Heather and Eddie

[Ninedays9]

We're now back from the honeymoon at the lake, and I have lots to share! I'm going to do a short story and a bunch of really long stories because I'd like to print this out and put it in our time capsule wedding box. So I figure I might as well put it all here since maybe someone will read all of it or at least skim it.

Short Story:
My friend from Arkansas got here on Thursday, all was well there. We got the programs done last minute with help from the groomsmen. The rehearsal dinner on Friday was excellent and they all enjoyed their gifts. Time ran short for everyone on Saturday so we were late for getting flowers and Eddie's whole side was there after 1:00 (but the photographer was late too, so it all worked out). Wedding was beautiful. A joyous time was had by all. Everyone loved the food and the cake. Everyone really enjoyed the wedding and commented that way every time we talked to anyone. The honeymoon was very relaxing but went by waaaay too fast. End short story, haha.

Up next... Long story part one!

[gwenshack]

Well I dig the short story...can't wait for the long one!

Welcome back! Hope the honeymoon was great :)

[WebLady]

WB, glad everything went well, congrats to the new Mrs!

[amisteratwisterandme]

Glad you are back. Can't wait to read the long version.

Congratulations

[Ninedays9]

Long Story, Part One - Pre-Wedding Days

(It's long, but I already warned you of that.)

I had my last night of work on Monday, and I was frantically cleaning to get ready for my friend from Arkansas, who would arrive on Thursday. I was vacuuming when she did. Somehow, our cat Toby got out, but I got him. We enjoyed some time with just two of us (friend and I). Then on that night, Eddie and I started putting programs together. It was a lot more work than it seemed it would be!

On Friday, my friend and I went for my nail appointment for a manicure. I would never get another manicure; it was a waste of $20. She picked at my nails and made them worse, and they even bled. My friend went to the bookstore while I was there and bought me a book 'cause she's cool like that. Meanwhile, Eddie was dropping off mugs for the groomsmen to get engraved, getting the marriage license, getting my ring, and getting gift bags for the parents' gifts.

Time was ticking, and we still needed decorations (scattered about the house in obscure, random places), and I needed to pack for the hotel. Somehow we managed to get it all into the car. I made several last minute trips in to get stuff, including my veil and tiara. And... my friend and I were off to the hotel!

At the hotel, everyone was still getting ready, and I was going around trying to get them to go faster 'cause we had the rehearsal and the dinner that we needed to be on time for. My friend and I took off for the rehearsal, and my family ended up being a little late to the rehearsal. I also tripped and fell in the dirt/wood road on the way up to where the ceremony would be. I've got a nice skinned knee now.

The rehearsal went great, and we took off for the dinner. That was fun. The water bottles for the girls were very well received. A groomsman asked where we got the mugs for the guys, and I hesitated to tell him it was from the dollar tree, haha. He didn't care; he just wanted to buy some more of them. That night, the girls and I went to a few bars, but they weren't so great, so we ended up hanging out at the hotel in our joining rooms. I ended up getting maybe 4 hours of sleep.

[f77g4]

Welcome back!! Congrats! Glad to hear things went well and that everyone enjoyed themselves!! :)

Sorry the honeymoon at the lake was too short!
I'd say you had a fairly new aesthetician - if done right, a manicure is great.

[Ninedays9]

Long Story, Part Two - Getting Ready on the Wedding Day

I woke up at 7:30. My sister was already in the shower, and the girls in the other room were already awake. I'd showered the night before because I prefer night showers, so I went down to breakfast with my parents and brother. It was pretty good for hotel breakfast! The other girls came down eventually.

Then, we were off for our hair appointments. The lady who did my hair insisted that my hair was so long that if I had half up and half down, the curls would instantly blow away. I was disappointed, but she ended up putting it all up. It ended up really pretty, though. There were 83.5 million bobby pins in hair... I think she could've used a few more. The tiara and veil were very firmly in place and looked awesome. We all took mug shots of our hair as we got done. The other girls looked really cute.

Eddie finally called me back after I'd called him a few times. He was at our house, and he wanted to know if I thought he should grab anything special. As it turns out, our sand for our sand ceremony was still at home! Luckily he called me just at the right time that he could grab it!

