A cook out - wedding stlye

On Monday, Ryan and I woke up, had some breakfast and coffee, then headed to the mall to return Ryan's tux shoes. I had gotten a call that morning that it was time for a dentist appointment. After the mall we went over to my dentist's office. The dentist I see also happens to be the father of one of Ryan's classmates, so they were able to talk dentistry while I got my cleaning. The hygienist showed him some of the hi-tech equipment they use.

After the dentist we decided to take Winston for a walk. We walked all the way to my Grandparents house. My Grandma the dog some water while we chatted about the wedding a bit before heading back home.

The caterer arrived and began setting up, and soon Ryan's parents arrived, then my Grandparents, then Baba and my Dad, and before I knew it the rest of the family was there.

My dad cued up some dinner music on his laptop and speakers. Greg threw a few logs onto our little fire pit, and after we ate the ribs, chicken and corn, we mixed in some roasted marshmallows with our desserts from the caterer.

By request, Ryan and I re-enacted our first dance in the grass. The cook out went fast, and I was sad that the wedding festivities were officially over.

Ryan's parents hung around a bit longer than the others and we watched the wedding DVD that Baba's friend made for us. The quality is iffy, but its really great considering this was a free favor from a friend with a camera, and it caught the important highlights.

Thw wedding weekend was wonderful, and Ryan and I enjoyed every minute. Our family and friends were so helpful with everything. We wouldn't have had nearly the beauty or fun without the many hours of time, effort, and the money spent by our dear parents. We will be forever grateful to everyone who showed their support for our marriage.

Waking up wife

About an hour before our wake-up call, Ryan and I were up. Probably because we had both been used to getting up early for school and work.

After laying in bed chatting for a while, we got dressed and walked sleepy-eyed out to the lobby for some coffee and treats from the breakfast area. We knew we were eating soon, so we split a little scoop of potatoes and went back to the room.

I tried to do something with my hair while Ryan packed up our things. When we were both ready we went down to the lobby, me carrying my beloved dress.

Ryan's parents picked us up and took us over to the Lane Family Center for the post-wedding brunch.

We arrived and greeted lots of family, the bridal party, and out-of-town guests. Soon coffee was being poured and a line started at the buffet. Eggs, french toast, pastries, salad, chicken, and pasta were served. During the meal I talked to Ryan about thanking everyone for their support this weekend.

"I don't want to talk. Will you do it?" he asked. Ryan hates being the center of attention, and he especially dislikes speaking in front of a group of any size.

"Sure, I'll talk. You just stand next to me," I reassured him. We stood up, I got the attention of the room, and said "Hi everyone, I think Ryan would like to say a few words. Ryan?"

Mwahaha! I heard a few snickers from our table that had overheard the previous conversation. Ryan took the cue and thanked everyone for coming, and mentioned how wonderful it was to share our wedding with family and friends. He was a good sport about it, although he wasn't very pleased that I threw him into the spotlight.

As we finished up brunch, Ryan's sister called us out to the parking lot to get a gift. I had no idea what she was referring to...until I rounded the corner of the building.

There was Ryan's car. Covered from antenna to tire in saran wrap, crepe paper, balloons, oreo cookies and gummy peach rings. Oh, and some Vaseline globbed under each handle! It was a sight to behold. After the laughter died down we snapped a few pictures. I ran home to get my mom's car so that Ryan and I could head to Straussmyer's Croation Home.

After hugs and goodbyes, and a few promises not to let so much time pass between visits, Ryan and I headed over to where Baba's band was getting ready to preform. We got there in time to help her carry her case in and get set up. We listened to band play several traditional Croation songs.

When she was done playing, Baba had the MC announce the newlyweds! Ryan and I stood up and waved and kiss while the audience clapped. We then headed down to the spits to get some lamb. It's the same lamb chopping guy thats been cutting meat since I was little. He has a huge heavy knife that he slams down with all his might, only inches from his fingers! Baba ordered two pounds, we got some haluski and ate it with out lamb sandwiches on white bread at the table. Boy, did that take me back!

