Seven Years Ago Today...

This happened.

I really should leave my post at that, shouldn't I?

But I really had so much fun looking through our wedding album, and after dress-shopping with my sweet friend this weekend for her wedding gown, I am feeling all nostalgic and stuff.

This was the weather the day Mike and I got married.

We chose to hold our wedding at the Steele Band Pavilion at Lakeside, Ohio.

Our family and friends fought against wind and rain to decorate the gazebo.

They have no idea what their efforts meant to me.

It was with very sad hearts that we made the collective decision to move the wedding indoors to the  historic Hotel Lakeside. 

(Much to the GREAT displeasure of the events coordinator. But that is another post in and of itself)

The Hotel Lakeside is a beautiful location, if not a little...dated.

 You'll see what I mean. Keep scrolling.

Fortunately we still had our rehearsal at the gazebo, so at least I got to walk down the aisle.

And I still got to "pretend" marry this handsome man at the wedding spot of my dreams.

It kinda counts, right?

Also this adorable kiddo was there at the rehearsal.

Just had to share this picture of one of my favorite kids.

Moving on.

A lot of crazy things happened the day of the wedding. Other than the weather.

Like a busboy got fired at a bar down the road and he decided to torch the place.

Effectively shutting down the direct road to our wedding site. 

All of our guests were running late.

My bridesmaids and I were running late from our hair appointments.

All because of a scorned arsonist-busboy.

While we were sitting in traffic panicked, Mike had a relatively stress-free morning.

Mike, his parents, brothers and cousin. Missing from this pic is Justin, Mike's best man.

Our friends and family really did a wonderful job of decorating the lobby of the hotel.

The reception was in the room next door to the lobby.

Here is the head table.

Now are you ready to some panic bride pictures? 

Because I got a few of 'em.

My beautiful bridesmaids did whatever they could to keep me from not getting soaked.

Isn't that face I am making just adorable?? Like a woman in love on her way to get married, right?

Ri-ight.

Just lovely.

I am not usually a spazz. 

But I was on that day.

Leave it to my friend Stevie to break the tension and make us all laugh!

My beautiful maid-of-honor and cherished friend Mary Ann!

My amazing mom was on-hand to calm me down.

As was my aunt Tami and Mary Ann's mom.

They are such amazing women!

My dad walking me down the steps/aisle.

I believe our relief that we made it down the steps without falling is quite palpable in this picture.

Finally made it to the altar.

Then I forgot about everything that had gone wrong that day.

I tried to ignore the ambulance with its sirens blaring and lights flashing showing up outside the hotel.

DURING THE CEREMONY.

I tried to ignore the ambulance as they put it in reverse and anyone in a 1/4 mile radius could here it's warning beeps.

ALSO DURING THE CEREMONY.

I tried to ignore the barbershop quartet that was singing out on the porch just feet away from us.

DURING THE CEREMONY.

Thank you to the family member who hushed them.

Honestly, I was SO excited to marry this man. 

I think everyone in the room felt my excitement.

It was perfect. 

The wedding ceremony was amazing.

I am a very blessed woman.

Can't get over the smile on Mike's face. Love it.

After the ceremony. We were so thrilled!

Our amazing wedding party!

Yes that day had some hiccups.

 But I don't think it is a wedding that our guests will ever forget.

"A wedding is a party, not a performance.

If at the end of the day, you are married to the one you love, 

then everything went perfectly."

-Unknown

(All pictures were taken by my uncle.)