Back & Married - Ashley & Matt August 15th

[f77g4]

Hey ladies (& gents) - we're back from our honeymoon now so I will work at getting our story up over the next few days as well as some pics. I've posted all the professional sneak peak ones I've gotten over in the picture thread as well as some posted by guests.

The story will likely be in parts and will begin with the day before as some things happened then.

[WebLady]

Welcome back and welcome to the Mrs Club :grinhappy:

Off to go find pics ...

[f77g4]

Well there was a lot to do this day, the Friday before, as I was having my nails done etc. I was at my parents place by this point while FH was still in the city where we live. The 4 of us - my parents, sister & I - all got up and went out for breakfast together with 2 cars as we had so many things to do.

My sister and I went to her shop after breakfast for her to do my nails & toes while my parents went up to the reception venue to check on things, drop things off and check on the decorator.

My parents got there, the decorator had hardly done anything at this point. My parents had to decide on how to arrange the tables as the decorator "doesn't do tables" despite her charging me $11/table. Then the decorator tells them that the chair covers don't fit the entire chair and what should she do - leave them & have no chair covers or cut them to make them fit or just put them on the back. My parents decided to go with just on the back as the one she had cut looked crappy. Maybe this is why she should have measured the chairs & been more on top of things.

After my nails, my sister and I ran some errands and ended up running into our bridesmaid and groomsman who had just gotten into town and since they didn't know where anything was they followed me to my parents. The groomsman and my dad went to the liquor store to get liquor for the rehearsal dinner while me, mom & my 2 girls went to the reception venue.

We got there and the decorator still hadn't done much! We put all the golf balls in the vases, set up the candy bar and set up all the tables as the only thing with the tables the decorator did was put the table cloth on and chair covers & backs - I had to put my own runners on and set up the tables...so much work to do that I was running supper late.

Then the decorator started questioning me about the final payment which we had decided (me & my parents) we wouldn't pay until after we had seen the work since she had been a pain. So I said to her well just send me an invoice to my paypal like you did with the deposit and she said well I'd prefer not to do that now. So I said ok well I'll write you a cheque and she's like I don't take cheques. So I said well I'll have to go to the bank, the rehearsal and come back up and she said I won't be here then. So I suggested Sunday when she was cleaning up and she said no...I was like looking at her dumbfounded - like I carry $800 around in my wallet on a regular basis! Finally she decided she would accept a cheque.

I went and got showered and FH finally arrived in town and off to the rehearsal we went.

We got there and I said hi to everyone - FMIL wouldn't acknowledge me and FFIL would only talk to my sister.....other then that the rehearsal went fine and wasn't that bad. It really hit Matt at the rehearsal as I was walking down the aisle - he told my parents he was almost ready to cry.

After the rehearsal we decorated the church with the program basket, bubble basket, aisle runner, flower stands and candle stand.

As we were finishing at the church, FIL's went to leave and my parents asked them if they were going down to their house for the rehearsal dinner - lots of food, drinks, etc and his mother snapped at mine and said "NO"

So needless to say my in-laws didn't attend our rehearsal dinner. This really upset Matt but he tried not to let it ruin his time to shine...me on the other hand - I broke down crying several times...anytime my grandmother or mother or aunt would ask me how things were - I'd lose it. Hubby didn't know that until after the wedding.

We gave the attendants their gifts and left out the parent ones since his weren't there and mine already knew what they were. Lots of great food and lots to drink!

Before midnight Matt & our 2 attendants from out of town left and went to the hotel...yes my husband stayed in a hotel room the night the night before our wedding instead of his parents like originnally planned.

So grrrrr to the decorator and grrrr to the inlaws.

[gwenshack]

OMG that stupid decorator! I can't believe how rude she was about payment and I further can't believe how much she DIDN'T do. I mean, before the wedding, she didn't want to discuss the colors and where they should go and then at the wedding she doesn't want to put any of it together? So what did she think she was being paid for? Her good customer service? LOL...

And the FILs - wow. I really thought they'd soften as they watched their son prepare to marry. So disappointing! :(

BUT I know this story is going to get a lot better! I can tell from your pics that you had a happy day. :) Can't wait to read the next part!

[Mrs.Goff]

Ditto what Gwen said.