After that, we went to Target for some last minute things. Everyone was staring at me, including a mom and two little girls, who said "Ohh, isn't she pretty? She's getting married today!" I didn't have sunglasses, and it looked bright out, so I went to pick some out. I got some with jewels on the outsides, thinking they were cute, but I had horrible taste in sunglasses... I showed the girls, and they all loved them! They all got a pair for themselves.

Next, we went to the hotel to get ready in my parents' room (no one had the same rooms on Saturday that they did on Friday except my parents). That was a frantic rush, especially when the florist's husband called me 25 minutes early, saying he was at the ceremony spot with the flowers. He said he'd wait for me. On the way there, I called Eddie who said they were running kind of late, and that had me very worried.

Arkansas friend and I got to the ceremony spot and got the flowers. We then waited for everyone else to get there. The bridesmaids got there first and began taking tons of pictures, including some of strange heads they had upstairs (the ceremony, if I hadn't mentioned before was at the renaissance festival, so the heads were for there).

The photographer was late and lost... but then Eddie called and said he was nearby and he had her with him. Finally, after what seemed like forever, they all got there. I was hidden inside of the building called Bad Manor. I told the photographer we wanted a picture of him seeing me for the first time. She set it up like a scene from a movie. The bridesmaids were in a half circle around me, and she had me stand with my back to the door. Then Eddie came in and came up around me. He was in awe, :).

The pictures began then, and we got a ton of the wedding party and the families. The photographer was funny and kept reminding us to only look at her camera (everyone else had cameras). She was very professional. However, eventually people started coming, and I didn't want to be outside the building when they got there. She thought we could take some more pictures, but I was very insistent that we not be outside with people showing up (it's kind of rare that I'm that assertive, haha). So then she gave in.

We quickly had to line up from there. One of the bridesmaids almost left her flowers inside but got them....

Up next, part three!

[Ninedays9]

Long Story, Part Three - The Ceremony

Oh yeah, I forgot to talk about the minister. He showed up, and signed our papers, and the maid of honor and best man (my sister and his brother) signed them. We took pictures pretending we were signing it. The minister told us we were officially married then, and the rest was just acting. I made a little comment to Eddie that we were married after the papers had been signed and he grinned.

Whilst the people were coming, the ushers, my Arkansas friend and Eddie's cousin, ushered people to the correct side. My side was on the right and his was on the left - opposite of usual. This is so that my family could see my face and his family could see his face.

Oh yeah, and also, we had a last minute scare because we lost a vase for the sand ceremony. It ended up being in Arkansas Friend's car. Phew! The other usher put the vases with the sand up front.

Anywho, then we lined up, and the minister went out. He made our announcements, and then called the wedding party. The music began, and they started walking out. My dad was crying, and I knew if I started, I would lose control, so I was trying to fight it. When I felt it coming on, I would look at the ground. My Arkansas friend/Usher got a picture of me looking like I was near tears.

We did the exchange with my dad and Eddie. Eddie and I went to the front and held hands. We had our questions of intent and then we did the sand ceremony. It was very interesting. If Justina is reading -- thank you very much for showing pictures and descriptions of yours. That's what we ended up using, and they were so awesome! I thought they'd be too small, but if they'd been any bigger, we would've been there all day. We now have the heart shaped vase here to display. Then, we exchanged vows. I wasn't as nervous about talking into the microphone as I thought I would be. I remember thinking during the ceremony... "this is perfect, and it was the right decision to get married to him."

Then we had the big kiss. It was extremely passionate - we both went for it. We're trying to decide if that was our favorite part or if when he saw me for the first time was our favorite. I think for me, it was the kiss by a half millimeter. He pronounced us, and we did the walk back. Afterwards, everyone came up to greet us. I met Eddie's aunt that I'd never met before because of some issues that are now resolved. That was pretty cool.

We took some more pictures of the wedding party then, and got some with our get away car... a red mustang. It's Eddie's dad's car. And soon enough, we were off to the hotel to check in... People honked and cheered as we went. It was so fun. We got to the hotel and relaxed for a little bit before going to the reception.

Up next, part four...

[amisteratwisterandme]

I love that you switched the sides for family. I have never even thought about that, but it makes perfect sense.

[Ninedays9]

Long Story, Part Four - The Reception

We drove the one minute drive to the reception. The best man told the DJ's to play "It's a Beatiful Day" by U2 for our arrival song. This was the perfect song for us!

