For the Love of Love: Tosses After All

After the first dances, the music started pumping and the dance floor was packed! I have to say this made me very happy. The party was in full swing. After about an hour or so of dancing, the DJ let us know it was time. Time for tosses.

If you recall, I fretted over whether or not to do tosses for a long time. I was SUPER on the fence. Mr. Aardvark was not really much help with a sweet, "Whatever you want to do dear." Every time I asked what we should do. In the end, we decided to toss. No real reason. It could have come down to a coin flip. 

The DJ called all the single ladies to the floor with the now ubiquitous bouquet toss anthem, Beyonce's Single Ladies. I was warned that the ceiling was low so I would have to be careful and not get too crazy with my toss.  

Of course, never being a high achiever at anything that involved throwing, catching or making two things come in contact in any way, I gave my bouquet what I thought was a gentle toss toward the gathered ladies.

It promptly it the ceiling and landed with a splat about two feet in front of them. Oops.

Unbeknownst to me, my sister and cousin had drug my grandma into the waiting crowd. My sister (above) scooped up the bouquet and presented it too her. I thought this was a really sweet gesture and the perfect ending to my should-I-shouldn't-I bouquet toss!

And now I have this great picture of my cousin, Grandma, and I!


Now, the garter toss was the part that I was most worried about. The part where my brand new husband takes off a bit of my under pinnings in front of all our gathered family and friends! My fear was added to by the fact that I did not have a long dress. It's all fun and games when a groom ducks under a big cupcake skirt, but it would be straight up raunchy for there to be any under skirt shenanigans in my short dress!

I should have know my worry was uncalled for. Mr. Aardvark is a classy dude. That is one of the many reasons I married him. Once I was perched on a chair, and the single dudes gathered, he began to circle the chair in a "where is it?" kind of way. He looked under the chair... Not there. He looked behind the chair...Not there. He shrugged toward the gathered crowd asking for help. "ON HER LEG!" someone yelled. He checked my ankle... Not there. "Higher!" one of the waiting dudes yelled. He checked my knee....Not there. "Under the skirt!!" yelled another waiting dude. He sheepishly stuck slipped his hand past my knee and finally found his prize!

He quickly removed it and launched it slingshot style to the waiting crowd. I later gave him grief for not turning his back to them first. He said he was nervous and forgot. He's so cute!

My little brother is SUPER competitive. He will do anything if you set it up as a challenge. This was no different. He, being nine, does not really have any desire to "be the next to marry" and we decided long ago that there would be no placing of the garter on the leg of the bouquet catcher. He just wanted to win the toss. And he did. Which is fitting, but sort of funny, and a little bit awkward as well. he was spotted later in the evening wearing the garter as a headband, (un) fortunately I have yet to see photo graphic evidence of this. Silly boys.

In all, I was glad we did the tosses. They were fun and not too awkward. No one (except  maybe my grandma) was dragged to the floor by friends. I don't know that I would have missed them horribly if we had skipped them either though... So I guess I am not much help if you are struggling with the question "to toss or not to toss?". When it comes down to it, go with your gut.

Are you/did toss? Did you have any interesting "catchers?"

All photos by Michael Terri Studios Unless otherwise noted.

Miss a recap? Don't fret! Here they are!

1.) For the Love of Love: Practice Makes Perfect

2.) For the Love of Love: DIY Flowers]

4.) For the Love of Love: Dudes Become Gentlemen

5.) For the Love of Love: The Girls get Fancy

6.) For the Love of Love: Final Moments as A Miss

7.) For the Love of Love: Before God & Everybody

8.) For the Love of Love: "Formals"

9.) For the Love of Love: A Stroll in the Park

10.) For the Love of Love: The Switcheroo

11.) For the Love of Love: Time to Party

12.) For the Love of Love: Cheers!

13.) For the Love of Love: Something Sweet

14.) For the Love of Love: May I Have This Dance?

For the Love of Love: May I Have This Dance?

Before I get into our first dances, I need to talk about shoes. I know, I know, I have said my bit about shoes more  than once already. Humor me. 

You see, my bridesmaids loved the look of the pink shoes they all rocked, but unless properly broken in, they.were.not.comfortable. (oops). Mama Aardvark, being the very clever lady she is, carried a pair of flats with her most of the day, in case anyone needed them. By the time we had started outdoor pictures, bridesmaid Red had called dibs on them. 

