WARNING:: This post is very heavy laden with pictures! But come on, how can you talk about a wedding without pictures?!
My wedding was seriously all that I could dream of. It was the most perfect day ever. I know a lot of brides have said this but nothing went wrong. Or at least not so terribly bad (cut finger & blood) that I look back on it in horror.
Our rehearsal day was great. A little chilly but I dressed up in a nice looking dress for the church anyway. We had to leave early for Luke & I missed the marriage license appointment on Tuesday. In Illinois there is a 24 hour waiting period so we HAD to get it on that Thursday. We showed up 10 minutes early yet they still wouldn't see us until 2 pm when the appointment was. We had to answer questions and sign papers and then take an oath. I didn't know about the raising hand and oath part!
We headed up to the church, got there early and had ice cream in Rockton at the Dairyhaus. Then up to the church were my dad was already there with some family. the rest arrived with only 1 groomsmen late. We practiced all that we had to stand at the altar and the order how everyone would walk in and how Dad & I walked down the aisle (a little too fast in rehearsal). No words were repeated in the rehearsal but I kinda wish I could have at least practiced it. Ordinance was a bit of a mouthful for me.
Afterwards we had friends & family gather at Luke's brother's house (right down the road from our house) for a pizza & pool party. Unfortunately, the weather was still chilly with no sun but Brian had the heater turned up to 90 in the pool. The kids loved getting in the pool after dinner. The pizza was the best part though! Woodfire pizza with homemade dough! They had the wood fire oven right in the driveway and it was great watching them cook the pizza. they made every single kind they could and had a menu where you could order your own pizza if you wanted something they haven't made yet. And for dessert, Luke's mom made THE cutest sugar cookies; racing shirts and shoes! And also Yellow Submarines out of Twinkies! I'm a BIG Beatles fan and so is she!
I played host for quite a while, flitting between my family, Luke's family, and different sets of friends. I had lots of beer but not a lot of food. But I enjoyed myself immensely. I never stopped smiling the entire night!
On wedding day, we awoke to spitting rain. It was originally to start with Luke & I running 6.07 miles but I wanted to sleep instead of waking up at 5:30 am. So that was skipped and my maid of honor & her boyfriend met me at my house at 8 am where we then drove up to the reception hall to start decorating. I directed people with the vision that I had in my head and it worked out perfectly. I made some last minute Tulle Poms the week of the wedding and the looked great floating from the branches above the tables at the dinner. Unfortunately the first "uh-oh" happened at that time. I was poking a hole in a ribbon with scissors and totally sliced my finger on my left hand. I bled a lot and it hurt a lot. Luke's mom provided this big bandage to cover it but I knew I would have to take it off for the wedding.
After the reception was decorated, I had to leave early for my hair & makeup. The sun was poking out by then! Yay, soon be clear skies! My maid of honor again took me back there and we got right to work. I had 2 of my 4 bridesmaids come with me and their appointments was at noon. I bought them lunch at Subway next door which Melissa was very nice to pick up for me. AND then she was awesome that she purchased my hair & makeup for me! I can't believe it! I was NOT expecting it, so thoughtful and much appreciated!
Back home where those 2 bridesmaids and I got dressed. The photographer was already there taking pics of Luke, who was upstairs hiding from me. I slipped into my dress and removed the big ugly bandage on my finger and put some New Skin on it. BUT problem! My dress was too big! I had lost weight in the 3 weeks since I had my last fitting where I was complaining about it being too tight! AHHHH!! And because it was loose, the dress was longer than it should be. Good grief. Luke had his brother-in-law show up to help him into his suit which made Luke feel better that it wasn't just him, Luke's brother also stopped by real quick as well. We did a quick shoot where Luke was below me at the exposed basement and I was above him on the deck yet we haven't seen each other. That was fun!
