11 Years...Still So Happy...

Just a few of the random memories I have from our wedding 11 years ago today.


- Never drive yourself anywhere on your wedding day. I learned this almost the hard way. I woke up and visited my hair stylist, driving myself. She secured my veil opting not to remove it so I  left it on while I made the short drive for the pre-ceremony photos. Well, veils can be kind of tricky to see around. Thank goodness the other driver could see me because I could not see him. Now, T Rex Dad and I jokingly tell engaged couples, have someone drive you wherever you need to go that day.


- My wedding dress nearly flew out of the back of my sister's Ford Bronco as she drove down the interstate on her way to deliver my dress. 

- The wedding dress was altered 6 times before I finally wore it on the big day. We purchased the dress on clearance in size 14. I was about a size 2 at the time so it took many alterations to get it the right size. We still saved at least $2000 by doing it this way. Why did I do this? I wanted to wear my mother's wedding dress but she was even smaller than me so I could not fit into hers. This dress was the closest resemblance to hers.


- At our reception, we had a frozen ice punch bowl. It was my favorite decoration.


- The chef in charge of our reception dinner refused to make deviled eggs saying, "It is beneath my talents." I finally had to explain that his food was far above my family's usual palate and if it was going to be eaten he better adjust the menu accordingly. Nearly all food was eaten.


- My brother arrived 5 minutes late and the ceremony had already started. I did not care as I was so happy to have him there.


- The night before we realized my cousins had forgotten the flowergirls' headpieces I had made by hand. I stayed up late that night making new ones. Again, I did not care because I was happy they made the long trip to be there and it was just so special having them present for our big day.


- One friend flew across the Atlantic from Ireland to be present. 


- I was surprised when my husband showed up for photos wearing the white bow tie. I thought for sure he'd want the black like James Bond.


- The person officiating the ceremony kept calling me Mary (no my name is not Mary, nor anything close to that.) Again, I did not care but smiled knowing I was marrying the man of my dreams.


- The DJ playing the music at our reception did a great job of ensuring the music selection was appropriate for all ages but did a horrible job selecting songs. Yes, I ended up having to do the chicken dance. Again, I did not care, I was just so happy.


- I kept forgetting my bouquet every where we went because I did not want to let go of my new husband's hand. I still love holding his hand.


- My one young cousin did all the young bridesmaids and flower girls' hair and make up. They looked wonderful and now she is a professional artist/model doing such things in Hollywood. I'd like to think she got her start at my wedding. 


- One of my bridesmaids never wears dresses, make up, or curls her hair - except for special occasions. I was excited when she showed up in a dress, curled hair, and make up. As soon as the party was over, though, I think it all came off. 


- To this day I still do not know who sent the "interesting package" up to our hotel room that was waiting when we arrived. 


- I introduced my new husband to my childhood crush at our reception. He was the brother of my brother-in-law. I was 3 when I first thought he was the cat's meow. When I told his girlfriend of 20 years this at the reception she said, "Yeah, I know, you're the third person to remind me." My reply, "Well, you ended up with him."


- The police showed up at our reception. Well, just one, a very dear friend who had to work that night but took time to stop in for a bite to eat. We were happy to see him, too.

- Our photographer forgot we asked for black and white photos and did not bring enough film for all the black and white shots we wanted. (This was back before digital.) He was a bit odd anyway. 

- The wedding cake was delicious - the one bite I had of it. We still have the top layer in our freezer. I haven't had the heart to toss it.

Eleven years later, I am still as happy or even more so than the day I married him. Thank you, My Darling, for being the love of my life, best friend, favorite person, and man of my dreams, or  my "E for all of the above". I am blessed to have you.