After sliding down my childhood slide on the tiny playground, we headed home.

At home, Ryan and I opened cards and gifts from the wedding with Ryan's parents and mine. The it was time for dinner (leftovers of course!) We were joined by my Step-sis Jenny and her boyfriend Jeff.

We enjoyed dinner an recapping the previous day. We had cookies for dessert, and said out good-byes to Ryan's parents (just for the night). Jenny and Jeff stayed a little longer before heading out.

To be continued...

Celebrating love

We pulled up to the Georgetown in the limo just as the sky was beginning to turn gray. The room looked beautiful all lit up with people trickling in, choosing their seats. The cake looked great with a spotlight shining down on it, the little cake toppers I painted proudly standing at the top under a grape-wine arch. It even had a fountain at the bottom (which was a requirement from the start!)

Soft accordion music was playing from the corner where the accordion player was set up near the DJ. After greeting a few guests at the door, we headed over to take our seats at the bridal table.

Before we knew it, it was time for the toasts. Jen was shaking like a leaf next to me. She gave her toast first, and it was so sweet! I teared up just a little bit as I listened to her speak to my character and how happy she was for Ryan and I.

Kyle spoke next. He spoke about what a great family raised Ryan to be the gentleman he is. He said he was so happy that Ryan found the love of his life (thats me!). He finished with a "So...yeah, take it easy!" Which made for a chuckle as we raised our glasses.

After the toast the staff of the Georgetown began sending tables to the buffet, with us going first. I felt like royalty as a girl from the Georgetown carried my plate for me the whole time! The food was great. We ate and enjoyed, then headed down to cut the cake.

Damon the DJ announced that the cake cutting was happening, Jim the photographer got into position. Ryan and I clasped the knife together, picked a spot, and made the slice. The cake was frosted with icing of a cool-whip consistency. Great for taste-buds; not so great for picking up and feeding to your new spouse. We grabbed what we could and fed each other a simultaneous bite.
We didn't shove or smear cake on each other's faces, but it was messy just the same, with a blob of cake falling onto Ry's tux. No matter, my mom was right there to brush it off with a napkin. Thanks, Ma!

Cake cutting complete, it was on to (drum roll, please...) the dance! Ryan and I had been taking secret lessons from a salsa guru in Columbus. We actually had planned on dancing a salsa, but after two lessons we felt like pretzels. Not the good kind. We felt like the kind of pretzels that are so mishapen they cut them up and use as samples. We decided to do a bachata, with a lot less fancy arm and foot work.

To be honest, we were still smoothing the bumps out minutes before the reception. We took our position on the dance floor, and Damon cued up the tunes. We started dancing to the eighth beat of "Quede Solo en la Pobreza," by Kiko Rodriguez. We heard cheers and applause as we broke out into our unexpected dance. It was nothing too fancy, just a few spins and turns, but we loved it, and so did our guests.

After our dance, Damon called all couples to the floor and we shared in a slow dance together. Later he would pick them off one by one based on years married. Ryans Nanna and Pop-pop won that by a landslide - 69 years! However, that did not deter Baba from stealing Pop-pop away for a dance or 3.

After more dancing, mingling, stopping by the fruit and cheese table, and cookie table, it was time for the bouquet toss. All the single ladies lined up. I was too busy doing the Zumba routine to the song that I almost missed the cue to toss! A 1..2..and 3 and the bouquet was out of my hands, and landing in the open arms of, who else? Baba! The smile on her face was priceless. She's been a "single lady" since my Grandpa passed away in 2008. She promptly shouted "There's still hope!"
After the bouquet toss Ryan and I posed for a few more photos with guests, talked with some friends, and before we knew it, the hall was thinning out. It was after 11 by the time it really hit us that candles were being blown out and the bartenders were wiping out glasses behind the bar.