Then we headed off to Rock Cut for our first look again with 2 of my bridesmaids, Megan & Melissa, by my side. The sky was completely clear by that point and loads of sun and started to get warm. Luke got there first and headed on down. Our videographers arrived at that time as well. I started to tear up, not because I was about to see Luke but because Megan & Melissa was there. I couldn't even tell them how much I appreciate them being there with me, I felt so much more at ease because of that. I teared up at the first look, it was so nice. He got to see me in the dress and I got to see him in his tux and a nice slim fit tux too! I kept fiddling with his tie & pocket square so my mind would be preoccupied and not thinking of this emotional charged moment and ruin my makeup! The tux fit him perfectly. We had a small photo shoot there and then off to the church.
I headed right downstairs after peeking in to the sanctuary first. We arrived just an hour before the ceremony started but not enough time to get any photos taken beforehand and just enough time for me to start pacing back and for nervously and for me to start breathing hard. I was shaking & sweating I was so nervous. NOT about marrying Luke but about being in front of ALL THOSE PEOPLE!!!! And I knew I was going to cry, I just knew it so I was nervous about that too!
I heard the music start! I hired a co-worker to sing & play Beatles love songs before the wedding. I was so happy to hear it. The girls were downstairs with me and the kids as well. My Dad sometimes came down too. I saw my flowers finally and was figuring out how to hold them. I got a cascade bouquet that was tied to a Bible. My mom carried a bible down the aisle and now so did I! Loved it! Then a couple friends of mine & their daughter was downstairs. She smoothed something out of my veil and then when I was talking with my hands I looked down at my finger and I had blood all over it! AHHHH! I looked down at my dress, where my finger touched my thigh at my side, there was blood, where I lifted up my dress under my arm had blood. I must have broke the New Skin loose on the beading. Jess being the great mother she is, had baby wipes in her backpack and they went to town on my dress and got it all out! Whew! Then a new band-aid was put on the dress so unfortunately, I still had to wear a band-aid in the ceremony on my left hand of all things.
We went upstairs to line up. The bridesmaids walked in first according to height and to the song "Here Comes the Sun." Then the flower girls walked in and then the ring bearers holding hands and holding the sign that says "Uncle Luke, Here Comes Your Bride" walked in and then my brother closed the door to hide my Dad & I. We discussed that we must walk slow because of the song and it's a short aisle. Then I heard the music changed to "Something" and it was our turn! I had this huge smile on my face and I had to keep slowing Dad down and making sure his arm was low enough so my bouquet was low as well. I had my eye only on Luke standing up on the platform so he could see me. Then I lost contact with his eyes and started looking at everyone and that's when my chin started to quiver and then I got near the end of the aisle and saw my sister-in-law tearing up and I started to tear up more but I turned the corner and saw Luke and I calmed down right away. We had to wait for 30-45 seconds while Tim found a good place to stop with his song and music. I loved standing there with that song playing. I was still in my Dad's arm. My bouquet was really heavy.
The pastor asked who gives this bride away and my Dad said I do and we kissed on the cheek, he shook Luke's hand told him congratulations and then it was just Luke & I. We stood at the bottom for the first part of the ceremony. Our reader and my longest friend from college read a poem (children's book really) called "I Like You" and it was a perfect reading. Then we were told to walk up the steps to say our vows & exchange rings. I teared up during the vows part, my voice squeaked, I had to whisper some of it, I had to catch my breath. During the exchange of the rings though I was fine, not as emotional. Then we faced our guests and they promised to guide us through our marriage so it was at that part that I got to see our friends & family and smile at them and make eye contact. I saw several women wipe their eyes which was a relief to see because it wasn't just ME doing that then!!!! :) We had a final blessing in which we kneeled so that was lovely. Then we kissed & introduced as Mr. & Mrs. Jeanmaire (I'm not really taking his name but I was ok with being introduced as that)!
We walked down the stairs and Tim played "All You Need Is Love" and we headed straight up to ring the church bell. None of the guests knew we were going to do this until we caught someone's eye up there and then the rest of the congregation turned around to watch. The music was playing and we pulled really hard but couldn't hear ringing but the bridal party was near the front door and they heard it. It was really for the town to let them know that a wedding took place.