I can't wait to read the rest. :)

[ChristineLS]

Holy Decorator and In-Laws! That's terrible! :( I'm glad that your family of origin is much, much more supportive.

I'm looking forward to reading more of it :)

[f77g4]

As anticipated I awoke quite early (like 6:30ish) and felt kinda sick to my stomach - stupid stupid nerves and not to mention a little dehydrated from some drinking the night before at the rehearsal dinner. And I was tired - was up later then anticipated writing cheques for people. But I knew I'd be fine.

Hair appts were to begin at 9 and makeup at 9:30. So everyone else gets up, my dad runs out to put some road signs up so guests don't get lost and to put some pylons at the church to reserve space for the limo to pull in since there is no driveway there. He comes back and takes me, my mom & sister to the hairdresser and we meet the other bridesmaid there since her hotel for the night was just across the street. The hair dresser is running a little behind so we sent mom for makeup while my sister was getting her hair done instead of my sister being the first for both. It all worked out well and we were done both hair & makeup by 12 for 4 of us.

Meanwhile Matt, my dad, his attendants and a few others are all golfing...grr...men get it so easy...lol.

After arriving back at my parents house with the girls and some lunch, the photographer was there and was scouting out my parents property. While eating, we get a call from my dad - he'd leftthe golf game and was on his way home and his car broke down....so off mom drove to get him.

The girls and I hurried to finish our lunch and the girls got dressed and then I did too. I was a little sad as neither of my parents were there when I got dressed and my mom couldn't do up my dress but we had to continue on.

So we're all good getting ready and the photog has set up a back drop in my parents living room and the pictures begin. My parents arrive and hurry to get ready and when I am having pics done with my dad I thought I was going to cry but I held it together.

The limo then arrived but we weren't quite ready - no problem & they left the car running to keep it cool cause did I mention it was a scorcher? It was 33 degrees Celisus but felt like 38!

We did some pics outside and then it was time to head to the church. Ring check, vows check - we're good to go.

The limo was awesome!! But sitting backwards probably wasn't the best for me as it was making me feel a little sick. We stopped close to the church got out and did a hitchhiking pic of me & the girls - it should be cute! And as the limo was pulling in guests were still arriving so it's ok that we were a little late.

[Docsgirl]

Can't wait to read more! CONGRATS!!! :D

Looking for those pictures.....

[VickiLynn84]

I can't wait to hear the rest. i love reading these :)

[Mrs.Goff]

What a great beginning. I can't wait to read more. :D

[f77g4]

So we get to the church and the last guests we see arrive are inside so now it's time to get out of the limo and get organized! Thankfully the inlaws were there waiting to go down the aisle - or I may have lost it. Her outfit was nice but a little casual next to the tux his dad was wearing but hey they were there.

At this point in time, I also noticed my grandfather - god love him - had taken over as usher. We didn't have ushers & didn't care where people sat since I technically had more guests then he did due to my larger family but papa ushers at his church regularly so there he was programs in hand directing guests to their seats...lol...too cute

I was getting sooooo warm and really wanted to get the show on the road.

First Matt's parents went down (this was the first time they had seen him all day because he stayed in a hotel) followed by my parents as mom didn't want to walk by herself. Dad then came back to walk down with me. The song for the parents was A Beautiful World (I think) played by the saxophone player.

Then my girls walked out to The Wedding Song by Kenny G I believe he said and again by the saxophone player.

Then it was mine and dad's turn - I was sweating bullets and so wasn't he...lol...we went down to the Canon in D. The saxophone player didn't play it but he was in charge of the music. Good enough..lol

I was shaking and quite warm and nervous - the minister and Matt both told me to take a deep breath and my cousin actually captured that in a picture of me taking a deep breath.

The ceremony went smoothly - both sets of parents read their scripture readings, our vows were very touching to a lot of our guests...Matt made me cry and I thought I was going to be screwed having to come back after that but again a little fanning of the eyes and a deep breath and I was able to recover. We are both so glad we chose to write our own vows now - Matt wasn't a big fan at first mention.

During the signing of the register, my sister remembered she forgot her speech at home and a pic that my cousin actually took my sister has the WTF look on her face...luckily one of the aunts went to the house and got it for her after the ceremony.

