The Big Day! And the rehearsal...

Well, everything went well at the rehearsal and the day of the wedding! It was WONDERFUL!

Some photos from the rehearsal...






4 of the 5 guys...


As some of you may know, our first date was at Hooter's. It was my suggestion then, and it was my suggestion to have the rehearsal dinner there as well!



The rehearsal crew...


The day of the wedding went so fast...yet was still so enjoyable! My mom and I stayed at a hotel Friday night after the rehearsal. We got up, went to their little restaurant to eat...until we saw the prices...and went to National to get breakfast. Both of us ate for the same amount as one of us would have eaten for at the hotel. After breakfast, we ran over to Wal-Mart to get a few last minute things. We also scored an adorable toss bouquet (so glad I got to keep my flowers!), and I got a nice purse for the day too! When we left Wal-Mart, we headed out to get our hair done! By 12:00ish we were heading back to the hotel so we could get ready to go. Mom had to get her dress and makeup on, while I changed into what I could, and put my makeup on also. We had a grand total of about 45 minutes at the hotel to change, put our faces on, load everything back into her car, check out, and get to the church. We managed to get there on time though. The 30 minutes before the wedding was somewhat of a crunch as well...since I had to get my dress on, the photographer wanted some photos, and Fr JJ wanted to come in and say a prayer.

The only way the day could have been better is if Adam would have been able to make it. I know he was really excited to read for us, and he was looking forward to it...but God had other plans for him. I know he was at the ceremony in spirit on Saturday, and I found out that Kasia left her corsage with him when she went to visit him at the hospital. He wore it until he passed on Sunday afternoon. We love you Adam, and we won't ever forget you.

After all of us girls got everything done, we headed out to our little holding area. It was T minus 5 minutes...and I had to pee! Luckily, I knew it was just nerves, and that I would be ok. The girls left so they could start the processional with the guys, and I was standing there...all by my lonesome. So...HAPPY...I couldn't believe it was really going to happen! Then, it was my turn. The doors closed, I put my veil over my face, grabbed my dads arm...and the doors opened. I couldn't stop smiling! The ceremony went very well. Kasia and Krystin did a great job reading, and Nicole was wonderful!!! That girl can sing!!! Here are a few photos for your enjoyment...

Me and my dad...


Standing together at the altar...this church is GORGEOUS!!! I love it...


Him putting my ring on...


Me putting his ring on...


Flowers to Mary...


And...the kiss!


It was such a wonderful ceremony. I got a sneak peek of photos from the photographer the other day...and I CAN'T WAIT to see how the rest of the pics come out!!!

After the ceremony, the wedding party boarded a party bus (luxury coach bus), headed to the park for some photos, then to the bar for some drinks! We had a blast the whole time. There was never a dull moment! The reception was great too. Our first dance caught some people off guard, but everyone got a kick out of it! We had been planning for quite some time (probably since 2 months after being engaged) that we were going to do a polka...some how...as part of our first dance. Our DJ was great and created the song for us. Even though we didn't have a chance to practice like we wanted to, we didn't miss a beat when the music changed. As I said before, the day just flew by...but at the same time, it was still very enjoyable. Here are some pics from the reception...Enjoy!

A shot from the party bus...


The cake...


Cutting the cake...


Us at the reception...


Our first dance...pre polka :-)


Now we're moving!!!


The garter removal...


After I danced with my dad


Takin' Care of Business - #1


Takin' Care of Business - #2


Well, this was a long one!!! LOL Hope you enjoyed the pics! Might post more later, but for now...the Red Wings are about to start Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, and that requires the majority of my attention!!!

~Peanut


Rest in peace...
Adam Thad Riviera
October 1, 1987 - May 17, 2009