Then Luke & I came down to go outside to the Ice Cream Cart to have some ice cream and encourage the rest of the guests to do so. We hugged and talked and enjoy the sun and weather. Did some pictures with our families at the church inside and then one BIG family photo on the stairs with both his side & my side. I love seeing that one! Then the big moment. Our Horse & Carriage arrived and we had them go down into the street so that we could exit the church with the bubbles the guests were blowing and go right into the carriage. We popped champagne before we left and had 2 glasses in the hour ride over to the church. I was very thankful for that time with my new husband, because at the reception, he was over there talking to those folks and I was over here saying hi and thank you to these folks and yada yada and then pictures so we couldn't quite enjoy being a newly husband & wife by ourselves but the carriage ride allowed us to have that time. And the weather was great for it. All sun, so warm I didn't need his jacket.
We hired the horse & carriage for 2 hours so when we got back to the reception place, Williams Tree Farm, there was enough time to give rides around the parking lot to other guests as well! The kids loved it! While that was happening, it was cocktail hour inside and the bridal party was outside near the waterfall area taking pictures. It was great time, everything was good.
Luke & I left the whole reception during the cocktail hour to have Just Married shots. We drove way out to the back of the farm and had some really nice lovely pine tree shots. Oh my. Those are so wonderful to look at. So magical and ethereal! Luke of course ran out there behind the car because there wasn't enough room for all of us! Driving back, we got to see how many people were enjoying the animals outside. Yep, reindeer, emus, dogs, ducks, even a camel! That's exactly what we wanted, people to not be stuffed inside the building but enjoy the grounds and the weather!
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Then inside for introductions. The first of our Running theme wedding started. The bridal party was introduced to the song I'm Yours by Jason Mraz and then the Best Man, Luke's brother Brian & my Maid of Honor, Melissa held up a FINISH line banner that I just painted on the Wednesday before. The song Eye of the Tiger started to play and we held hands and burst through the Finish line for the finish our wedding and the start of our marriage!
Other decorations included race bibs for the table numbers, race descriptions for those races, Gatorade bottles for the centerpiece vases, I crocheted little hearts for the guests, I sprayed votives with lines around them. I created cupcake signs for the flavours.
We had a sweetheart table to make sure that our bridal party could sit with those that they came with instead of splitting them up. And that was when I could fully look around and see the decoration with the people sitting in it and our dessert table all set up with our cupcakes, our Memory Table looking fabulous, the signs were all in the right areas. I could see the photo booth all set up and where the DJ was at. On our table was appetizers that they saved for us, yay! I loved the mushrooms, I wish I could have had more though! And then the event coordinator asked if we wanted our dinners plated or if we wanted to stand in line as well. I wanted mine plated (I was afraid I would trip and spell it all over me) but Luke went up to get his.
We told the DJ that we wanted people to sing a song, any song, to get us to kiss. My Dad took the first plunge and he practically leapt out of his chair at the microphone. He sang a song that I remember so often from my childhood, "You Are My Sunshine" and then I teared up for that and we kissed. During the dinner a few others sang songs as well. Luke's sister Carrie, rounded up a bunch of little kids to come over and sing "Old McDonald Had A Farm" which was the CUTEST thing ever to see & hear! We had to kiss for each child that was up there singing.
The best man & maid of honor gave their toasts and a little dinner was eaten. It was all a vegetarian dishes so no meat! But no one complained about the eggplant or the vegetable lasagna. The vegetable gratin & the artichoke dip went over so very well! We even had a Kids Buffet that had Mac & Cheese & fruit at it because well, what kid do you know that likes eggplant? Dancing was soon happening by the kids who were done eating fast. Then Luke & I tried to make it around to all the tables but unfortunately, it was all too soon for our photographer to leave and we hadn't even done any of the dances yet! So I had to grab Luke and tell the MC that we're ready for our first dance.
We had some private lessons and worked up a choreographed dance for a specific song. We practiced and practiced and practiced. Unfortunately, we didn't practice in my dress! My heels kept catching on the back of the dress even though it was bustled! But we did all the turns at the right spot, he dipped me at the right spot and our last and final dip, he kissed me as he was supposed to and it was magical! We heard clapping and hooting behind us so it was just as it was supposed to be.