Now, Red is also a clever lady and had planned all along to change shoes for the reception. Once she changed, she left the extra shoes on my chair in hopes that they would find their way back to Mama Aardvark.

I on the other hand am not a clever lady. I am the one who will hobble around all night in heels until my feet are bloody nubs. I refuse to go barefoot when I am dressed up (which is odd because I am normally barefoot any other time). I had picked a reasonably comfortable heel for the wedding day and decided to stick with it. I would be fine. I am tough. Or so I thought.

I had not realized just how much time I would spend on my feet in these shoes! By the time our cocktail hour was wrapping up I was hurtin' for certain. As I hobbled over to our table for dinner, like a miraculous gift, I found my mom's flats on my chair! In no time at all they were on my feet and my dreams of dancing all night were restored!

Before I could dance all night, I needed to dance with my husband! The DJ called everyone over and we took the floor. The music started  and we began to dance. We started off with a little Jr. High Sway.

And then tried for a twirl. This is where things get interesting. My new found happy-heaven-foot-clouds (aka flat shoes) where not what I had practiced dancing in. As you can see below, the shoes were no match for our twirling skills in a split second one of my shoes was flying across the dance floor.

For a split second I thought about going after it, but decided it was not worth the hassle. I figured there was some Cinderella symbolism there somewhere.

And shoes or no, we were married and dancing together as husband and wife! All too soon the music ended.

Then it was time for my dad and I to dance. I fetched my shoe and the DJ started the music. Now, I have been told on several different occasions that I have no rhythm, however, I don't think that is true. My dad and I can keep tempo dancing together just fine. Whether or not that temp matches the music is a different story, but at least I come by it honestly.

We had so much fun during our daddy daughter dance, there was no time to get teary . The up beat song had us moving fast enough that there was not much chatting. However, papa Aardvark did say, "The biggest feeling I've felt today is pride." Aww shucks Papa Aardvark! I did not full on cry, but I sure did mist up!

With both of my shoes still on, I left the dance floor to MIL and Mr. Aardvark.

It was so sweet to watch them twirling around. I really think they had fun. It was so nice to see such big smiles on both of their faces.

We had one more dance to go before the floor was open to everyone. We had an anniversary dance. While I like this idea anyway, we had even more reason to do one. You see, BIL and SIL Aardvark share our wedding date. Only they tied the knot five years earlier. When we were planning I asked (several times) if they were sure it was ok that we would share. SIL was so sweet. She said she was excited and the fact that it was five years made it even better because we would hit major milestones together! (anniversary trips anyone?)

We knew we had to do something special, so, for the anniversary dance we played their first dance song, James Taylor's Secret of Life.

The DJ called all of the married couples to the floor. As soon as the music started, I got a smile from SIL Aardvark. It was so nice to do that for them and a tiny way to thank them for sharing their wedding date with us! As the DJ called out lengths of time and couples shuffled to the endges of the floor, he called, "4 years, 364 days?" And then announced his reasoning. The Aardvark in-laws got a big round of applause.

As the song went on, fewer and fewer people were left on the floor until finally  the last couple was spinning out there all by themselves. My Great Aunt and Uncle. They had been married for forty two years! I love this picture of them! They still look so in love!

Before I knew it, the "required dances were over and it was time to boogy!

All photos by Michael Terri Studios Unless otherwise noted.

Miss a recap? Don't fret! Here they are!

1.) For the Love of Love: Practice Makes Perfect

2.) For the Love of Love: DIY Flowers]

4.) For the Love of Love: Dudes Become Gentlemen

5.) For the Love of Love: The Girls get Fancy

6.) For the Love of Love: Final Moments as A Miss

7.) For the Love of Love: Before God & Everybody

8.) For the Love of Love: "Formals"

9.) For the Love of Love: A Stroll in the Park

10.) For the Love of Love: The Switcheroo

11.) For the Love of Love: Time to Party

12.) For the Love of Love: Cheers!