And to backtrack, we did set up the decorations on Friday night. The vases needed to be put together. I had all the Hershey rosebuds done. I had to cut the stems of the silk baby's breath flowers that went in the middle. While I did that, the bridesmaids and my mom filled the vases with marbles and put in the rosebuds and baby's breath. One of the bridesmaids kept saying the vases were never ending, and I said "You're telling me, I made all the rosebuds!" And then the guys put up the lights. My now mother in law was amazing and went to Party City and got some more decorations and a cake cutting set. Then us girls set up the vases and mirrors with the candles. It looked so nice when it was done!

Anywho, back the reception. Everyone was already there, of course. It was awhile before the food was done. The head table got served. We had roast beef with all the accessories, like mashed potatoes and stuffing. It. Was. Absolutely. Amazing. Each "plate" was $9, which is very cheap... but it was one of the best meals I have ever had. The meat was tender and fell right off the fork. Every person we talked to that night commented on the food.

We had the toasts during dinner... well, our table was done eating. Eddie's brother's toast was pretty good. Then my sister got up and said she had 25 years of memories she could embarrass me but she wouldn't. She went on to say the only advice she could think of for me was "Don't sleep with the mailman." Eddie is a mail man. That got quite the uproar of laughter. Then my dad got up and said some sweet words. Then his mom took the microphone and gave warning to me of Eddie's occupation. His dad is also a mail man... and she said in the future, we might have our kids seeing the mail truck and running after it, yelling "Daddy, Daddy!" as the mail man inside looks horrified.

Then we did the cake cutting. Eddie's mom insisted that we do it. She told him to be nice, and he was... We fed each other nicely. But then people were yelling that he was supposed to smash it in my face, and Eddie said, "Like this?" and got it all over my face. So, of course, I retaliated. Then we had to have a messy kiss with frosting all over our faces. All the little kids were just in awe over what we'd just done. The cake was good, and that was all the cake we had that night... we didn't feel like eating it later.

After that, we had our dances. The first dance was "The Moment" by Nine Days. Eddie said he heard people commenting that it was a nice song. Then, my dad and I danced to Heartland's "I Loved her First." I guess my friends were commenting while watching that it was making them want to cry.

Then there was some regular dancing. After awhile, they played "Amazed" by Lonestar, and all the couples got up. Right after that, they played "The Reason" by Hoobastank, which was a request by me... I call it "The Eddie Song" because they played it at his brother and my friend's wedding, and I remembered him dancing to it there.

My grandpa also came up and danced with me. He was so cute. He's my favorite extended relative. He said he hadn't danced in years, and people were probably laughing at him. I told him quite honestly that he was doing better than me. I guess he was kinda confused and told people he'd danced with my mom instead, after that... but the next day, he kept telling my grandma that he got to dance with me. He seemed so happy.. very cute.

The dollar dance came soon after. It went pretty well. He made more than I did, but there were more woman there than men. Everyone made comments on how nice the weather was (it was fairly cool and windy) and how excellent the food was. The little kids even got up and danced with us (or at least me, I didn't see if they went to Eddie). I got some good pictures then. It was kind of a bummer; I made a point to get one with FIL, and it turned out horribly. He looked like a ghost in it. They did get another one of him dancing with me, though.

People started leaving shortly after that. Most of my family left pretty quickly. They live kind of far away, and they wanted to get home. My cousin's wife also just had a baby, so they wanted to get the baby to bed.

The dancing was fun, though. I actually danced. Not very well, but I attempted it. Eddie's four year old neice was in awe of my dress and kept hugging me and wanting to dance with me... sometimes even while Eddie and I were wanting to dance alone to my favorite songs. But I always knew if no one else was dancing with me, she was more than willing to!

The only annoying thing about the dancing was that the DJs waited until the night was almost over before playing the bulk of my requested songs. I understand wanting to play typical wedding songs to get people out there, but they could've interspersed them much better than they did. Ohhh well. Eddie and I still enjoyed dancing to them all... and his parents even danced to the second Nine Days song. Oh yeah, and they played The Chicken Dance even though that wasn't checked on our list. I hate the Chicken Dance, so I just didn't do it. Everyone else seemed to enjoy it.