My dad was nervous about dancing with me for the Father/Daughter dance so I asked him a while ago if he would be willing to invite other Father/Daughter couples out there halfway through the song. He liked the idea and so did Luke's mom for the Mother/Son dance. So we let the DJ/MC know at our meeting the week of the wedding and they made the announcement before the song so couples could prepare to get out there. And while dancing with my Dad, I enjoyed it being just him & I but when I looked around and then saw the other Father/Daughter couples out there, swinging the little girls around or dancing with their adult daughters, it warmed my heart so much. I loved being surrounded by love, if that makes sense. The Mother/Son dance happened just the same way and it was great to be standing around with the rest of the guests watching it all happen.
The anniversary dance was next, the first announcement they made was those married less than 24 hours. Luke & I were booted right away! The "winners" of the dance was 49 years and his aunt & uncle! The actual winners were a couple sitting at a table, not dancing. We're guessing they've been married for over 60 years as they're in their 90's now, Luke's great-uncle & great-aunt.
After that we were called back onto the dance floor where a surprise was waiting for us. Then the "Harlem Shake" song came on. Luke & I holding hands were just standing around and we started to jump to the song and then I turned around and there was someone in a Motorcycle Helmet dancing with a stick pony between his legs. I quickly realized what was going on as I helped create a Harlem Shake meme video at my college with a bunch of the kids. Sure enough, when the music changed beat, a bunch of people came out started dancing around acting all crazy. That's when I noticed the original guy in the helmet was Luke's quiet, reserved father and it was the rest of his family. Just a beat after that I realized they were wearing our running t-shirts and even Luke's Batman under-roos! I was laughing so much I couldn't dance. So it was such a surprise. They broke into our house before the wedding to get the items!
Of course my lovely Wolverines had to do the YMCA dance. They called us up there and we stood in front of the DJ and did our choreographed number for the YMCA. It was great all of us being up there!
Then I think we just had open dancing after that. Twist & Shout was first up. That got people moving & grooving! We had a few fast dances to get everyone out there. Then a slow song happened and Luke went to dance with me, we swayed 2 times and then his father cut in! It was so unexpected and nice! A few more hours of the dancing happened and before the 11 pm bell rang, I decided to have the DJ play the last dance while people were still there. The Long & Winding Road by The Beatles. After that they decided to "one up" me and played 500 Miles which was a nice upbeat song to end to.
We didn't do some of the traditional items, no bouquet toss, no garter belt, no dollar dance. So I think that made it go by a lot smoother & fun, more dancing happened! Our Photographers stayed way later than they were to be and we are so appreciative of all that! The dinner ran long so we didn't start dancing until long after we were supposed to!
I am the type of person that doesn't like to have attention thrown on her. But that day, I didn't mind being the center of it all. I felt beautiful, my dress (even though it was loose), my hair, my makeup, everything was lovely & perfect. And my handsome sexy husband, the one who compliments me perfectly in all things was looking really dapper that day too! The people around us loving us and having a great time. I really appreciate it all. I can't thank them all enough or my father for helping me give the wedding of my dreams!
My wedding was seriously all that I could dream of. It was the most perfect day ever. I know a lot of brides have said this but nothing went wrong. Or at least not so terribly bad (cut finger & blood) that I look back on it in horror.
Our rehearsal day was great. A little chilly but I dressed up in a nice looking dress for the church anyway. We had to leave early for Luke & I missed the marriage license appointment on Tuesday. In Illinois there is a 24 hour waiting period so we HAD to get it on that Thursday. We showed up 10 minutes early yet they still wouldn't see us until 2 pm when the appointment was. We had to answer questions and sign papers and then take an oath. I didn't know about the raising hand and oath part!
We headed up to the church, got there early and had ice cream in Rockton at the Dairyhaus. Then up to the church were my dad was already there with some family. the rest arrived with only 1 groomsmen late. We practiced all that we had to stand at the altar and the order how everyone would walk in and how Dad & I walked down the aisle (a little too fast in rehearsal). No words were repeated in the rehearsal but I kinda wish I could have at least practiced it. Ordinance was a bit of a mouthful for me.