We walked out to the song The One That I Want from Grease on the saxophone...pretty cool and upbeat.

The receiving line went a lot better then expected but man was it hot...lol

After that, the photographer went and got me a canteen of ice water he had in his truck as I was dying of heat - that made for some nice pics...lol

We then proceeded across the street to a wheat field for some bridal party pics.

Then back to the limo.

We made a stop at my great grandmothers house as she was having a bad day and couldn't make it but we wanted pics.

Then to the golf course we proceeded in the limo.

[f77g4]

BTW I'll post our vows later...very touching and beautiful IMO.

[gwenshack]

That's so cute and touching about your grandfather! :)

[Mrs.Goff]

Reading this took my right back to our wedding. I was shaking and was SO hot, though my hot was caused by nervousness.

Can't wait for the next chapter. :)

[f77g4]

Well I figured I better finish our story....lol

So we arrived via the limo at the reception venue. We're all getting our stuff out and into other vehicles etc and Matt's parents decide they want to see the limo so my mom took a picture of them in the limo - how sweet right since they've been nothing but mean to me and my folks....lol

So we took a few pics on one of the greens - this was where Matt got his only pics with his parents since they weren't in the receiving line (their choice not to stand in line) and whatnot....I had warned the photographer when he arrived that there may not be many of me in the pics with them which there wasn't.

We did get one with both sets of parents though which I'm interested to see.

Anyways, dad then came and said we had to go in as the meal was ready. Matt was happy about that as the bugs were kind of bad where we were taking the pics plus he was super hot and I think getting kinda annoyed by his parents.

So because my dad was the replacement MC, my aunt (who did all the cooking for the rehearsal dinner) announced everyone in and just before we walked in, a bug smacked me in the eye. It stung really bad and I kept thinking this is going to be horrible if my eye goes all red - luckily it didn't but the pain last through the entire meal.

Once we were all at the head table, my dad took to the mic to make a few announcements - candy bar, kissing game, etc.

The meal was fantastic - I've only heard rave reviews about it....well 1 complaint from my grandmother's new husband - 1 potato on his whole plate was cold - that man is such an @ss he'd have to find a way to say something negative. MIL also mentioned that a couple of her family didnt get meals and she had to go and ask the kitchen staff to serve them - ugh whatever, maybe they should have been in their seats? And the portions were excellent!

Then my dad did his speech - made me cry at the beginning when he choked up, made me laugh as he presented Matt with an old WWE wrestling picture that use to hang in my parents basement (lol I was obsessed) and made me beam with pride as he talked about how wonderful Matt is.

Then my sister spoke and it was beautiful. Thankfully one of the aunts went and got her speech. She talked about our strained relationship growing up due to the age difference (6 years) but how now that she's older she realizes I've always had her best interest at heart. Her speech got cut off in the video and a piece is missing - I guess the battery died in the camera. I'm going to ask for a printed copy though.

The Matt's younger brother spoke (BM). He talked about how they've always been close, etc. And he even started to choke up near the end when he was talking about how he's always considered me a sister.

Then dad went and asked Matt's parents if they wanted to say anything - and in the video you can clearly see his mom tell his dad you do it. So his dad got up and I have to admit I was a bit afraid. He started to talk about his 3 sons (now remember 1 wasn't invited) but he kept it within ok boundaries but he talked as if their relationship is all perfect.

Then dad decided to open the floor to anyone else and Matt's aunt got up. She talked a lot about Matt's deceased grandmother and how she would have loved to have been here and that fuchsia was her favorite color followed by turquoise - ironic. Then she talked about the 3 boys and again I got worried by she too didn't mention the older one.

Then it was time for Matt and I to say our thank you's. I honestly kinda forgot about this part and really wish I had prepared something. Matt went first and spoke from his heart - he even mentioned that although his relationship isn't the best with his parents he's glad they were there. He forgot to mention my parents at first but before I could even start talking he took the mic from me and was so appreciative of everything they did. I spoke mainly to my parents and thanked my coworkers and our attendants. And of course, being the polite person I am thanked his parents for all their support (lol) anyways....I wish I had thanked my aunt who did so much to help, my cousin who last minute said she would video tape it, and had something more prepared for my parents because they did so much. But we both spoke from the heart so I guess that should count.

