My Greatest Adventure Yet
- Alye
- Sep 6, 2016
- 5 min read
It's been nearly a month as a "married" woman. I've had to start checking off a different box on my
legal forms and start rooting through the hundreds of papers to do any sort of legal name change. (By our first year anniversary, it'll hopefully be finally complete!) Here's a swift recap of the greatest adventure I've made to date.
August 5th: Rehearsal
All of our guests finally made it down for the practice the night before! Needless to say; we were running around wild getting people in places and walking down the aisle multiple times. My favorite part of the night was our dinner. Friends, family, and bridal party all joined us for Italian food and celebration. Jer and I surprised our families with gifts to help bring in this new chapter in our life.
My father's gift was one of the most sentimental for me. I could barely get out my speech to him, let alone the one I'd previously written for him. So Dad; if you ever get a chance to read this-- it's for you.
"Dad, it's all your fault. I've always told my dad that no matter who I date, he's my number one guy. The meaning behind it is all too real. For as long as I can remember, my dad has been my true love- a true daddy's girl.
My dad loves me when I'm difficult. He knows how to keep the perfect distance on the days when I'm in a mood, how to hold me on the days that are tough, and how to stand by me on the days that are good. He listens to me rant for hours over people he's never met, my days at school or work, or the most recent episode of Real Housewives and NEVER loses interest.
He picks on me about my too expensive hair cuts, attempts at dressing professional, and endless shoe collection; but, always tells me how beautiful I am. And I know that he means it. He always holds the door for me, carries all my bags for me, and will travel endless hours if I ever need him.
He goes out of his way to make me smile when he sees that I'm upset. He calls me randomly during the day to see how I'm doing and how my day is going. Plus no matter where he's stationed in the world- he will drop anything to answer the phone when I call.
When it comes to others, my dad has a heart of gold. He's the most loyal person I've ever met and will always put himself last for those he loves. My dad knows when to give touch love. He gives me respect without me asking. He knows how to make me a better person just to make him proud. He has molded me into who I am today without ever pushing me too hard. He always knew the exact times I needed to be reminded who I was.
Dad, you have always had my heart and I will love you forevermore. You have impacted my life most of all and for that I can never repay you. Without you, I wouldn't know what to look for in a partner. To my (now) husband, I'm sorry. You have huge shoes to fill. I love you daddy and thank you for making my wedding the best celebration of love I've ever been able to witness."
After our dinner and toasts, we all headed out to celebrate one last night of single-life. And most importantly; of love.
August 6th: Morning
August 6, 2016 will be a date that will forever be one of the greatest days in my life. I remember being so excited and anxious all at the same time. I had been looking forward to that exact moment my entire life. And of a sudden; it was there- right in front of me.
We started out the morning by having a girl's brunch and moving through the hair/make-up process with as much ease as possible. Our different vendors were EXCEPTIONAL. They all made us feel extremely comfortable, beautiful, and happy; all important qualities for the start of an epic day of celebration. The boys rolled into their suite sometime around 11am (although Jer and I decided to be kept away from each other until the moment we walked down the alter).
The Ceremony
We finally made our way to the church ceremony around 1:30pm. Needless to say; I was short of breath and EXTREMELY anxious. Thank goodness my father was there to walk me down the aisle and hold my hand until I made it to the end. I could not have imagined going through that ceremony without him and my mom by my side; for that I am grateful.
The exchanging of our personal vows were next. To hear the way in which this loving man cherished me was a moment I will be forever in awe. I could have sworn that I would've cried and at least had a running tear. I was instead taken back due to the extreme amount of love that one person could have for me. It was real, unconditional, and raw. It made me realize that I wouldn't have to be worried about loving someone with the fear of nothing in return. I felt complete.
The Birdseed & Photos
Upon the completion of our ceremony, we exited the church and were pelted with birdseed roses. Hands down, the worst tradition ever done. For any potential new brides out there; AVOID AT ALL COSTS. I ended up scooping it out of my dress and picking it from my hair without trying to completely destroy it.
We rented a trolley to take us back to Cairnwood Estate where the old mansion had been transported in time to a beautiful fairy tale wonderland. Unfortunately, the heat didn't completely get the memo and we ended up having to take photos in nearly 100 degree sun. Our photographer, Colin Coleman, was the BEST. Not only was he artistic; but, he made the hot ordeal something fun and exciting (which I would've figured would have been nearly impossible).
Dancing, Wine & Food
Our main focus for this wedding could've probably been centered around the wine and food. We had wine shipped in from Italy (nearly 160 bottles), rock & roll music, an entire room dedicated to a photo-booth, and food specific to Philadelphia.
Our caterer, Sensational Host, did an amazing job at helping to capture our vision down to the Chinese pork dumplings. To make it even sweeter, the caterer had been the catering company for my parent's wedding nearly 26 years ago!
My Father/Daughter dance and first dance with Jer were incredibly sweet! I was in constant tears with my daddy and felt like I was the only person in the room.
The Rest of the Night
It was truly a wonderful night. Something that I will forever remember. My parents made every small detail come to life and I was able to see so many friends and family from near/far! And to the man that I get to call mine forever, thank you for making me understand what it means to love someone the way we love each other. You inspire me to be a better person everyday and I am even happier to continue to down this adventure with you by my side.
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