The week just flew by... I wish I could have slowed it down to take it all in. 

It was all so amazing.  Even the small things that didn't work out how I had pictured them were still fabulous.  Having all of our friends and family together was the best time. 



We arrived in DC on Tuesday.  Of course, we thought we'd have some "free" time to ourselves, but the week was so packed we could hardly even think :)  Tuesday was spent with my family, as it was my niece and nephew's birthday.  Good thing we got some sleep that night because we didn't get much again until after the wedding.

Wednesday we went to the Archives with friends from out-of-town.  Later, we met up with other friends to go to the Spy Museum.  Dinner was my favorite meal... Maryland Blue Crabs.  I had my fill and taught 6 newbies how to properly eat crabs.  Lots of pics taken of the mess we created. 

Thursday, we went on a tour of the Capitol.  The start of wedding activities began... I had a mani & pedi and tuxedos were picked up for the men.  We had dinner with Matt's parents when they arrived in town.

Friday morning, we met up at Father John's church for a quick 10 minute ceremony to placate the Catholic diocese.  We were officially married that morning, but the big event was still to come.  Afterward, we went out to breakfast to have a quiet moment.  I was so tired from all of the running around the days before that all I wanted was a nap before the rehearsal at 5pm.  Unfortunately, our families didn't get the tables and seating arrangements to us until the night before, so I had to run to Kinkos to have escort and table cards printed.  So much for organization! LOL.  Once all of that was done, we checked into the hotel.  Friends started arriving.  I never got my nap.

The rehearsal was quick.  No one was used to the DC humidity, so we were all covered in a film of wetness.  We practiced and thought we had it all down.  What we forgot to do (because I assumed my bros and Matt's bros already knew this) was go over the reserved rows and the people we wanted to sit in them.  Apparently, because we didn't remind them that since they were groomsmen they are also ushers, no one ushered people to their seats on the day of the wedding!  Some of my family that was supposed to sit in rows 3-5 were in the very last row.  Never assume anyone already knows something... even if they have already been in a wedding and ushered before.

Before we headed off to dinner, I had some alone time with my bridesmaids to give them their gifts.  I am so happy that I picked out the perfect item for each one.  They actually all squeed with delight!  What a great sound to hear!  I LOVE giving gifts.  Jody received Jeep windows (actually a note saying I am buying her some).  Natalie got a Coach purse.  Kristi, the hardest one to buy for, got a gift cerificate for American Airlines to plan her next vacation.

The rehearsal dinner was delicious and we had a chance to talk to our families.  I started passing the guest book around so it would make it to everyone very close to us and they wouldn't have to wait to sign it during the reception. 

WEDDING DAY!!!!

I did get to sleep in a little bit.  That felt good.  My maid of honor, Kristi, and I went to Kinkos to pick up the escort cards and table numbers and to get some breakfast and coffee.  At the hotel, we switched rooms into the spacious bridal suite.  Unfortunately, Kinkos did not do a great job at cutting the escort cards, so we had some work to do.  My hair was supposed to be started at 10am, but she was a little behind from doing the bridesmaids hair... it was all finished on time, though :D  A few of us left to go to the mall and have our makeup done.  When we arrived back at the hotel, the photographers were there and the craziness began.  I was pretty much at everyone else's mercy.  I am very happy that I sent the photographers examples of photos that I liked because I would have forgotten to tell them on the day of!  The only three photos I wish I had gotten were: one of me looking at my mom's photo, one of Matt and I laying in the hammocks, and one of my lying on the chaise in the bridal suite. 

Kristi was the best maid of honor... she really stayed organized and helped me out by thinking of things that would never have crossed my mind.  She was in charge of ordering lunches for all of us while we were getting ready.  She also thought of getting champagne in the room and having a toast.  She really kept my head on straight.  I don't know what I would have done without her.

We went downstairs to hide before the ceremony.  Father John was running a little late (he had his church's 50 Year Anniversary celebration and was still willing to do our wedding as well!)  The air conditioned room was a blessing as everyone else waited outside.  We finally went out on the terrace to each wait our turn to walk down the stairs toward the gazebo.  I was trying to watch the entire processional, but the coordinator kept pulling me back to hide behind a flower urn.  I am happy that we were having the ceremony video taped because I missed some cute things... especially flower girl and ring bearer antics.  I teared up listening to the string quartet, especially when they started playing the song I walked down the aisle to. 

Dad and I walked to the top of the stairs and started descending.  When we arrived to the edge of the grass, we had to stop so the coordinator could spread out my train.  As we were pausing, I was so nervous I didn't know where to look, so I focused on Matt.  I wish I had taken the time to look around at all of our guests and the beautiful garden.  We walked up to the gazebo and Dad was about to pass my hand to Matt and he said "kiss".  I leaned forward to kiss Matt and Matt said "not yet!" and everyone laughed.  My Dad said "kiss" because I was supposed to kiss my dad!!!  Oops.  Like I said, I was nervous, and no matter what we went over in the rehearsal,  I had forgotten it all.

The ceremony was beautiful.  I cannot wait to see the video.  I hadn't been checking the weather online, but it turned out perfectly.  It was predicted to rain at the exact time of the ceremony (and no one let me know that) but the sun was shining and it couldn't have been better.  We took many photos afterward, but because the ceremony started late, the photos ended late and we didn't get to partake in much of cocktail hour.

The reception was fun!  We were introduced and went straight into our first dance.  Matt sort of froze during the dance and we weren't as graceful as we intended.  We are very happy we took lessons, though!  Our original plan during the reception was to visit all of the tables with people we haven't seen in a long time, then visit with our closer friends and family after that.  We were pulled in many directions and didn't get to talk to so many people we wanted to visit with.  After the meal, we had to decide whether we should visit with more people or have fun and dance.  We split up... Matt visited with his relatives and I danced with mine.  It all worked out.  The band was amazing and played the perfect songs.  I danced so much!  We were sad when it was all over.

The evening didn't end.  The bar across the street from the hotel was where we ended up.  I was told that if I was in my gown, I would drink for free... so I kept my gown on in a bar!  I had only 2-3 drinks during the reception because I was so busy dancing.  During the hour we were at the bar, I had about 4 drinks and 2 shots.  Many drunk siblings and cousins... what could you expect after an open bar reception?!?!  Some crazy girl in the bar wanted to "fight" me... she was also married that day (but she wasn't still in her dress) and wanted to play fight.  All I could say to her was "congrats on getting married" even though she was still being a punk and wanting to fight.  LOL.

The day was perfect!



"Shiiiiiiiiiiiit" - Natalie's mom said this on the way back from the rehearsal.  It became the quote of the weekend and now we have to watch Airplane just to see the jive talking scene.