Here Comes the Bride!!

I have been a TOTAL slacker when it comes to my blog! Though, I think I am forgiven, considering I spent three whole weeks in Orlando planning the wedding, actually getting married, then going on my glorious, two-week, honeymoon!!

Let me start by saying: I had the best time on my wedding day! From waking up having hot chocolate delivered to my room to coming back to the room, surprised with rose petals and a solid dinner, everything was perfect :)

It's true when people tell you to relish every minute of your day because it flies by oh-so-fast. I definitely did take my time outs to look around and take in the atmosphere..to look at Matt and see how happy he was..to look at my family as well as the new family...and take in all the details I could of what I spent so much time and effort to put together.  All those times I had been brought to tears over the course of our 14-month engagement was proven to be worth it..x10.

Disney did an amazing job putting everything together. Not once was I confused in where I was going, what I was doing, the decor was amazing, the cake, the lighting, the staff. Definitely worth every penny spent. We are still in search of the perfect gift to send our planners in thanks for being so wonderful. They worked really hard to make this as easy of a planning period as possible, especially since I live over 3,000 miles away!

There were two things that I really cared about turning out perfect: the photography and the food. Let's start with the photography. I loved our photographer! Her name's Regina and she happens to be a huge Boston sports fan, so we knew it was meant to be (for those who don't know, Matt is a die-hard Boston fan)! I told her I like pictures that are creative and unique. Pictures that can be editorial. Of course I also like the candid shots and the fun colorful shots..but if I am spending quite a bit of money on photography I want photos that have that special something. Along with our wedding day photos we did an early morning photo session at Magic Kingdom in and in front of Cinderella's Castle. Regina sent us a sneak preview of the photos to come and we are completely in awe! It was more than I was asking for and I am on pins and needles awaiting all the rest!!

The food was fantastic. My dress was super tight so I couldn't indulge myself in all the yummy things that I wanted, but I sampled enough to know how tasty everything was :)  I have gotten a lot of compliments still to this day on how great it was, so this gal is satisfied!! Oh, and the cake? Where do I even begin?? I basically gave the planners the idea of vintage Alice in Wonderland with classy colors to match the rest of the wedding but left the rest up to the bakers. They did such a wonderful job. There were the playing cards "flying about", a tea pot pouring "tea" down the cake and into the teacup that held the bride and groom (wearing Mickey ears, might I add!), and vintage-looking photos of Alice in Wonderland circling around the bottom tier.  Perfect :)

Now...my favorite part of the day (also the scariest) was the moments leading up to and walking down the aisle. I loved spending those few minutes alone with my dad...just taking a deep breath..seeing how happy he was and how calm he was. That, in turn, calmed my nerves (because let me tell you, the rush to get photos done, and get all the girls rounded up, and so many people talking to me at once I wanted to scream a little. I was starting to feel claustrophobic, especially since my dress was so tight!).  Then, I heard the bridal march begin. The door flew open and all I saw was Matt straight ahead in his uniform. What I thought was going to be the scariest walk of my life turned out to be simple. I had my dad to hold on to and the love of my life right ahead..looking proud and happy and excited. In love.  Sure I had my nervous giggles saying my vows, but I enjoyed every second of it. It's something I will never get to do again for the first time (there's always renewing vows..but it's not the exact same).  There are so many details and memories I want to share on here, but, I am trying to keep this a blog and not a novel. I will divulge details in the course of the next few blogs when I talk about our honeymoon and when I post pictures (the pictures I'm waiting for from the photographer..there are quite a few pictures that tell a really great story and share these specific memories I am talking of now). So, in time!

I want to thank all my family and friends for being so supportive and sending all their love our way. I am so so so thankful to all the friends and family who were able to make the trip to Disney and share this amazing, special day with us. This was a day where Matt and I truly felt like family to each other and our families now coming together. I couldn't be more thankful than I am now for the people I have in my life. <3

Until next time, this is now Mrs. Devil Dog signing off. 'Rah, Right Out!'

We're Herrrrrre!!

We finally made it to Orlando!! Other than having issues with our designated transportation upon arrival, everything was a breeze! The flight was okay, not too much turbulance, and Matt and I shared a bottle of wine on the plane (sure did keep my nerves in check!)  And the weather? The weather! It has been absolutely gorgeous compared to what the forecast said!! Even though we got in late last night, my family said it has been nice the past few days (phwew!).

Tonight we had dinner at the Animal Kingdom Lodge at an African inspired restaurant called Boma. It was actually pretty cool! Buffet style..they had SO many things to choose from! And the dessert..to die for! It was like they had a mini taste tester of everything..so I didn't feel so guilty placing 4-5 desserts on my plate lol. It was so great to finally see my family, including my sister, Janet, and her little family! It's been about two years since I've seen her, her husband, or my adorable niece, Kaidyn.

Tomorrow is reserved for Matt and I to run some errands. Can't really say what they are, at the moment, but it will take most of the afternoon. I'm hoping after to come back "home", relax with a glass of wine, and just zone out until all the festivities begin.  Oh ya, the house! The house my parents rented is quite amazing. It's 7 bedrooms, it has a screened in large pool with a kiddie pool (shaped like Mickey Mouse) and also a hot tub. Each room has it's own bathroom, and most rooms are king sized beds. If not king, then it's a queen. Fully furnished, full kitchen..and the garage is renovated into an actual theater room with 6 or 7 leather lazy boy recliners, huge big screen tv (like at the movies almost! Though, obviously, not that quite large!). My only complaint? Our neighbors. There are like 10-15 people over there, most of them kids, and they blare their hiphop music outside until well past 2am. Maybe I'm getting old, but I find it rude to be so noisy, especially after 10pm. Where are their parents? Ugh.

Anyway, I'm going to head off and get into bed! Early day tomorrow (early for me, anyway..I'm still on west coast time!).  I'm excited to see everyone in just a couple days!! Surprisingly I'm not all that nervous for the wedding day. It may sound silly but a little part of me is bummed because now that it's here, time will fly. Our wedding day will fly..our honeymoon will fly..and then we will be back home and I have to start working. LoL I know, I'm my own buzz kill!!  But, I will definitely savor this time and these memories...yay! It's here, it's here!! And yay for sunny weather!!! Let's just hope it keeps it up all throughout Sunday. :)  Fingers and toes crossed!  xo