Throughout the whole night, one of my bridesmaids and one of the groomsmen were hitting it off... flirting and getting along really well. That is yet unresolved as he went to be a camp counselor right away on Sunday morning... but I've heard they've been in contact. This guy is pretty much Eddie's best friend, and I've known the bridesmaid since we were in elementary school, so it'd be really cool if something happened.

I've also got to say that the in-laws are sooo awesome. They ended up paying for even more than originally discussed... like the whole reception and the DJ and the remaining balance on the cake. We only paid for the remaining balance on the photographer ($1200). So we are going to be writing them a very nice thank you letter.

Later in the night, Eddie and his mom danced to two songs. Eddie said he didn't remember much that was said, except she told him she really liked me. I thought that was cool. :) I've gotta say, his family is really great. His brother aka best man was our go-to guy for all problems, and he had them solved instantly... and it all appeared behind the scenes for us. He even found me some aspirin at one point (I started feeling dizzy and sick from all the dancing/lights/slow dance spinning).

Ohh yeah, we also did the time capsule guest book cards. We read through those and picked out some good ones to read to everyone. I wasn't a huge fan of using the mike, but it went alright.

People took my hershey rosebuds, which I was happy about. Last I knew though, there were still a bunch at the tables... I'm not sure where they ended up. We also got the top layer of cake and a bunch of extra cake at the end of the night.

As nervous and frantic as I was all day Friday and Saturday until the ceremony... I've got to say it was all worth it. It went beautifully. I don't think it could've gone better. Everyone loved the food and the cake. They also liked our short and sweet ceremony. Eddie's mom commented that all of our vendors did really well, and they did.

After the reception, Eddie's cousin insisted that we leave without helping clean up... so we basically did after telling everyone where to put all the stuff and what they could and could not throw away. It basically all got thrown into boxes, which are now on our kitchen table. That'll be ...fun... to sort out.

We went to the hotel and took out the 83.5 million bobby pins. My hair looked like a rat's nest. Then we went over to his brother and my friend and now sister in law's room and hung out for awhile. We were all very hungry, so we ended up ordering pizza. Then we left for our room and enjoyed the jacuzzi for awhile before going to bed. BIL and SIL had gotten us some bubble bath to put in there. I have never seen so many bubbles... I think we put a little too much of the solution in there. I could so get used to a jacuzzi... it was so lovely.

Then we crashed for 5 hours. We set the gift opening for 10:00 and... of course our alarm didn't go off and no one called us.... So it was 9:45 when we woke up. We were rushing to get stuff out of our room and down to the lobby. I think we did around 10:15, which wasn't too bad.

We had way more cards than gifts. We got lots of cash and gift cards. We already bought a new laptop with it, which is very exciting. We also got a camera as a gift. It's the Sony Cybershot that someone on here had recommended... I think it was Mrs. Goff? It is awesome!!! We both just love it. I was so excited that we actually got that 'cause I didn't think anyone would get it. They also got a memory card and the case for the camera. We got lots of Target gift cards, and we plan on getting Photoshop and some other stuff with those. We were going to get a Wii, but I thought I'd enjoy Photoshop more, especially with the new camera. Eddie's aunt painted us a very nice vase with our names, the date, and some flowers on it. I'll have to take a picture of that. It's got my bouquet in it, now. We also now have an abundance of towels, but that's ok. We got the ones we registered for and more.

After that, everyone started to leave.... and we took off in the mustang for Eddie's parents' house, where we got our stuff out of their car.

Up next part... five? The Honeymoon.

[f77g4]

Sounds like a great time!

[MrsDM]

Oh Heather!!! It sounded like a fabulous day! Can't wait to hear about part five and see pics!!!

[Ninedays9]

Long Story, Part Five - The Honeymoon

We came home to pack for the lake and put our gifts and stuff here. We had to stop at the bank with our wads of cash and checks, first. Then, we gathered up the kitties in their carriers. They didn't like that at all. Almost right away in the car, our kitten Gunther went #2. That was unpleasant for all. We had to give him a bath when we got there. On the way, we stopped and met my sister to get her discs of pictures.

It seemed to take forever, but we finally got there. Toby the cat was uneasy and explored everything. Gunther got his bath. Toby didn't know who Gunther was after that and hissed and growled. Poor Gunther! After that though, they adjusted very quickly and seemed extremely happy that we brought them. I think Toby was happy that after being put in his carrier, we didn't hand him off to a new owner after being passed through so many different people. He was being extra lovey, which is strange for him.

