After so much excitement, you would think all the fun was totally over, but you'd be wrong! We had a great afternoon full of relaxation, which we desperately needed. I took a nice nap in the hotel with Skyla and Tory went up to Jeev's suite to hang out with the boys. He got to watch college football with Jeev, Raj, and Nan -- just like old times! I couldn't have kept him away from the tv for the whole day if I'd tried, especially because we were in such a football-crazy city. I thought it was really cool that Jeev and Erin scheduled in such a nice break for their guests and that he had a chance to hang out with some of his best friends on his wedding day. We were grateful for the nice long break but also starving, so we enjoyed some of the delicious food in the goody bag they provided to all the wedding guests staying at the hotel.
Eventually, it was time to get ready for the evening ceremony! My parents were nice and rested and ready to take our little girl for the first time. Luckily she napped most of the time they were hanging out with us as we got ready. I was really nervous about leaving her for the first time and we gave them a long list of do's/don'ts. My dad kept trying to make jokes that I did not find particularly funny (things like, ok so we give her the candy after the bottle, not before, right?) Regardless, we were really excited for our first big night out and really happy that they were there to watch our girl.
We got all dolled up for the second time that day and waited patiently outside for the shuttle to take us off to another fabulous location.
I was a little anxious as we got ready that we wouldn't make the shuttle because Tory had to go out to buy cufflinks! The concierge told him which store to go to and he braved his way through the drunk crowds to get some awesome sterling silvers ones with a fleur-de-lis design. When we got to the church for the Catholic ceremony we thought it was pretty cool that his cufflinks matched the programs:
After the ceremony we got back on the shuttle and went to Gallier Hall, a beautiful old downtown building with a rich history. As a nod to their world travels, they arranged the place cards on a map and seated guests by location. We were pleased to be seated with Nan and Raj in Hong Kong.
We got a good seat on the aisle so we could take some great photos of the ceremony. Everyone looked great, including Erin, who was absolutely beaming in her beautiful gown. The ceremony was really sweet, especially the part when Erin had to say her vows; she got choked up and had to lean back so her maid of honor could give her a tissue.
A few highlights of the reception: made-to-order grits bar, with shrimp and tons of awesome toppings; the fabulous band that played lots of oldies but goodies; the stiff drinks (did I mention that this was our first night out without the baby?); getting to finally meet Erin!; Jeev's sweet speech to Erin before they cut the cake -- everyone was tearing up, especially when he said that when he tries to describe what it feels like to be with her, "It feels like home." Awww! Here are the best of the best of the pics:
We decided to leave right around the time the band took a break. But Jeev had made a mix of dance songs and we kept saying, "Ok, after this song!" but then not leaving! Eventually my mama instincts told me the party was over and we had to get back to our girl. We got back around midnight and everyone was asleep! It was so much fun and definitely a memorable first night out sans Skyla.
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