Then the photographer wanted some more pictures outside so off on golf carts - the 6 members of the bridal party and the photographer went to find nice locations on the course for pictures. Found beautiful spots and I can't wait to see the pics. It was an awesome time taking pictures - the photographer even had a blast.

When we got back about 45 minutes to an hour later so many people left....the DJ had just arrived and was finishing setting up. All Matt's coworkers left, a lot of older people and as we get ready to go inside for our first dance, etc Matt tells me his parents just left.

Yep that's right - my inlaws left our reception at 8:30!!!! Didn't stay for our first dance, the mother son dance or the cake cutting! Plus not to mention they didn't even say goodbye to me! They make me so angry but I was determined not to let them ruin my day.

Dad felt bad that he should have gotten us to cut the cake earlier when there were so many other people there but I doubt most would have eaten any as there was dessert with the meal.

So we came back in, cut the cake & did the photo op thing - no smashing though. Then 2 of my coworkers offered to cut the cake up since the kitchen staff had left who were going to cut it to save my parents.

We had our first dance - twice in a row - as the photographer needed most of the first time to get the light adjusted on the camera...lol...we didn't mind!

Then I danced with my dad, my mom joined us near the end and then my sister felt left out so the 4 of us finished the song.

Then in what would have normally been the mother son dance, Matt danced with my mom for half the song and then him and I and mom and dad finished it.

We also ended up doing a bridal party dance at one point too - lol which was planned but still fun.

I threw the bouquet and my sister - the last person I wanted to catch it - caught it (we don't like her boyfriend). We did the garter toss and the best man (Matt's brother) caught it. So he put it on my sister's leg.

Then we just had a great time,, dancing, drinking and mingling with the guests that remained. I did my first tequilla shot ever with my husband...blah - he didn't tell me to take the seed out of the lemon and when i bit into the lemon it was all seed and bad...talk about burn...lol

Then my coworker said I had to do one with her - there were 5 of us this time - even my mom got talked into it...and I look up and the photographer is at the other end of the bar with the camera...lol so I can't wait to see that shot.

Oh ya - my cousin who is in Korea teaching - well he joined us via skype! My aunt brought in a laptop and he was able to watch the first dance and father daughter dance - he took pics from his webcam and a bunch of us all got to talk to him! That was pretty neat! And we were glad to have that option.

The photographer left around 12-12:30, my coworkers left around 1 and had a 1.5 hour drive back and we were the last to leave at 2.

Well waiting for the driver to come back from dropping my parents off we gathered all our stuff up and hid the golf balls from the vases. I got all 10 of the disposable cameras back! Yay just need to get them developed now!

But when Matt and dad went back the next day to pick the stuff up - 3 or 4 of the vases were gone. We have a feeling the decorator took them as she said she had wanted to buy the off of me - I mean we left at 2 when the place closed and all the stuff was on one table and accounted for and the staff (who were amazing) said noone would be near our stuff.

[f77g4]

The gift opening brunch was held the next morning (Sunday) at my parents house at noon. We had lots of pastries, fruit, etc.

And Matt's parents chose not to attend and told Matt's brother & best man who did come for a bit, that if we wanted our gift we could go and get it basically. And we really had no choice but to go out there as Matt had to get his dad's tux to return since Matt paid for it (as well as his brothers)....grr..

Anyways despite them not being there, Matt was hilarious - reading cards in funny voices, etc. It was all my family - none of his except his brother who had to leave early to return to the city he now lives in. Kinda sad really.

We got a lot of amazing gifts although I have to be honest and say that I am amazed at how many people don't even look at a gift registry! I mean I set that up for a reason. I had aunts and uncles buy me things and I was like what? why? A couple of duplicate gifts received but it's bedding and we can always use that.

We ended up with about $1500 cash which we used on our honeymoon and even allowed us to extend our stay an extra night.

Here's the dress I wore (I got it for $19.99 originally $79.99) - the pink sash ties around the waist.

http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/pp351/f77g4/IMG_0186.jpg

[gwenshack]

Wow, Matt's parents aren't big on keeping up appearances, huh? Most people would pretend everything is cool.