On Monday, we went to this restaurant called Perkins and had breakfast. Then we went to KFC to say hello to sister in law, who works there. We decided we wanted a laptop with our new funds, so we went to Best Buy. They had a good one that we wanted (not, I might add, the HP that's on sale now for $399), but they didn't have it in stock other than the store model. I didn't want one that so many people had touched, so we ordered it to pick up at another store.

We also tried jet skiis.... It was very windy, and for some reason the water was really low. I tried to get on behind Eddie, and it started tipping, but he took the fall for both of us. Then, he tried to climb on behind me, and we both tipped over. We were near the shore, but I can't swim at all... It was probably 3 feet deep. I went in and felt like I was going to end up sitting in the bottom, and I couldn't stand. So I put my hand up, and Eddie got me. I was very shaky and uneasy after that, but I got on the other jet ski by myself. My top speed was 20, which is pathetic, but I was so nervous. The waves were pretty big. So that was kind of wasted on me... I went back in and Eddie went out for a little while on his own.

We went to this place that I've seen over and over on the way to the lake... it has chicken and steak and things of that nature. It was decent, but compared to a place closer to where we live... it just wasn't as great. So I wouldn't go there again, but at least we got to try it, so I know what it's like. I was always curious about it.

On Tuesday, we went to Paul Bunyan Land. It's mostly for little kids, but there were some interesting things there. We got a picture with Babe the giant blue ox. I went up for a picture with Paul, and he told me it was ok to sit on his boot. There were all kinds of rooms set up with lots of interesting things in them. Basically they made stuff that's 40 years old and newer look a lot older than it was, like books and newspapers. Like, they had an actual old school house, and there was a picture of John F. Kennedy in there. That part clearly wasn't authentic. And it was a little disappointing that they had everything roped off, so you really couldn't explore the rooms. But I can see why they'd do that; kids would be into that stuff very quickly. We even went on the Tilt-a-whirl. That was another place I was curious about that I don't really see a need to go back to... unless we have kids, though it's still a maybe then.

Then we went over to BIL and SIL's house. We had steaks, corn on the cob, and potatoes on the grill. It was amaaaazing. Then, the four of us went mini-golfing. First, we had Eddie and I as a team and BIL and SIL as a team. Then we had me and BIL as a team and SIL and Eddie as one. I was on the winning team both times. It was a lot of fun, and we got some cute pictures there. After that, we went and hung out at their neighbor's house for awhile before taking off back to the lake.

This morning, we basically packed up. The cats were very annoyed and angry about being put back in carriers... Gunther went #2 yet again on the way back. The drive back was quicker than the drive there, which was nice. And now we are home... and happily married! We can't stop calling each other husband and wife and calling me Mrs. S. It's a very lovely feeling! Everyone commented at the wedding on how happy we looked, and it's very true. :)

[gwenshack]

Don't tell my DH you went to Perkins. He'll be jealous - he constantly says if he makes enough money he's going to open his own Perkins out here in LA because he misses it so much. Um, good luck with that...LOL...:)

Heather! I'm so glad you wrote out all the details for the "long story" - I totally enjoyed reading it. And you'll have that to keep forever so you can relive it over and over. :) I can't believe he smashed the cake in your face - peer pressure! LOL :) I can't wait to see all the pics. I'm so happy for you!

[Ninedays9]

Don't tell my DH you went to Perkins. He'll be jealous - he constantly says if he makes enough money he's going to open his own Perkins out here in LA because he misses it so much. Um, good luck with that...LOL...:)

Heather! I'm so glad you wrote out all the details for the "long story" - I totally enjoyed reading it. And you'll have that to keep forever so you can relive it over and over. :) I can't believe he smashed the cake in your face - peer pressure! LOL :) I can't wait to see all the pics. I'm so happy for you!

Hehe, that is funny that your husband likes Perkins so much. It sounded amazing to us that morning. The cake smashing was actually lots of fun... I am glad he did that 'cause it was fun to retaliate!

