We're back!!!

What a whirlwind life has been lately. I had been consumed with wedding planning and then BAM, it was wedding week. I took off work at noon on Wednesday the 8th and did some last minute errands. Most everything was done and we had multiple bags spread throughout the house that needed to go with us to the Matthews House where we were married.

My family arrived on Thursday and since I was already a bit stressed, I had a mild breakdown when I was surrounded by people asking me what needed to be done. After a short trip to the mall and a parking lot phone conversation with Jessica, I stepped back from the ledge and moved on.

MJ picked up Christian on Thursday night and joined my family and I at the Hibernian for dinner. It was such a nice night that we were able to sit outside and enjoy a tasty dinner and drinks. It was very fun and I was able to introduce Christian to my niece, Nocera. They are both tweens and I was a little nervous not knowing whether or not they would get along. My fears were calmed as I watched them spend the next three days giggling, wearing each others clothes, and stalking poor Brian Berger....they LOOOVE him!

Friday was our rehearsal dinner which we hosted at the Matthews House. My coworkers father made a southern BBQ complete with chopped pork, BBQ chicken, and homemade hush puppies. It was yummy and a nice tribute to Michael's southern roots. After the rehearsal, made our way over to the hotel where our guests were staying and enjoyed a few drinks before we had to say goodnight to one another. It was so surreal to have so many people from different areas of my life all together.

MJ returned to our house for the night but I stayed at the Matthews House with Jess, Jen, Deb, Andy, Brian and Jake. We sat on the porch and enjoyed a couple more drinks before we retired to bed.

I woke up feeling good and well rested. I was "puppy piled" by Jess, Deb and Brian where we cuddled a bit and discussed the upcoming day. We eventually meandered downstairs to get some coffee and breakfast. We sat on the sun porch chatting and catching up some more. It hadn't quite hit me that it was my wedding day.

My hairdresser and make-up artist arrived and so began the getting ready process. We moved in and out of rooms getting hair done and make-up applied while dining on my dad's yummy chicken salad sandwiches and fruit. Oh and sparkletini's of course! I sadly and tearfully had to make the decision to move the wedding indoors due to the threat of rain. Eventually it was time to get ready. I was feeling pretty good. The photographer and videographer arrived and pictures began.

Pictures went quick and all of a sudden, I was dressed and ready for my wedding just waiting to start the show. The show was organized by the most amazing friend, Brian Berger. He kept things organized and made sure we were on time and everything was in its place for my special day. I do not have enough thank yous in my body to say how much I appreciate his help.

I was doing fine, my emotions were in check and then it hit me. Like having the wind knocked out of me...OMG, it's my wedding day! With Jessica's help, I pulled it together and began the walk down the stairs to my dad. I saw my dad when I was on the 3rd to last step. At that moment, a lifetime of emotions about my wedding day flooded me and the tears came.

Dad stepped forward to my rescue reminding me that if I cried then he would cry and we'd be a big mess. I giggled, took some breaths and off we went. I was fine for about 20 steps and then I could see the guests ahead of me and the tears returned. I fought back tears the whole way down the aisle and then I saw him. And I knew that I everything was going to be okay. And it was so much more than okay...it was AMAZING!

Our wedding was officiated by Jake who did a fantastic job. Our wedding felt so "us". He took the time to know us and in turn wrote and spoke so personally about each of us as individuals and as a couple. There was laughter, there were tears and his words were beautiful and heartfelt. I have never felt so loved in my life. Surrounded by all of the people who have left hand prints on my heart in some way. The witnesses to my life through childhood, college, Chicago and now NC. Words cannot describe how that felt.

We ate, danced, drank and socialized and all of a sudden, it was over. We said our goodbyes and we just looked at each other. It is so strange to spend so much time preparing for one day of your life. It goes by SO fast and we immediately wanted to do it again because it was SO much fun!