Afterwards we had friends & family gather at Luke's brother's house (right down the road from our house) for a pizza & pool party. Unfortunately, the weather was still chilly with no sun but Brian had the heater turned up to 90 in the pool. The kids loved getting in the pool after dinner. The pizza was the best part though! Woodfire pizza with homemade dough! They had the wood fire oven right in the driveway and it was great watching them cook the pizza. they made every single kind they could and had a menu where you could order your own pizza if you wanted something they haven't made yet. And for dessert, Luke's mom made THE cutest sugar cookies; racing shirts and shoes! And also Yellow Submarines out of Twinkies! I'm a BIG Beatles fan and so is she!
I played host for quite a while, flitting between my family, Luke's family, and different sets of friends. I had lots of beer but not a lot of food. But I enjoyed myself immensely. I never stopped smiling the entire night!
On wedding day, we awoke to spitting rain. It was originally to start with Luke & I running 6.07 miles but I wanted to sleep instead of waking up at 5:30 am. So that was skipped and my maid of honor & her boyfriend met me at my house at 8 am where we then drove up to the reception hall to start decorating. I directed people with the vision that I had in my head and it worked out perfectly. I made some last minute Tulle Poms the week of the wedding and the looked great floating from the branches above the tables at the dinner. Unfortunately the first "uh-oh" happened at that time. I was poking a hole in a ribbon with scissors and totally sliced my finger on my left hand. I bled a lot and it hurt a lot. Luke's mom provided this big bandage to cover it but I knew I would have to take it off for the wedding.
After the reception was decorated, I had to leave early for my hair & makeup. The sun was poking out by then! Yay, soon be clear skies! My maid of honor again took me back there and we got right to work. I had 2 of my 4 bridesmaids come with me and their appointments was at noon. I bought them lunch at Subway next door which Melissa was very nice to pick up for me. AND then she was awesome that she purchased my hair & makeup for me! I can't believe it! I was NOT expecting it, so thoughtful and much appreciated!
Back home where those 2 bridesmaids and I got dressed. The photographer was already there taking pics of Luke, who was upstairs hiding from me. I slipped into my dress and removed the big ugly bandage on my finger and put some New Skin on it. BUT problem! My dress was too big! I had lost weight in the 3 weeks since I had my last fitting where I was complaining about it being too tight! AHHHH!! And because it was loose, the dress was longer than it should be. Good grief. Luke had his brother-in-law show up to help him into his suit which made Luke feel better that it wasn't just him, Luke's brother also stopped by real quick as well. We did a quick shoot where Luke was below me at the exposed basement and I was above him on the deck yet we haven't seen each other. That was fun!
Then we headed off to Rock Cut for our first look again with 2 of my bridesmaids, Megan & Melissa, by my side. The sky was completely clear by that point and loads of sun and started to get warm. Luke got there first and headed on down. Our videographers arrived at that time as well. I started to tear up, not because I was about to see Luke but because Megan & Melissa was there. I couldn't even tell them how much I appreciate them being there with me, I felt so much more at ease because of that. I teared up at the first look, it was so nice. He got to see me in the dress and I got to see him in his tux and a nice slim fit tux too! I kept fiddling with his tie & pocket square so my mind would be preoccupied and not thinking of this emotional charged moment and ruin my makeup! The tux fit him perfectly. We had a small photo shoot there and then off to the church.
I headed right downstairs after peeking in to the sanctuary first. We arrived just an hour before the ceremony started but not enough time to get any photos taken beforehand and just enough time for me to start pacing back and for nervously and for me to start breathing hard. I was shaking & sweating I was so nervous. NOT about marrying Luke but about being in front of ALL THOSE PEOPLE!!!! And I knew I was going to cry, I just knew it so I was nervous about that too!
