Why the long engagement? Well, we knew we wanted to get married someday) and to be engaged (because it's fun), but finishing school, getting "stable" jobs and being somewhat ready were kind of priorities in both of our lives. To my (ultimate) surprise, Mikey proposed February 14, 2008. I was not "expecting" an engagement for at least another year. The engagement story deserves a post all its own... so long story short: we were both super excited to be engaged, even if it was for an over-average (in Utah) amount of time. It was perfect for us-Mikey graduated, I got a real adult job and we had the time to plan the Wedding Soiree of our dreams!
We were married at St. Thomas More Catholic Church by Father Paul. We had a traditional Catholic ceremony and it was beautiful. The mass truly was beautiful and represented who we are as a couple... people tell us they could just feel the love in the church :) There are really no words to describe the way I felt throughout the entire thing... from walking down to aisle, to reaching Mikey, sitting on the alter, vowing our lives to one another to officially being married and walking back down the aisle together=AMAZing! There is no better or more happy and peaceful feeling... just beautiful right?
you may now kiss the Bride...
ALL of the proud Parents
Averi & Brandon, our flower girl and ring bearer AND future couple
As you can clearly see from the large Wedding Party, we are blessed with great family and friends, SO blessed we needed each of these special individuals to play a special role in our BIG day! I would have it no other way.
In front of St. Thomas More... the stained glass squares are gorgeous!
This is one of my favorites- outside near the Grato, surrounded by roses and greenery.
Our ceremony was followed by a reception at Willow Creek Country Club. Dinner, dancing, drinks, friends and FUN sum up our reception. We were both in agreement that we wanted a partay. The entire theme of our Wedding was reflective of who we are. Simple, timeless and elegant components all made up our perfect day. Invitations, programs, signs, linens, ribbons, napkins attire and accessories all had clean and classic appeal- black and rich ivory with kicks of hot pink in the flowers for fun.
With two photographers, we ended up with 1,700 memory-capturing shots. It is hard to pick just a few to post... I have about 300 wedding pictures posted on my Facebook account!
My Dad of course gave a wonderful speech, followed by my Maids of Honor/Sisters Whitney and Emily. By the end of Whit's speech, we were both in full-tears. Mikey's family and friends also gave lovely, and comical speeches: John & Alicia, Jon, John, Grandma Pat and Cy. Thanks for the tears everyone.
We danced our first dance to Dustin Kensrue's "Pistol" - a song Mikey dedicated to me, an absolute favorite of both of ours. It was really great to have such a meaningful and fabulous song that was so unique to a first dance. Ah- true bliss.
You're the girl of my dreams, darling please wear this ring. You're an angel through and through. Time to lay down my life, honey I'd do it gladly for you ...
My Dad and I danced to Rascal Flatt's "My Wish" - the lyrics speak perfectly to our relationship. I surprised my Dad at the end of the dance when "Footloose" came on; one of our all-time faves!
Mikey and his Mom danced to Elton John's "Blessed."
Prior to the cake cutting moment, we had both agreed to be sweet... a delectable bite followed by a kiss. NO cake was about to get on this face, hair or dress! We went with a very simple black and white four-tiered round cake. Each tier was a different tasty flavor with an accompanying flavored buttercream filling. We froze our top tier to enjoy next August 8th-while I am sure it will taste nasty as hell, I love the tradition! Patti got us our beautiful Waterford toasting glasses and Kristen got us our delicate and pretty cutting and serving pieces.
Alicia surprised us by singing us a BEeeautiful song... Alicia-what was the name? She has a great voice!
Our reception was a blast- it was a big dance party... just what we wanted. We, along with all of our guests, danced the night away. The band was fantastic; they had a great sound and played all types of music.
Many of our guests enjoyed cigars. Months later Chris, pictured here, shared a great cigar story with me :)
ONE of the friend tables at dinner.
John talked the band into letting him sing- he did a good job, Cy too!
The band and the dance floor.
1) The ladies anxiously awaiting the bouquet.
1a) Zoomed-in shot, which I love. Please notice Alex's face and the "come to me" arms, Jaima's arms and her happy shout out face and Kristen's arms ready to punch Jaima's arms if she catches it. Alex wins for sure but who caught it....
Whitney, and lets be honest, she is my little Sister so that is not who I wanted to catch it. Oh-well :)
Dominic caught the garter...
Us and our "winners" so to speak...
Friends and family saw us off blowing bubbles and wishing us "farewell..."
Off we went to Little America, the place of our engagement. We left the next morning to our surprise honeymoon.
Aaahhhh- that is the short version of thee bestest day of our lives! Now... our life together truly begins, for better or for worse!
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