Ours was pretty traditional, but a lot of fun. I wouldn’t change a thing about it!
Since my family and friends all live in the midwest, and we got married here in CT, we decided to have the rehearsal dinner at an outdoor lobster place right on the water. It was byob, so we brought coolers of wine, champagne, and beer. We sat at picnic tables while eating delicious seafood and admiring the view of Long Island Sound and sailboats as the sun set. It was laid back and so much fun!
We had the wedding ceremony at a beautiful Episcopal church in Mystic, CT. My grandma and my new sister-in-law did readings during the service, and afterward we had pictures taken not only at the church, but by the historic drawbridge area downtown. It was late September, but warm and sunny without being hot. A perfect day!
The reception was at a nice Italian restaurant. We had a sit-down meal, did all the usual tossing of the bouquet and garter, dancing, open bar, and yummy cake. There were minor snafus, like the DJ was a bit late and a waiter spilled champagne down the front of my dress. I was so happy to be married to my husband that I didn’t care at all! The food was very good, and the cake was outstanding. At the time, my husband and I worked with a guy who was an amazing singer. He sang a song he’d written for the occasion, and overall we had a fantastic time. No one left until the manager came out to say he really had to close up. My face hurt from smiling so much!
That night, we went to an adorable bed and breakfast right on the beach. Friends of ours had left champagne and chocolates in our room. The next morning, we drank our coffee on the beach, sitting on big rocks and just enjoying the peace. We didn’t leave for our honeymoon until a week later, but went to Disney in Florida. Had a wonderful time there as well!
It was pretty darn great for a shotgun wedding. ;)