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| You can see a bloody finger in this shot! |
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| Dad putting on the band-aid |
We went upstairs to line up. The bridesmaids walked in first according to height and to the song "Here Comes the Sun." Then the flower girls walked in and then the ring bearers holding hands and holding the sign that says "Uncle Luke, Here Comes Your Bride" walked in and then my brother closed the door to hide my Dad & I. We discussed that we must walk slow because of the song and it's a short aisle. Then I heard the music changed to "Something" and it was our turn! I had this huge smile on my face and I had to keep slowing Dad down and making sure his arm was low enough so my bouquet was low as well. I had my eye only on Luke standing up on the platform so he could see me. Then I lost contact with his eyes and started looking at everyone and that's when my chin started to quiver and then I got near the end of the aisle and saw my sister-in-law tearing up and I started to tear up more but I turned the corner and saw Luke and I calmed down right away. We had to wait for 30-45 seconds while Tim found a good place to stop with his song and music. I loved standing there with that song playing. I was still in my Dad's arm. My bouquet was really heavy.
The pastor asked who gives this bride away and my Dad said I do and we kissed on the cheek, he shook Luke's hand told him congratulations and then it was just Luke & I. We stood at the bottom for the first part of the ceremony. Our reader and my longest friend from college read a poem (children's book really) called "I Like You" and it was a perfect reading. Then we were told to walk up the steps to say our vows & exchange rings. I teared up during the vows part, my voice squeaked, I had to whisper some of it, I had to catch my breath. During the exchange of the rings though I was fine, not as emotional. Then we faced our guests and they promised to guide us through our marriage so it was at that part that I got to see our friends & family and smile at them and make eye contact. I saw several women wipe their eyes which was a relief to see because it wasn't just ME doing that then!!!! :) We had a final blessing in which we kneeled so that was lovely. Then we kissed & introduced as Mr. & Mrs. Jeanmaire (I'm not really taking his name but I was ok with being introduced as that)!
We walked down the stairs and Tim played "All You Need Is Love" and we headed straight up to ring the church bell. None of the guests knew we were going to do this until we caught someone's eye up there and then the rest of the congregation turned around to watch. The music was playing and we pulled really hard but couldn't hear ringing but the bridal party was near the front door and they heard it. It was really for the town to let them know that a wedding took place.
Then Luke & I came down to go outside to the Ice Cream Cart to have some ice cream and encourage the rest of the guests to do so. We hugged and talked and enjoy the sun and weather. Did some pictures with our families at the church inside and then one BIG family photo on the stairs with both his side & my side. I love seeing that one! Then the big moment. Our Horse & Carriage arrived and we had them go down into the street so that we could exit the church with the bubbles the guests were blowing and go right into the carriage. We popped champagne before we left and had 2 glasses in the hour ride over to the church. I was very thankful for that time with my new husband, because at the reception, he was over there talking to those folks and I was over here saying hi and thank you to these folks and yada yada and then pictures so we couldn't quite enjoy being a newly husband & wife by ourselves but the carriage ride allowed us to have that time. And the weather was great for it. All sun, so warm I didn't need his jacket.
We hired the horse & carriage for 2 hours so when we got back to the reception place, Williams Tree Farm, there was enough time to give rides around the parking lot to other guests as well! The kids loved it! While that was happening, it was cocktail hour inside and the bridal party was outside near the waterfall area taking pictures. It was great time, everything was good.
Luke & I left the whole reception during the cocktail hour to have Just Married shots. We drove way out to the back of the farm and had some really nice lovely pine tree shots. Oh my. Those are so wonderful to look at. So magical and ethereal! Luke of course ran out there behind the car because there wasn't enough room for all of us! Driving back, we got to see how many people were enjoying the animals outside. Yep, reindeer, emus, dogs, ducks, even a camel! That's exactly what we wanted, people to not be stuffed inside the building but enjoy the grounds and the weather!
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Then inside for introductions. The first of our Running theme wedding started. The bridal party was introduced to the song I'm Yours by Jason Mraz and then the Best Man, Luke's brother Brian & my Maid of Honor, Melissa held up a FINISH line banner that I just painted on the Wednesday before. The song Eye of the Tiger started to play and we held hands and burst through the Finish line for the finish our wedding and the start of our marriage!