[Ninedays9]

I also have to say that Eddie now has baby fever. He went from "maybe not so much" on kids to "yes we have to have them!!!!!!" I think it's really cute. The tables have turned... though we both realize we need to wait until I have a better job and insurance at the very least. We're hoping we can take a trip in two years when I graduate and have that be our "real" honeymoon... and use it to make babies...hahaha.

[f77g4]

All your stories sounds super great!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see the pics!

Congrats again Mrs!

[amisteratwisterandme]

You sound so darn happy. Good for you. I too enjoyed reading everything!

[FutureMrsWilson]

GAH!
*hits the pause button after Part Three*

I have got to get up in roughly four hours (boo work :irked:), but so far I LOVE everything!! We talked about swapping sides or doing a semicircle as well!! Love that you did it and it worked out well!

I'm so glad your wedding (as far as I've read) went smoothly! (Aside from a little bit of tardiness and false scares!)!! And I can't WAIT to read about the Reception and Honeymoon...


...Congratulations, again. I nearly teared up at this:
I remember thinking during the ceremony... "this is perfect, and it was the right decision to get married to him."

I can't imagine how much that feeling of rightness is amplified by being on the alter in front of all of your shared loved ones... So thanks for including this, because it really and truly made me remember what that day (which still feels so far away to me) is all about. :soppy:

[Mrs.Goff]

Thanks for taking the time to share your story, I really enjoyed reading it. It sounds like you had a wonderful wedding and honeymoon. Congratulations.

I can't wait to see pictures of everything.

[FutureMrsWilson]

Yay! Just finished reading!!

Souds like you had a blast at your reception - and the song choices are very nice ;)

Sorry that the jet skiis didn't work out :(, but the rest of the honeymoon sounds fantastic and relaxing!!

Congrats again!! I'm happy for you and your Eddie!!

OH! Also, I might have to go back and read your journal - but didn't you and Eddie meet at a wedding also? Wouldn't that be weird if a BM and GM that met at yours ended up being soul mates, too!!

[FFC]

I read the whole thing!!! Great story! Your honeymoon sounds so relaxing.. and it's great that you and the in-laws are so happy with each other. That's so important when possible. Congrats!!!!!

[Ninedays9]

Thanks for taking the time to share your story, I really enjoyed reading it. It sounds like you had a wonderful wedding and honeymoon. Congratulations.

I can't wait to see pictures of everything.

Thanks! Were you the one that recommended the Sony Cybershot? I think it was you. It is excellent and perfect for us 'cause anything more advanced would just be stuff we wouldn't know how to use.

[Ninedays9]

Yay! Just finished reading!!

Souds like you had a blast at your reception - and the song choices are very nice ;)

Sorry that the jet skiis didn't work out :(, but the rest of the honeymoon sounds fantastic and relaxing!!

Congrats again!! I'm happy for you and your Eddie!!

OH! Also, I might have to go back and read your journal - but didn't you and Eddie meet at a wedding also? Wouldn't that be weird if a BM and GM that met at yours ended up being soul mates, too!!

Hehe, yup, Eddie and I were both in his brother and my friend Sam's wedding. We met there and danced in "The singles dance." We didn't start dating for two and a half years. We were talking after our wedding about how cool it would be if the groomsman and the bridesmaid did get together. We jumped way into the future and said we would both have to be in the wedding, haha.

[Ninedays9]

I read the whole thing!!! Great story! Your honeymoon sounds so relaxing.. and it's great that you and the in-laws are so happy with each other. That's so important when possible. Congrats!!!!!

Yes, I definitely lucked out there! I remember a few years ago, being so worried about what his parents would think about him dating me, hehe.

[FFC]

Yes, I definitely lucked out there! I remember a few years ago, being so worried about what his parents would think about him dating me, hehe.

I was totally scared to meet Matt's mom - but it turns out we hit it off really well. I'm blessed :)

Now the trick is to keep that good relationship upstanding for the next 50+ years, right? :)

[Mrs.Goff]

Thanks! Were you the one that recommended the Sony Cybershot? I think it was you. It is excellent and perfect for us 'cause anything more advanced would just be stuff we wouldn't know how to use.

Yes, I believe it was me. I'm glad you like it and glad I could help. I love mine. They take excellent pictures and are SO easy to use. I can't wait to see what you've captured with it.:)

[pinkbride]

aww im so glad you had a fabulous time!!! wonderfull story i love it!!!!!!xxxxxxx