It was the first time we had all spent Thanksgiving together including significant others in a long time. The Thanksgiving feast fed 16 people - including all 5 grand kids. We had a great day, my mom always cooks up a grand feast filled with love. We played a round of catch phrase and turned on How the Grinch Stole Christmas for the kids to end the evening in style.
Then Friday was upon us, and with the wedding just one day away frantic movement ensued. The girls got up to go and get manicures and pedicures (thanks mom), well all but Monica, who ended getting a stomach bug and was sick most of the night. We needed Monica to get the rest she needed, she was deemed the wedding hair stylist. Friday continued with a quick trip to Atlantis Park, a brief bit of shopping, then a delicious dinner at Bucca de Bippo. After dinner came the wedding rehearsal, we headed over to Angelo's family's home and did the meet and greet with then proceeded to do a typical rehearsal. Then it was back to make last minute alterations to my dress, prepare a bouquet and all the center pieces and boutonnieres. While I stayed away from making any of the flower arrangements, as I do not have an artistic bone in my body, I was happy to help supervise kids and whatnot.
Friday night, thankfully, Monica was feeling better, and we prayed she would continue to be on the mend. Sarah spent the night at our house, and we woke up to find Monica ready and willing to do hair. We're so thankful that even though we know she wasn't 100% better, she was happy to sit and do our hair for 2.5 hours, and let me tell you she did a spectacular job!
The big day was upon us, and there were some nerves on all sides, but everything went beautifully. Sarah was an absolutely stunning bride and Angelo was as happy as I've ever seen him. They had a nice ceremony where Sarah managed to make everyone cry with her beautiful vows. The reception was a success as well. The centerpieces were a hit and all the hard work paid off. My niece Mia sang Taylor Swift's "Love Story," accompanied by Angelo's sister Mandy on the guitar and it was amazing. She had all the words to all the verses memorized and sang loud and proud. She had us all crying. Then it was my turn, I think my toast turned out ok - I took notes with me, which I totally didn't use, but I was glad I had a safety net, and I cried several times through the speech, it's tough seeing the baby of the family get married off, let me tell you!
The food was excellent, people danced and had a great time. My 92 year old Grandfather, gave a beautiful prayer and we're just so thankful he was able to be there. In fact, all of my Mom's siblings came out, and my Dad's family came out in great support as well. It was so fun to have everyone there, looking so wonderful and happy.
Good times were had by all, and I just feel so blessed and thankful to have such a loving warm family who I know I will spend eternity with.
Congratulations to Sarah and Angelo! We love you!
I am too tired to put these pictures in proper order with corresponding paragraphs. My camera was left behind on most occasions - once Julie uploads her photos, there will be plenty more of all the weekend festivities, for now here are the few shots I got before the batteries in my camera died.
Reception Table with the Shong's and Billen's
Sarah's gorgeous hair - thanks to Monica!
My beautiful sister waiting to walk down the aisle
Waiting and waiting...
Billen kids and our spouses (minus Sarah and Angelo)
Monica (my younger brother Rhett's wife)and Me - I loved my hair!
My sister Julie and me
My mom is going to kill me for putting this one up, but it's the only picture I had of Sarah and Angelo together at the reception.
The centerpieces turned out great!
1 comment:
How fun! I love the bright colors at the reception! You all looked so beautiful!
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