We had a sweetheart table to make sure that our bridal party could sit with those that they came with instead of splitting them up. And that was when I could fully look around and see the decoration with the people sitting in it and our dessert table all set up with our cupcakes, our Memory Table looking fabulous, the signs were all in the right areas. I could see the photo booth all set up and where the DJ was at. On our table was appetizers that they saved for us, yay! I loved the mushrooms, I wish I could have had more though! And then the event coordinator asked if we wanted our dinners plated or if we wanted to stand in line as well. I wanted mine plated (I was afraid I would trip and spell it all over me) but Luke went up to get his.
The best man & maid of honor gave their toasts and a little dinner was eaten. It was all a vegetarian dishes so no meat! But no one complained about the eggplant or the vegetable lasagna. The vegetable gratin & the artichoke dip went over so very well! We even had a Kids Buffet that had Mac & Cheese & fruit at it because well, what kid do you know that likes eggplant? Dancing was soon happening by the kids who were done eating fast. Then Luke & I tried to make it around to all the tables but unfortunately, it was all too soon for our photographer to leave and we hadn't even done any of the dances yet! So I had to grab Luke and tell the MC that we're ready for our first dance.
We had some private lessons and worked up a choreographed dance for a specific song. We practiced and practiced and practiced. Unfortunately, we didn't practice in my dress! My heels kept catching on the back of the dress even though it was bustled! But we did all the turns at the right spot, he dipped me at the right spot and our last and final dip, he kissed me as he was supposed to and it was magical! We heard clapping and hooting behind us so it was just as it was supposed to be.
My dad was nervous about dancing with me for the Father/Daughter dance so I asked him a while ago if he would be willing to invite other Father/Daughter couples out there halfway through the song. He liked the idea and so did Luke's mom for the Mother/Son dance. So we let the DJ/MC know at our meeting the week of the wedding and they made the announcement before the song so couples could prepare to get out there. And while dancing with my Dad, I enjoyed it being just him & I but when I looked around and then saw the other Father/Daughter couples out there, swinging the little girls around or dancing with their adult daughters, it warmed my heart so much. I loved being surrounded by love, if that makes sense. The Mother/Son dance happened just the same way and it was great to be standing around with the rest of the guests watching it all happen.
After that we were called back onto the dance floor where a surprise was waiting for us. Then the "Harlem Shake" song came on. Luke & I holding hands were just standing around and we started to jump to the song and then I turned around and there was someone in a Motorcycle Helmet dancing with a stick pony between his legs. I quickly realized what was going on as I helped create a Harlem Shake meme video at my college with a bunch of the kids. Sure enough, when the music changed beat, a bunch of people came out started dancing around acting all crazy. That's when I noticed the original guy in the helmet was Luke's quiet, reserved father and it was the rest of his family. Just a beat after that I realized they were wearing our running t-shirts and even Luke's Batman under-roos! I was laughing so much I couldn't dance. So it was such a surprise. They broke into our house before the wedding to get the items!
Of course my lovely Wolverines had to do the YMCA dance. They called us up there and we stood in front of the DJ and did our choreographed number for the YMCA. It was great all of us being up there!
Then I think we just had open dancing after that. Twist & Shout was first up. That got people moving & grooving! We had a few fast dances to get everyone out there. Then a slow song happened and Luke went to dance with me, we swayed 2 times and then his father cut in! It was so unexpected and nice! A few more hours of the dancing happened and before the 11 pm bell rang, I decided to have the DJ play the last dance while people were still there. The Long & Winding Road by The Beatles. After that they decided to "one up" me and played 500 Miles which was a nice upbeat song to end to.
We didn't do some of the traditional items, no bouquet toss, no garter belt, no dollar dance. So I think that made it go by a lot smoother & fun, more dancing happened! Our Photographers stayed way later than they were to be and we are so appreciative of all that! The dinner ran long so we didn't start dancing until long after we were supposed to!
I am the type of person that doesn't like to have attention thrown on her. But that day, I didn't mind being the center of it all. I felt beautiful, my dress (even though it was loose), my hair, my makeup, everything was lovely & perfect. And my handsome sexy husband, the one who compliments me perfectly in all things was looking really dapper that day too! The people around us loving us and having a great time. I really appreciate it all. I can't thank them all enough or my father for helping me give the wedding of my dreams!