13.) For the Love of Love: Something Sweet

For the Love of Love: Something Sweet

We decided to cut the cake right away after dinner. The main reason behind this was so the staff could remove the tables from the dance floor without having to awkwardly tell the guests to scoot their boot! (We warned those sitting at the dance floor tables with little signs saying they better be ready to shake their booty all night.... Also we reserved the bar seats for them so they could sit if they needed too.) 

So, once the last of the guests had gone up for seconds (thirds?) The DJ announced that it was time to cut the cake!

I was never one to dream about a fancy or elaborate wedding cake. If it was too artful, I would have felt bad about cutting/eating it! I found an inspiration picture right here on the Bee and the bakery executed it perfectly!

I had made Mr. Aardvark practice cutting things with me before the wedding so we had this down! The trick is to not cut a whole piece out, just a little cube to share.

The beer cans and heart garland made a nice (if non-traditional) backdrop! I had warned Mr. Aardvark that if there was any cake smashing he would live to regret it. Lucky for me him, he was pretty nice. Only a smudge of frosting on my nose.

I got him back though! He also go a smudge on his nose! Vengeance was mine! And then we made up!

The whole thing went so much faster than I thought it would. I realized we were only cutting into and then eating a bite of cake, but for some reason, I thought there would be more too it. More...staging maybe? I don't really know. What I do know was the cake tasted AMAZING. I was very sad to find out, upon returning from our honeymoon that all the leftovers were eaten! (We did not bother to freeze the top layer). Continental Bakery  always does a great job with cakes and our wedding was no exception. 

With the cake eaten, it was almost time to dance! 

All photos by Michael Terri Studios Unless otherwise noted.

Miss a recap? Don't fret! Here they are!

1.) For the Love of Love: Practice Makes Perfect

2.) For the Love of Love: DIY Flowers]

4.) For the Love of Love: Dudes Become Gentlemen

5.) For the Love of Love: The Girls get Fancy

6.) For the Love of Love: Final Moments as A Miss

7.) For the Love of Love: Before God & Everybody

8.) For the Love of Love: "Formals"

9.) For the Love of Love: A Stroll in the Park

10.) For the Love of Love: The Switcheroo

11.) For the Love of Love: Time to Party

12.) For the Love of Love: Cheers!

For the Love of Love: Cheers!

After our grand entrance, we joined our guest who were enjoying cocktail hour. Because time was limited at the church, we did not have a receiving line. I was bound an determined to get to every guest (or at least every group of guests) to say hello and thank them for coming. I figured the more hellos I got in now, the more food I could eat during dinner. As it turned out, our table was right in front of the buffet, so everyone filed by on their way to get food. This was totally unplanned but totally awesome. We chatted at length with everyone. We got to sit and eat our dinner. We may have talked with our mouths full. I am sure this is some kind of major etiquette breech, eating while your guests wait for food, or something, but for our casual brewery reception, it was perfect. And really we did not do that much mouth-full talking. 

I'm getting ahead of myself though! After we had made the rounds, our DJ told us it was almost time for toasts, so we rounded up our toasters (wait, is that what you call them? Toastees??) And settled in. 

Fist up was Papa Aardvark, he is a great public speaker, so I knew even if he went on for a while it wouldn't be too ramble-y. He kept it short and sweet, thanking everyone for sharing our day, welcoming Mr. Aardvark's family to ours and saying as a parent, all he could hope for was happiness for his children, and it looked like I was on the right track.

Yes, my dad is wearing red shoes. They are limited edition  "podium shoes" for bike racers...I gave them to him a few months ago and he asked if he could rock them for the reception.
(See where I get my cyclist geek tendencies from?)

One down, no tears! We are rocking and rolling. Next up was BIL Aardvark. (Also know as Best Man Aardvark)

Things were going well, he told a really sweet story about how, as kids on a winter camping trip, Mr. Aardvark helped him chip frozen pasta out of bowl they were trying to wash dishes. His (great) point was that Mr. Aardvark was the type of guy who will do what needs to be done, even if it is a crappy, soggy, cold job. He also talked about how I was so cheerful, all the time and he imagined us coming home from our adventures with sink full of clean dishes and smiles on our faces. That was one of my favorite lines of the whole night, because it's pretty much spot on. It was a truly sweet toast and it looked like I was two for two on no tears!

