like a deer just ran out in front of her while she was driving and her hands fly up over her face.  Everyone snaps their heads in her direction.  Joe fills them in and the adults are shocked.  As for me, I'm perfectly fine.  I don't think I could be that calm on a normal day but nothing could really freak me out that day.  We tell the driver to turn around and I text Richard to tell him my mom forgot the rings.  I still have his response: "Yikes. Ok no worries.  It'll all start on time."

Joe says he fufilled his duties as bro of honor by running up to the hotel room to get the rings.  He was just as calm as me, but he usually is anyway.

We made it to the church in time, thankfully.  We were the ones with the programs, flowers...and the bride!

We gathered in the bride's room where we met with our priest a couple times.  MIL & SIL were already in the room when we got there.  Our florist Patty was there as well to give flower girl her flower basket.  Snag #2...she wanted a bouquet and literally threw the basket down with all the force she could muster.  My dad, standing next to me said, I told you that you shouldn't have involved her.  My only bridezilla moment was when I looked at him and told him that it was my decision and he needs to stay out of it.  Glad Jake was taking pictures of the church at this time.  


A few minutes later, the woman making sure our ceremony came in the room and said it was time.  Everyone lined up and I was about to make my way through a doorway from the rectory to the church but someone said the name Richard and I immediately backed up and hid behind a tall set of filing cabinets.  When we were given the all clear, we lined up by the door.  I was arm in arm with my parents already, watching everyone walk down the aisle.  Nicole was standing there next to us and she saw my mom starting to get emotional.  She handed her a little package of tissues so she had something to cry into when she reached the pew.  That girl thought of everything.  I was in awe of her all day.


I couldn't wait to walk down that aisle to my groom.


xoxo

Let the recapping begin!

But where in the world to start?? I guess we will begin with the rehearsal if that's ok with you. :)
(Also, this is a picture heavy post...which I suppose is what recaps really are, right?)


We were very lucky to have a short rehearsal at the church. It wasn't completely drama free though. We had some car trouble after the rehearsal (in the rain, no less) but we got to Portillo's eventually to have a great time with everyone.


I knew from the beginning that I wanted our rehearsal dinner at Portillo's. Not only because Richard & I go there any chance we get but because it holds a special place in his family's hearts. I'm still so grateful that we were able to have our rehearsal dinner there with our nearest and dearest. We were also lucky to get some pretty good pictures of the party from my friend Hilary of Hope Photography as well.

speaking of Hilary, here she is with her husband and us. We both married engineers! :)

In this next picture, you will see a person who was a huge, gigantic help to us during the days leading up to and day of our wedding. I'm 150% sure that things would have gone wrong and I would have had a breakdown if not for Nicole from Niche White! :) (and of course, her husband who was awesome too!) She kept me in check when I needed to be reeled back in, she made sure that everything went smoothly...she did everything she could for us and I think she is an amazing person.

it's amazing what twitter can do. :)

bride & groom

best shot of me with my bffs ever.

the groom with his future in laws. I adore this picture because I can feel the love.

Richard made a really good speech. (for real, everyone said aw a lot and even his best man said "I need to use that!")

After Richard spoke about how grateful we were that everyone was there with us, we passed out some presents to our bridal party.

I always wrap my brother's gifts with VS bags

I got her books too but...I'm so glad we have this picture. :)

Of course, we took a moment to practice and take some family pictures as well.

bro of honor, bride & parents of the bride

groomsgirl, fog, bride, groom & mog

It was a really fun time, as you can tell by now I'm sure. After the party, Richard & I hung out in my hotel suite, in amazement that the day was almost here. We talked and at about 11:58pm, he left to go to our apartment. I'll be honest with you...I totally cried when he left.

He called when he got home and we talked for a while. We decided after one that we should try to get at least some sleep. We happened to sleep pretty well that night, luckily. I think that's a good sign, don't you?? :)

xoxo

Thinking about Rehearsing...dressing up!

The past few days I've been discussing the rehearsal dinner with my fmil...which of course makes me think of what I should wear to the rehearsal dinner.

Should I dress up even though I'm going to be dressed up all day the next day? I like the idea of taking advantage of wearing white. :)

ooh pretty pretty


you know I love ruffles

this style is adorable

There are so many options which is amazing but also very, very confusing!

xoxo

dream reception music

I'll admit that I've always dreamed of my favorite singer or band performing at my wedding reception. Of course the choices have changed over the years but right now I'd be happy with either Andrew McMahon (Something Corporate/Jack's Mannequin) or Hanson. (Don't hate. Both are awesome.)

Can you imagine your favorite artist taking the stage for the biggest day of your life? Now I'm very excited about my dj but to see one of the above people take the stage at my reception would pretty much just make the wedding day that much more surprising.

This at my reception? I'll take it!

um heck yes!

Of course in this reception of my dreams, Andrew would be singing MFEO, Heroine, Spinning and all of my favorites. Hanson would be showing my family and friends I am not a nerd and getting everyone out on the dance floor (until they play mmmbop because surely I'd be the only one jumping up and down).

My djs (who I still think are totally awesome) are going to have a lot to deal with. :)

xoxo