After the ceremony, we spent some time at the fort taking pictures before piling into the limo and heading to the reception venue. On the way, we asked the limo driver if he would be willing to stop at a nearby post office so that we could get the marriage certificate in the mail. He did just that, and our photographer caught it. I can only imagine what the locals thought to see a limo drive through a post office.
 |
| The new Mr and Mrs! |
Once we arrived to the reception venue, the reception coordinator wisked us away to a private waiting area for appetizers and champagne, while they poured everyone's champagne for the champagne toast. The DJ lined us up, and we were announced. Once everyone was seated, we went right into the speeches. Our best man and our maid of honor each gave speeches and joked with us all week that they were going to tell embarrassing stories. Truth be told, they both gave speeches that were so touching and heartfelt that I am pretty sure there was not a dry eye in the house.
 |
The Best Man's speech
|
 |
| The Maid of Honor's Speech |
Following the speeches, we went right into dinner. The DJ played Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, the food was delicious. We decided to have a buffet of comfort foods, and our caterer created exactly what we wanted: meatball, honey mustard chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes. Part way through dinner, our photographer brought out glow stick kits. The kids, as well as the adults, had a blast creating glow stick glasses, earrings, and necklaces.
After dinner, we had our cake cutting. This is where our baker surprised us. Our original plan was to have a wedding cake and a groom's cake, but the groom's cake was going to essentially be a single-tiered chocolate version of the wedding cake. I wanted to surprise Tom with a more custom groom's cake, but time ran out before I could really plan it. The baker came through, and designed Tom a guitar cake. We were both pleasantly surprised.
 |
| Our Wedding Cake |
 |
| Our Groom's Cake |
Tom and I had been discussing the cake cutting for about a year before the wedding. We both agreed that we wanted our wedding to be an adult affair, and that our cake cutting would follow suit. I went by what we discussed, and nicely fed Tom a piece of wedding cake, minus a little frosting on his nose, which I promptly kissed off.
Tom on the other hand...
I should have known better. Especially after he flashed his "I'm innocent" eyes at me. Before I could react, I was covered in sticky frosting. At first I was less than pleased, but then I realized that it was the man I married. Tom has a playful side, and our guests loved it.
 |
| Never trust a man with a handful of cake |
 |
| So not amused |
We took a few minutes to get cleaned up, and then started the dancing portion of the evening. Tom and I had our first dance to "Rose of My Heart" by Johnny Cash. The words fit us perfectly. Tom and I had been practicing waltzing since we became engaged, it was nice to finally have the opportunity to dance with him. Tom also took full advantage of the flow-y aspect of my dress and spun me a few times. Our wedding party and guests blew bubbles during our first dance to add to the moment.
Following our first dance, I danced with my father to "I Loved Her First" by Heartland. Tom danced with his mom to "Purple Rain" by Prince. Then we opened up the dance floor and everyone joined in on the fun.
 |
| Me and my dad |
 |
| Tom with his mom |
All that was left to do was the bouquet toss and the garter toss, which we dispersed throughout the dancing. The florist provided a toss bouquet for me to throw. Now, I notoriously have bad aim when throwing, and in my defense, the DJ made me toss the bouquet with my back turned to everyone.
I say this in my defense, because I managed to toss the bouquet right over all of the ladies...
And into the groom's hands. Seriously, Tom cannot catch. He later told me that he was having a conversation with the best man and the bouquet landed in his hands. If that is not a sign of sheer talent and brilliance, I don't know what is.
Last but not least, Tom took off my garter. True to form, he opted to do it with his teeth. Again, our guests enjoyed the show. Fortunately, I did not catch the garter, although I'm sure people were questioning it. Ultimately, my bridesmaid caught the bouquet, she is engaged to be married next June. Our best man caught the garter. We need to find him a special someone.
After the bouquet and garter toss, we enjoyed the last couple hours of our reception by dancing the night away. Our last dance was to "Good Life" and my nephews requested it so they could dance with their new aunt Jenny. It was a perfect, beautiful day that was worth every minute of planning, and every dime of money.
All pictures copyright of Classic Photographers, and used with permission.