Of course, things on a wedding day can never go perfectly according to plan. As BIL Aardvark came over to give us hugs, something happened, something in slow motion, something I think every bride fears in the back of her head. 

I don't remember the exact logistics of it, and the videographer had panned to the guests to get their reaction to the toast, so no hard evidence exists. However somewhere between the "lets hug" and the "lets clink glasses" Mr. Aardvark's beer got knocked over. ALL OVER my lap. I am pretty sure he knocked it over himself, but his brother was mortified! I stood up, and miracle of miracles, most of the beer rolled off my dress (cool unknown per to dupioni silk?). Without thinking, I pulled out my grandpa's hanky and sopped up the rest from my chair (so far I had been tear free I shouldn't need it!). waitresses came running with more napkins and in no time at all everything was as it had been. Except the hanky which was soaked in beer still. My uncle later pointed out that this was fitting as grandpa would have wanted some beer if he was there. 

Surprising even myself, I was not the least bit upset by the entire incident. My dress was fine, no harm was done (aside from loss of beer) and now everyone had a great story to tell about our toasts! Poor BIL Aardvark felt HORRIBLE though! I eased his worry by telling him I was relieved he was the one to spill on me, because if someone else hadn't, I would have! Let's be honest, there is a good reason there is no white in my closet.

With all of the excitement contained it was time for MOH MD's toast. I should preface this by saying, I grew up with MD, we were always going on trips together with our families, and we have been through everything together. I should also say that she is a crier. She cried watching Full House when we were little, she gets misty reading magazine adds, and so far today, she had been pretty dry eyed. It had to end sometime.... She told everyone how she had written six speeches, each one making her bawl, but each seeming way to rigid and formal for our friendship. \

In, what I can only imagine was an attempt to keep things light, she told the story of how, when her brother was born, I insisted on wearing a dog costume to the hospital when we went to see him. And how upon getting there and realizing that despite my dog costume, I was not the center of attention, I pooped my pants! (I was 2!) I was a little shocked that she had brought up a pants pooping story on my wedding day (I guess I just told it to the whole wide internet...), but I assured her, and everyone else, that I was getting plenty of attention today, so, no need to worry....

But then after a good laugh, she did what she does best, she spoke from the heart, about how I've always know who I was and what I wanted, and how some people get into relationships and those things change, but with Mr. Aardvark and I, that was not the case, he made me a better person not a different person, and she was so happy that he would be part of our family now. Of course, at this point she was full on crying, and for the first time all day, I was too. I was so touched that she felt so strongly about our marriage. I was so touched that she had such sweet things to say! I could not believe that a toast that started out with pants pooping could turn out so heart felt!  

Guest Photo (theONLY one of me crying all day)

So, we raised our glasses and toasted again! We were feeling so blessed and loved and also ready to eat!

I dried the last of my tears, and we thanked our guests for coming from near and far to be with us. 

Mr. Aardvark and I lead grace which was a very nice, symbolic first act as a newly married couple.

Guest photo

Then it was time to dig in! We filled our plates and chatted with guests as they filled theirs. Everyone raved about the food and we spied a few people going up for seconds! Before we knew it, the DJ was giving us a 5 minute warning for cake cutting. HOLY COW! The day was flying!



All photos by Michael Terri Studios Unless otherwise noted.

Miss a recap? Don't fret! Here they are!

1.) For the Love of Love: Practice Makes Perfect
2.) For the Love of Love: DIY Flowers]
4.) For the Love of Love: Dudes Become Gentlemen
5.) For the Love of Love: The Girls get Fancy
6.) For the Love of Love: Final Moments as A Miss
7.) For the Love of Love: Before God & Everybody
8.) For the Love of Love: "Formals"
9.) For the Love of Love: A Stroll in the Park
10.) For the Love of Love: The Switcheroo
11.) For the Love of Love: Time to Party

For the Love of Love: Time to Party

With my dress converted, our guests enjoying cocktail hour, and all our formal pictures taken, it was time to head over to the reception! I would just like to take this chance to again thank the staff at Arcadia and, Diane, a family friend. They did all the set-up. I was so blown away at how clearly and beautifully they interpreted my vision. In just two hours, they turned the restaurant into the reception venue of my dreams!

