I LOVED our rehearsal dinner. There are many reasons why I loved it so much, but one of the main reasons was that it was as smaller group of people, the people who are nearest and dearest to us, and because of the smaller group, we were able to talk to everyone and spend some quality time with everyone there – which unfortunately, wasn’t quite possible at our wedding. The days leading up to the rehearsal dinner were pretty crazy –
as mentioned in this post. I had some last minute things to pick up at my apartment before heading to the church, and I do remember that my time alone in the car was a time for me to collect my thoughts and take in the fact that it was all really “happening” – everything that I had planned for the past 14 months was actually taking place- and sure enough the next 48 hours sure did feel wonderful and “surreal” to me. Our friend Steven was our photographer for the night and I am sooooo glad that we had someone dedicated to taking pics – there are so many great memories from the night that would have been lost without all these treasured photos! So all you engaged people out there, take my advice and assign someone, professional or not – to take pics for you of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner!
Here’s the girls listening intently to our directions from our wedding director – Carlos’ wife, Carla.
And here’s the guys listening to their instructions: “Don’t lock your knees”, “Don’t walk too fast down the aisle,” etc.
Saying “Hi” to Granda Flores and Grandma Susan who came all the way from San Antonio, TX to share in our special day!
More guidance from Carla.
On the stage with my man for the first time – this is when it definitely started to feel “real”!
Supported on stage by my maid of honor – my sis Kristen, and Jason’s best man, his brother – Chris.
Our college friends, Angelyn and Darryl practicing their walk down the aisle.
And more awesome friends, Julianna and Jamin
And more great friends from college, Trey and Audrey
Here’s my little brother Lucas practicing his part as ring bearer and my little sister Summer practicing as flower girl. They’ve gotten so much bigger since then!
We spent about an hour rehearsing how everything would go. Here are a few more of my favorite pics from the church that night.
After the rehearsal came the rehearsal dinner. We held it at the Foundry Inn – a really pretty venue in downtown Athens – it is actually used a lot fo wedding receptions. This was one of my favorite memories of the entire wedding. We had so much fun just visiting with everyone. My inlaws did a GREAT job of planning this and even made the centerpieces themselves the week of the wedding! I really didn’t have to worry about this event at all – although they did let Jason and I play a part if picking the menu – so thank you Randy and Ruth for a WONDERFUL rehearsal dinner! I will treasure these memories forever. 🙂
With my mom, dad, and sister and MOH Kristen
With Jason’s aunt Lois and cousins Shelly and Dawn – we will be seeing them soon at our upcoming family reunion in May!
My dad starting off the toasts/roasts – this is my favorite part of rehearsal dinners and weddings- of my own and anyone else’s. Hearing from friends and family definitely adds a personal touch to the wedding.
Wow- I guess he said something funny…
My friend Amy giving us a toast – she’s the next one up to get hitched! 🙂
Once I started tearing up, I couldn’t stop… Jason said I was like a waterfall lol! The funny thing was I didn’t cry at all the day of the wedding. I guess I got all my tears out!
A toast from one of the hosts – Jason’s mom
With my girls 🙂 I wish we still all lived in the same city!
Jason with our church crew and many of the talented musicians that played at our wedding.
Diggin’ in – the food was delicious! And I definitely got to savor it a bit more than our wedding food.
Yum!
More good times….
We’re getting married tomorrow!!!!!!
