We couldn’t get out of that hotel room. We both kept remembering little things we forgot…including the license. But we finally got downstairs and met everyone for our photos…But…I noticed a couple extra people there.
Now, this was to be a tiny intimate wedding. Just John and I, my parents and brother, John’s mom, brother and sister in law.
Why did John’s sister-in-law’s parents show up? Why did they invite themselves to the wedding of a woman they’ve never met and a man they met once ten years ago and haven’t spoken to since?
I was LIVID. But I had to keep on a happy face. John knew nothing of it either and he was pissed. Turns out, Tom (John’s bro) told them about the wedding and they invited themselves…and Tom didn’t man up and disinvite them, nor did he tell me and John they’d be barging in.
Not
Cool
He’s on my shit list.
We went with the photographer I hired to the Vegas sign and took some pics. And then went over to Bellagio/Paris to take more, but we were running so late at this point that we only got a few there. I’m kinda upset about that.
Here are some my brother took:
Back to our hotel to get our limo out to the ceremony location and get everyone into their cars to follow us out there. Our photographer is from Vegas and had directions so she left before the limo. (fyi, that was some foreshadowing for your ass….just you wait) We get onto the highway 15 mins behind schedule, not bad….but….oh wait….what’s that up ahead? A 5 car accident? (no fatalities or major injuries, thank God)
We are in standstill traffic….for…an….hour…and…change…..
You know I’m freaking out.
John was AMAZING. He kept me from slitting Ronney’s (our driver) throat, crying my makeup away, and running down the highway to the ceremony location. He helped me stay calm, and kept me on lovey dovey mode instead of curse everyone involved with ruining our day mode. He was really superJohn all day actually. Made the necessary phone calls, kept everyone (somewhat) organized. I really appreciated it.
We spent a nice chunk of our day sitting in this Limo and just talking. I kept crying and just feeling so overwhelmed with love for him. Im such a punk!
how sexy does my man look in this pic |
We got to the ceremony location an hour and a half late. Our officiant (who looked like a weird elvis and made my day because I secretly wanted to be married by elvis) and the ceremony photographer were still there waiting for us, and though the photographer was like c’mon let’s hurry, the officiant was not super rushy, and gave us a sweet yet not too mushy ceremony.
Now, despite his non-mushiness…I was crying the whole way through this thing! I laughcried when John whipped out his blackberry to read his vows on. And I was crying so much I couldn’t finish my vows. I just couldn’t get it together. John cried too! And, he got on one knee to put my wedding band on! I cracked up and may or may not have crylaughsnorted. We’ll see when the dvd arrives.
OK the ceremony is over, the package photographer does his thing and takes the required photos, and now it’s time for pics with the photographer I hired….but…wait….where is she?? She never showed up to the ceremony location!!! She didn’t call at all during the hour and a half we were stuck in traffic trying to get out to the Valley of Fire. She didn’t call at all during the late ceremony time.
We drive back to town and I see I missed a few of her calls (all were well after the late ceremony had begun) saying she was lost and couldln’t find the location etc etc…I was too happy and loveydovey and feeling my new marriedness to even care to deal with her at this point….but now that it’s a few days later, I’m pissed!
The great thing about being stuck in traffic is that we got to the valley in time for sunset. It was beautiful. I can’t wait to see the pro photos of that sunset behind John and I all decked out in our wedding gear. I thank GOD I didn’t cheap out and say I didn’t want the company’s ceremony photographer because I would be 100% screwed and photo-less.
We went to Top of the World for dinner. The food was good, the service was great, and the views were AMAZING. The restaurant spins slowly, so you get a 360degree view of the strip and all of Las Vegas. It was really beautiful. More pics from my brother:
Dinner went smoothly, except for some embarrassing comments from the wife in the “extra” couple. I won’t get into it here, but I felt bad for Julie (John’s sis n law) who was obviously embarrassed about her mom’s behavior. Conversation flowed and there was lots of laughter and everyone enjoyed their meals too.
Nothing could have ruined my mood at that point though. Ever since the ceremony I was just on cloud 9. In a magical little love bubble with just me and Johnny snuggling and kissing and giggling and holding hands and just being sickeningly sweet.
We had plans of dancing, of playing some craps, of going to a lounge for coffee and dessert…..but we ended up just going home and straight to bed. I almost fell asleep in my dress.
It was a perfect day. I LOVED our ceremony and I’m just so grateful we did it our way instead of the traditional way. It was very us, and I’m so happy to be a Mrs. (even if i’m a hyphenated Mrs.)
Coming up next, Day 1 of the “honeymoon” or as John calls it “the shit show”
Kari Keenan says
Although things didn't quite go according to plan, everything worked out and now you've got a great story to tell about your wedding day. 🙂
MsBabyPlan says
At least your uninvited guest were two, at my wedding the uninvited guests were 200 – my mum's friends' frieds' children's friends, LOL! In the end it was fun though!
I am glad you enjoyed your day and didn't let anything ruin it 🙂
Brandi says
That was a great recap of your day and although it didn't go EXACTLY as planned {no wedding ever does} I'm so glad you were able to focus on the positives. It looks like you had a really great time and you were a BEAUTIFUL bride!! But you better get your money back from that photog!
Dancy says
You're so good!!! I would've told the out-laws to high-tail it. And I really hope that photog gave you some $$ back or at least will be giving you extra product (more prints, etc.)
You both looked amazing and despite your rough start it sounds like the rest of the evening was a HUGE success!! And I'm totally loving your earrings. 😉
Pammy Ponders @ Reflectorville says
great recap! congrats again.. im also a hyphenated mrs, all the cool girls are! 😛
Carolyn @ life, love & puppy prints says
Even though things didn't go quite according to plan… the important thing happened – you got hitched! 🙂 Congrats doll! You two look so happy!
Reicha says
OMG
Dani, I am so glad that you had a wonderful wedding despite the wedding crashers and that unreliable photographer. This is what you guys wanted and it worked out. Now its time for the baby…lol
Dani @ OK, Dani says
Thanks ladies!! 🙂
I actually haven't paid the photographer yet. I was paying her at the end of the day in cash…
Skeeta says
Good recap! SO glad u got the other photog!! And did u already change ur name officially? I got married 1.5 yrs ago and I still haven't changed my name… because of work, blah blah. but Im gonna do it in a cpl months and I was thinking of hyphenating… I wanna b a cool girl! LOL
Ur day looks PERFECT. Im happy for u!
Stephanie in Suburbia says
I love that you kept your eyes on the prize, Dani! It's sooo about your husband, and your love. It's perfect as long as you're together.
I am so familiar with the crylaughsnort. During my wedding all people saw was me shaking b/c I was taking so many deep breaths not to cry. And we had a full mass! I couldn't keep it together that long.
Nicci@NiftyEats says
Congratulations, you look beautiful and you make a lovely couple!
Ethony* says
You look amazing Dani, utterly stunning!
Dani @ OK, Dani says
Thanks girls.
Stephanie I wouldve died if we had a full mass.
Skeeta I'm changing it soon, it's hyphenated on facebook, so you know that means it's official!! lol
Anonymous says
found pitcha!
Dani @ OK, Dani says
Lol!! hey anonymous 🙂
Lady Jennie says
All I could think was – which is worse – to be stuck in stand-still traffic for an hour on your wedding day? Or to be stuck in stand-still traffic for an hour on the West Side Highway when you’re in labor. Cuz I was, dat.
But I think I would seriously NOT want to be stuck in traffic on my wedding day.
Dani says
Oh my GOD!!!! No, laboring in traffic…way worse. HOLY MOLY!!!!