Sally:  My most memorable moment was the brief instance while waiting the in wings of St. John’s with my dad. I was very relaxed and calm so far the entire day. Then, I noticed the wedding party started processing down the aisle and the flower girls (so cute) were next. I took a deep breath to calm my emotions, but the tears started to well up in my eyes. They weren’t sad tears, just overwhelming joy. My dad reassured me that I looked beautiful and this was going to be the greatest day. That quiet, serene moment with my dad was all I needed to compose myself and be ready to see Mike waiting at the end of the aisle.

Mike:  I loved reading my letter from my bride-to-be when getting ready for the ceremony. It reinforced to me that despite all the planning, all the people, and everything that was going on that day, I was there to do one thing…marry the love of my life.

Sally:  Pee twice before you put on your dress. Find vendors that get to know you; your comfort level with them makes all the difference. Find a way to thank your parents and your future in-laws before or during the day. They got you there, and they raised your husband to be the man he is. Dance…dance a lot.

Mike:  Make sure to soak it all in while you can. Before you know it the evening will be over.

Sally:  Oh where to begin…I’ve got plenty but I can narrow it down to two. 1) The missing Jimmy. It is much funnier now although then I think people and by people I mean my mother were getting a bit heated that he disappeared and wasn’t there for family photos. He did get a loud cheer when he made it back to the church! 2) I had told Beth (our wedding planner), Bobbi and Megan it was important for me to have a first look with my dad. Beth had several assistants helping coordinate during the day to make sure folks were where they needed to be. I was in our hotel suite about to get ready, when a man busts in the room wearing his boxers, socks, an undershirt, and mustache with a bottle of whiskey in tow. I think all the assistants thought that was my dad and were trying to get him to stop. This guy was in fact not my dad but my Uncle Dave looking to share some celebratory whiskey with my Dad. My dad comes in from the adjoining room to see why his name was being called. So, I don’t remember if we got a picture, but, instead of a magical moment of a first look with my dad, I think there is a photo of my uncle dave and dad hanging out in their undershirts with their whiskey. Not exactly as I imagined, but the humor sums up my family a bit better.

Mike:  Sally and I are making rounds during the reception saying hi, when she tells me that I need to come see someone. She takes me out on the dance floor where several of our friends are waiting in anticipation for something. Then, my buddy Rob begins to strip out of his tux shirt revealing a t-shirt with my face on it. That t-shirt had not been worn since a July 2012 bar crawl, but it made its return for my big day. I can’t believe he had kept it.

processional  • Canon in D
recessional  •  Wedding March
bride & groom introduction  •  The Final Countdown by Europe
first dance  •  Real Love Baby by Father John Misty.
father/daughter  •  Sara Smile by Hall and Oates
mother/son  •  My Wish by Rascal Flatts
cake cutting  •  How Sweet It Is by Marvin Gaye

Sally:  I would have done a quick thank you speech with my husband. With so many guests and so much going on, we didn’t get the chance to let everyone know how much we appreciated them being there. We hope they felt the love in the evening, but we would have loved to tell them.

Mike:  I would make sure to eat a piece of our wedding cake the night of. Everyone kept saying how good the carrot cake was, and all I got was one bite of the chocolate layer when we cut the cake. I guess I’ll have to wait for our 1st anniversary to get to taste it!

Unfortunately, Mike went to class, and Sally went to work. We had a lot of life changes this year and weren’t expecting to not get to honeymoon right away. We will be going to Europe to visit Paris, Amsterdam & Barcelona soon.