Wedding Day Perfection

 Perfect. Magical. A dream come true. Those are just some of the words/phrases to describe the wedding. I could not have asked for a more memorable day. Overall everything went smoothly - no major hiccups. Really, if I had to get picky, the only thing I can think of is one or two of my bustle pick-ups broke, but that's probably from running around and dancing so much. The other 11 kept the dress in place. Other than that, the only thing Drew and I would have changed was making the reception longer! I had moments at the reception where I told myself or those I was visiting with that I "am really enjoying the night and taking it all in." So many people warn you that the day just passes you by and you don't really get to enjoy it. I fully believe and feel like I got to enjoy myself, however that is not to say it didn't fly by either. But, I think it feels like that because planning takes months, even years (in our case nearly 2!) and the event is a single day. Of course it is going to feel like it flew! For us though, it was very unique and personal "flying" day.

Luckily for me I did not have a lot of pre-wedding jitters. Sure I was nervous to walk down the aisle in front of everyone, but I did get a good night's rest and didn't have to go for a morning jog or walk as I had been anticipating. The bridal party gathered at the salon to get primped and then went back to my parents to get ready. From there we gathered for pictures outside a beautiful seminary. First me with my family. Then me with the bridesmaids. Followed by a "first look" with Drew. The, the entire bridal party.

Once at the church the girls got to relax, me especially, while the guys ushered in the guests. I won't lie, I was definitely anxious and a bit shaky before walking down the aisle. At the same time, this is probably the moment that stands out in my mind the most. As the bridal party waited behind the doors to the church I overheard my dad tell someone they were running out of room to put people. Looking through the glass on the doors, my anxious/nervous feeling turned to "wow". The pews looked packed and instead of feeling nervous I felt overwhelmed and unbelievable grateful. I thought to myself "all of these people are here to celebrate our marriage. Whether they are here to see me, or Drew, or my family or his, they are here." That is a feeling I hope I never forget.

The other stand out moment from the ceremony happened during communion. Our wonderful priest, Fr. Del, took it upon himself to have a gluten-free host for me.Unfortunately, when it came time for communion it slipped his mind and he gave me the wrong one. Drew was suspicious and asked the other priest, Fr. Rob, to check. Sure enough it was the wrong one and of course I had put it in my mouth. Fortunately, Fr. Rob offered me his hand as a napkin....and now considers himself my knight in shining armor :)

Okay, on to the reception.

My dad hinted he had something up his sleeve and he delivered (with the help of my younger brother)! First I have to say, my dad is a HUGE XU fan. HUGE! So, me being an IU alumnae means basketball is the subject of teasing and sarcasm between the two of us. You could even say it's a big part of our relationship.  Add in XU beating IU..... four or five years ago in a tournament under Sampson's reign... and you have a recipe for basketball competition - the jabs just keep coming! Of course, it doesn't help that Xavier's major, local rivals are UC and Miami - both schools Drew attended pre and post National Guard. In that case one could argue that not only did I not attend XU, but I've married the anti-XU fan :)

Since it was very important to me to have my dad give a father of the bride speech at the reception (he is not a public speaker) he decided it would be the perfect chance to initiate Drew into the family and sway him, and me, to root for the "better" team. Yes... my dad invited one of the Xavier mascots... the Blue Blob! It was great. It definitely fit our fun, joking relationship. From then on it was one big party with lots of dancing, laughing and unforgettable moments.

A HUGE thanks to my parents and family for making the day a dream come true! I know none of our happiness is possible without your love and support. And, because I don't say it enough, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I LOVE YOU!

*Pictures courtesy Drew's sister, Gayle and my mom (phone).