Let's see -
The pre-wedding stuff:
- Ryan and I drove down to Florida the week of the wedding. We left Tuesday afternoon and stopped over in somewhere Georgia for the night and then finished up the rest of the drive the next day. We stopped in at Vero to visit Ryan's grandparents and then ended up at my parents' place late Wednesday night.
- Thursday was filled with last minute meetings with vendors and lots of shopping and then lots of assembling of out of town bags, goodie bags, favors, etc...
- Friday was filled with even MORE last minute items before heading down to Delray for the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner
- While I think we definitely cranked out a lot of stuff while still in Indiana, we probably could have used one more full day in Florida
- Ryan and I couldn't figure out why our rehearsal was set for 3:30pm. Then day of, we realize its because we had a lot of shit to bring over the day before, unload, and set up what we could (i.e., the chuppah)
- Of course we didn't start on time and when you have the wedding party, plus my family, plus Ryan's family...and not to mention rain showers and really big wind gusts from Hurricane Sandy...it takes a bit :) But it all worked out and we rehearsed.
- Next up, the rehearsal dinner! I'm so thankful that Max's Harvest was able to accommodate us inside their restaurant instead of the previously arranged patio/garden seating area. Turns out the weather held up and it would have been ok weatherwise outside, but I'm still happy that we were indoors, dry, and all together and happy.
- I loved being at the restaurant with family and our closest friends. And I love that Dave and I wore matching color outfits without even planning it. Best Twin Ever. And he gave a great speech too...even got me teary eyed! Love you, Dave!
- I really tried to listen to all the brides who have gone before me who said to enjoy the day because it goes so quickly.
- Got up early and had some breakfast at the hotel restaurant...sadly didn't get to eat most of it since the makeup lady showed up super early! Beats being late though! If I had one gripe about the day, it would be the access situation. I understand the need to limit access to the top floor, but it would have just been easier if they let anyone and everyone up to our floor instead of having to have someone go and get them at the lobby!
- Then it was hair and makeup time for the ladies! We chatted, had some mimosas, and had lunch (publix subs!), before getting dressed and ready for my first look and pictures. First look on the balcony, then some beach shots, then on the trolley to the Morikami for some more pictures.
- Of course I said that I would NOT be a bride that had a late start to the wedding. Well, guess what...I'll eat those words. I was late...only because we couldn't get across a busted bridge to take pictures that I wanted. Instead, we had to wait for golf carts to drive us the 7/8th of a mile around the park to get to the bamboo garden. After that, the threw all the family pics off schedule too. SO...with that, I became a late wedding start bride. But ya know what? I don't care...those pics were so worth it :)
- What else about the wedding day? I couldn't have been happier with the weather. The weather cooled off (best it could for Florida) and there was no rain (that I saw), a breeze, and clear skies...and a full moon too!
- I loved our personal touches. All the hard work we put in really paid off in my book. Even if people didn't know we slaved over things, I did and I love the sentimental aspects of everything. It was everything I envisioned...
- For the most part...inevitably, we forgot a few things...ok, more than a few, but ya know...it was fine. I kept saying, we planned for 100% and forgot like 25, but we still had 75% and that was a-ok with me!
- The speeches...I hadn't thought much about the speeches and who would say what, but I have to say...everyone knocked it out of the park.
- I'm so proud of my dad and his speech. I thank Dave for helping him write it, but for my dad to go up there and say the things that he did in the manner that he did, I'm one lucky gal! Wah eye nee, bah bah!
- Katie - who knew that was going to be SUCH an amazing speech. So many heartfelt things that I never knew, but totally appreciate and will always remember. Love that girl!
- Andrea - knew it was a wild card with her...actually not really, she knows her audience. But another heartfelt speech that I truly loved. Such beautiful sentiments and great memories. And some pretty good Chinese too.
- George - Such a sentimental but entertaining speech from the best man. Loved the advice and will definitely remember it and keep it close to our hearts.
- First dances -- Ahhh...so happy I didn't trip or fall or stutterstep during my dance with my father. So happy we had the opportunity to dance a waltz together! Mine with Ryan -- again, happy I didn't fall! Or get too dizzy on the spins :-) I'm glad Ryan leads so well! And Ryan and his mom's - happy they got to relive their dancing days! And Susan and my dad even had a dance thrown in there too. Who knew my dad had those kinda moves?!?
- So thankful to have had so many of our friends travel from out of town to make it to our day. It meant a lot a lot to us to have each of you there!
- Love my family and so happy that they were all there and that they've embraced Ryan
- Blessed to have found so many amazing vendors who helped make our day special
- Truly blessed to have Ryan officially as my husband!