Guest photo

They set up the candy buffet! I must admit, I had been a little nervous about green and blue candy looking too "little kid-ish" or unnatural, but I think it turned out great!

The staff even took the time to re-do the menu boards for our special day! That was a sweet surprise!

The cake got it's own table with heart streamers made from the left-over hearts from making the ring-book! (you can sort of see them in this picture!) Our little toppers looked so cute, and many people commented on how "us" they were.

Our sweetheart table was adorable! The Mr. & Mrs. signs I had made looked great! I had not thought about putting the doily banners on our table, in fact, when I was dropping off decorations, I think my exact words were, "put these where ever they look good." (Later in the evening, they were used by some guests as feather boas for...sexy dances...(?))

Our Jar/doily centerpieces were also a hit. The majority of guest tables at Arcadia are made out of old doors. The dark wood looked great with the doilies and the candle light everywhere gave the whole room a romantic glow (especially later in the evening). As a side note, one of Mr. Aardvark's cousins used a few of them (with different colored ribbon) for her graduation open house! I was so thrilled A) that they were used again and B ) to see a bit of my wedding pop up unexpectedly.

The scene was set it was time for our grand entrance! The best party I have ever attended was about to get started!

As a side note, the tray of cupcakes were for people who came to Arcadia for dinner but were turned away because it was closed for a "private event". The got a cupcake and a coupon. I had no idea until later in the evening that this was going on but, what a great idea! As a venue, they continued to impress me even after the planning was done! If you are ever in south west Michigan, you have to check them out!


All photos by Michael Terri Studios Unless otherwise noted.

Miss a recap? Don't fret! Here they are!

1.) For the Love of Love: Practice Makes Perfect
2.) For the Love of Love: DIY Flowers]
4.) For the Love of Love: Dudes Become Gentlemen
5.) For the Love of Love: The Girls get Fancy
6.) For the Love of Love: Final Moments as A Miss
7.) For the Love of Love: Before God & Everybody
8.) For the Love of Love: "Formals"
9.) For the Love of Love: A Stroll in the Park

10.) For the Love of Love: The Switcheroo

For The Love of Love: The Switcheroo

In what felt like no time at all, we had wrapped up our outdoor pictures. However, it wasn't quite time to head to the reception. Lucky for us, we got word that an impromptu party was happening in the upstairs office where the rehearsal dinner had been held the night before. Turns out, there was some left-over beer that surely would have gone bad if our brave guests had not done away with it.

It was a great time to sit and relax with a few of our guests and bridal party before the real party started. It was also a great opportunity for me to do the big switch. If you recall, I had a convertible dress, I had briefly fretted that I would love the big skirt and want to keep it on, but I was SO ready to ditch that thing! Once the guests who had been mingling made their way across the street, to the reception, it was go-time.

With a little help from Mama Aardvark, I was FREE! 

Then it was time for the sash. Grandma, Mama Aardvark and I had made this sash just a few weeks ago. The lace bow was had been on Mama Aardvark's veil (which, as it happens, was made by Grandma Aardvark about 25 years ago). I thought it was a perfect way to bring a bit of her wedding look to my big day*.

A few final adjustments, and I was ready to rock and roll! Mr. Aardvark had not known there was a secret to my dress until that point. He was very amused at how sneaky I had been, and impressed that I got "two dresses for one"!

To anyone out there thinking about a convertible dress, I cannot recommend it highly enough. The fun and convenience of being a "two dress bride" without the cost! Also, it's a great way to have a cohesive look for the whole day, while still changing things up.

*The veil was the one my mom had for her wedding to my dad. I thought it would be better suited as part of the reception look since they are no longer married. I would have used a bit of her wedding look from her marriage to my Step-dad, but she wore slacks and an blue shirt with a straw hat. None of which could really be re-worked into my outfit. I think it worked out perfectly in the end.



All photos by Michael Terri Studios Unless otherwise noted.

Miss a recap? Don't fret! Here they are!