Other than that though, everything sounds amazing! I love that you all did tequila shots and that you danced as a group. How sweet of your mom to do the mother/son dance with Matt. :)

[f77g4]

Wow, Matt's parents aren't big on keeping up appearances, huh? Most people would pretend everything is cool.

Other than that though, everything sounds amazing! I love that you all did tequila shots and that you danced as a group. How sweet of your mom to do the mother/son dance with Matt. :)

Yeah we thought they would keep up appearances but I guess not - it was pretty obvious to everyone that his mother did not want to be there.

My parents treat him like a son which sad to say that I will never have that with his parents as right now I feel like his parents don't like me at all and wish we hadn't gotten married. The only comment his mom said to me in the 3 days of wedding events was the day of wedding when she came out of the church or when I first arrived and that was You look beautiful.

Matt and I were talking after the wedding and I asked him if any of his aunts/uncles asked about the older brother and he said not one of them so obviously they know and his aunts and uncles and his one cousin he invited all stayed til close to midnight and had a great time.

[f77g4]

Here are our vows:

Matt to me:

Ashley we all know long term friends are hard to come by. The moment I saw you walking by the store that day with your sister, I knew you were special. The day we got together, was the day my life changed for the good. You were the light at the end of my dark tunnel; you gave me a reason to live, and a reason to smile. You are my best friend. You stuck with me despite all the hardships, and you always reassured me things would work out. Today as you become my wife, I couldn't be happier. I pledge to protect, to respect, to cherish, and most importantly to love you until the day I take my last breath. Ashley, I love you and thank you for this day.

Mine to him:

Matthew, you are my best friend, my supporter, my rock and my beloved. I promise to love you more each day we are together and to continue to grow with you. I will continue to support you in everything that you do and to make your dreams my dreams. I promise to always put you first, to love you unconditionally, to respect your decisions and stand beside you through the good and the bad. I promise to never go to bed angry and to always kiss you goodnight. This is my vow to you. I love you.

[Mrs.Goff]

Sounds like despite your ILs you all had an amazing time.

The vows are so touching.

Congratulations again.

[ChristineLS]

I really respect you for being able to rebound, and have a great time despite the lack of support from your in-laws. I'm just as surprised as the rest of the ladies - they really didn't keep up appearances. It seems to me that they only made you and Matt look good though - the grumpy only reflect badly on themselves!

Your vows are really, really sweet :)

Oh, and by the way: IMHO, you have a killer fashion sense. I thought the turquoise sash on your dress was a fantastic touch on an already pretty dress, loved the BM dresses, and that dress you wore for the brunch the next morning is also really beautiful. You've got great taste!!!

[brendalin]

Just saw this post now and I read through your day. even though you had some bumps along the way it sounds like it was Great! I am off to find the pictures!

[f77g4]

I really respect you for being able to rebound, and have a great time despite the lack of support from your in-laws. I'm just as surprised as the rest of the ladies - they really didn't keep up appearances. It seems to me that they only made you and Matt look good though - the grumpy only reflect badly on themselves!

Your vows are really, really sweet :)

Oh, and by the way: IMHO, you have a killer fashion sense. I thought the turquoise sash on your dress was a fantastic touch on an already pretty dress, loved the BM dresses, and that dress you wore for the brunch the next morning is also really beautiful. You've got great taste!!!

Thank you very much! My parents were quite shocked that his parents acted quite the way they did.

And I learned the other night from my aunt, that his parents were really annoyed that we were a little late getting to the church and they actually went and got back in their vehicle and my aunt thought they were going to leave. Yes we were late but only like 5-10 minutes, Matt got there only 5 minutes or so before us and there were guests still arriving when the limo pulled in...soooo although I was techinically late, I feel like I was right on time.

Also, his mom's brother & sisters went home and changed and came back for the dance and were shocked beyond belief that they had left. So I really hope people can see what all we dealt with.

LOL re the fashion sense...I've never been told that before, especially when you see me next to my sister...lol. The dress when I tried it on, the lady said I could get in any color, then I get the dress on and am actually smiling in one and the owner of the shop tells me the sash only comes in turquoise, white or ivory...well why would you want the sash the same color as the dress as there is such beautiful detail on the bottom of the sash? So that is how I ended up with that and subsequently revised my colors a bit.

And the dress for the gift opening - well it was cheap and was the only reason I really got it.lol....but thank you.