1) For the Love of Love: Practice Makes Perfect
2) For the Love of Love: DIY Flowers]
4) For the Love of Love: Dudes Become Gentlemen
5) For the Love of Love: The Girls get Fancy
6) For the Love of Love: Final Moments as A Miss
7) For the Love of Love: Before God & Everybody
8) For the Love of Love: "Formals"
9) For the Love of Love: A Stroll in the Park

For the Love of Love: A Stroll in the Park

After we were done with the family pictures, it was time to make our way towards the reception, lucky for us, we had time to kill and a lovely park to do it in! One of my favorite things about our wedding was that everything was walk-able. After we left the salon, I did not get in a car until late the next afternoon.

Mr. Aardvark, "Why are you putting your veil over me?"

So, along with the bridal party, we headed out. I cannot tell you how lucky we were with the days weather. It POURED in the morning but then was done. It was in the 60s. On top of that we had a VERY early spring this year, so flowers that would normally only be starting to poke out of the ground were in full bloom. Without further ado, more pictures and less yapping!

I was not going to trip over my dress again!

I guess we can kiss again... :)

YAYY! We're married!

I think these pictures are so great because we were SO happy to be sitting!

In what seemed like no time at all, we were back at my dad's bike shop. It was almost time for the party to start!

(The image above is the other contender for water having a water color made. I just can't decide. I love the one by the church because it is more about us, but the colors are so vibrant and the whole feel of this one is so dreamy! What do you think?)

All photos by Michael Terri Studios Unless otherwise noted.

Miss a recap? Don't fret! Here they are!

1) For the Love of Love: Practice Makes Perfect
2) For the Love of Love: DIY Flowers]
4) For the Love of Love: Dudes Become Gentlemen
5) For the Love of Love: The Girls get Fancy
6) For the Love of Love: Final Moments as A Miss
7) For the Love of Love: Before God & Everybody
8) For the Love of Love: "Formals"

For the Love of Love: "Formals"

I know formal portraits can be a bit long and boring, so I will keep this short and sweet (and hopefully interesting). We made a list for our photographer with all of the groupings we wanted, and the names of everyone in those groups. On the day of the wedding I gave several people copies of these lists and dubbed them "wranglers". They were to tag the people need for the pictures and queue them up so that the photographers could get the "In the church" shots done before we needed to clear out.

One of the shots that I am most happy about is the one below, the "Grandparents". The only one Missing is my Great-grandmother who lives in Wisconsin and was not able to make the trip, and Step Mama Aardvark's dad who headed out before the wranglers could catch him! 

The I really like this one, we had all of the flower girls together and Mr. Aardvark went to help wrangle, So we took advantage of the (rare) chance to sit down!

I love the laid back feel of our bridal party portrait! We are really not very fancy people, so this suits us perfectly. (Also our little ring bearer may have just filled his diaper and if you look close, some of the adults are noticing!)

The shot below is our "Wedding announcement" picture. Did we do wedding announcement? No. We didn't even send anything to the paper, but Mr. Aardvark really liked it because you can see both of us clearly, and we look good! Even if it looks a little cheesy super posed.

The next two are favorites of mine as well. They both just capture how happy and in love we were feeling that day! (Not that we don't feel happy and in love now, but we don't have a photographer following us to capture those feelings as we go about our day to day life.)

He is SO freakin' dreamy.

Below, possibly the best picture from the whole wedding. Seriously. If we had more wall space, I would want this canvas sized.

This is another great one of us with our parents and siblings. The amazing thing here is that everyone is making a nice face! I didn't even know that could happened in group photos!

Mr. Aardvark's stylin' groomsmen, while less silly than my bridesmaids, still looked good. The one on the right had transition lens glasses much to the chagrin of the photographer. I, however, think they add to the "cool" of this photo.

And last, but not least, my 100% favorite picture from the whole day.  After seeing our digital proofs, I asked the photographer to send me this one in full color, black and white, and any other format possible. I still cannot pick a favorite out of those, and there are about six. It is just such a perfect picture (if I do say so myself).  I have been considering having a watercolor painting made  from one of our photos and this is one of the final two.

All photos by Michael Terri Studios Unless otherwise noted.

Miss a recap? Don't fret! Here they are!

1) For the Love of Love: Practice Makes Perfect
2) For the Love of Love: DIY Flowers]
4) For the Love of Love: Dudes Become Gentlemen
5) For the Love of Love: The Girls get Fancy
6) For the Love of Love: Final Moments as A Miss
7) For the Love of Love: Before God & Everybody