Some of the bridal party and our friend Brit stayed til the last box was loaded. Ryan and I hopped back in the limo where we rode, cuddled up, to the Hampton Inn in Canfield.

We entered the hotel in our wedding clothes, Ryan with is overnight bag, and me with mine. I used a small piece of luggage of my moms that just screamed "Get-away suitcase." After we checked in, we headed up to the honeymoon suite.

The first thing we noticed was a treat basket filled with chocolates, cheese, crackers, fruit, and apple juice. We nibbled on our treats as we filled the Jacuzzi (thats right! Jacuzzi!). I pulled about a thousand bobby pins out of my hair as we enjoyed our room, even lighting the fireplace (thats right! fireplace!) before bed.

We drifted off to sleep in our giant king-sized bed.

To be continued...

The king gets his crown

Our limo driver, Ray, dopped us off at Fellows Riverside Gardens in the beautiful Mill Creek Park. We took a few shots on the grassy area, and then some on the overlook.
The ledge over looks Youngstown, YSU stadium can be seen at the point of my shoe in the second picture. By the way, these are pictures my new sister-in-law Nicole took - isn't she great?

We took lots more shots around the gardens, including an O-H-I-O shot with the OSU alumni in the group. When we were finished there we got back in the limo and headed over to Federal Street to take some edgy urban shots.

Jim and his assistant were great and I think they got some terrific shots, I can't wait to see them! He listened to all of our suggestions and we got some neat shots in front of peeling paint and steel barriers in the city.

While Ryan and I were taking a couples shot, our bridal party ran into another group of a groom and his groomsmen. They took a few silly shots, and I even got one with "two grooms" hehe!

After the city shots, we headed over to Ryan's all-time-favorite fast food restaurant, Chic-Fil-A. Ryan had been asking to have nuggets at the wedding since day one, so we had to stop there on the way to the ceremony. Jim took some pics of us feeding each other a nugget and sipping from big soft-drink cups.

While Jim and his assistant headed over to the church to set up, we all finished our food, and chilled for a bit. Josh even got an ice cream cone.

We headed over to the church and the girls and I scurried into the dressing room and hid from the guests. We primped a bit, took some pictures, and generally just chatted and hung out til it was time to head upstairs. We could hear the quartet playing and soon they switched to Cannon in D.I tried not to get my heels caught in the brick as I made my way to the front doors. I couldn't believe it was show time! I saw Billy and Charlie unroll the big white thing and everyone started to line up. The mothers were seated, and pair by pair, the attendants walked down the aisle, followed by Josh with the ring pillow.

I stepped up to the doorway and Greg took my left arm while my Dad took my right. we waited several seconds for the music to change, and began our walk down the aisle. I saw lots of friends and family as I walked, and I saw Ryan standing next to Jim (the minister, not the photographer) . We got to the end, and Jim began a little welcome speech before asking "Who gives this woman?" My Dad and Greg said "We do," I kissed each on the cheek, and then my Dad fell.

I wasn't going to include this part in the blog, but it was part of the wedding day and I'm not upset or embarrassed about it. My dad had knee surgery recently and has some trouble getting around and standing for long periods. As he was turning to go back to his seat, he fell. Ryan's dad, a few groomsmen and my step-brother helped him get over to the pews. Then the ceremony proceeded without a hitch.

Ryan and I listened to my step-siblings readings, listened to a lovely song sung by the minister's daughter. We lit the unity candle and presented a rose to each of our mothers.

A great moment in the ceremony was when Jim asked what token we chose to symbolize our love. We said "Rings." Kyle handed the rings over out of his pocket. Josh, hearing the word "rings" marched right up to the altar with his pillow. We had sewn fake rings to the pillow. After realizing that Josh wasn't budging until someone relieved him of his duties, I took the pillow, thanked him and set it down on a bench. It was too cute!

We continued with the vows and rings, and before we knew it, it was time for the kiss! We puckered up to applause from the crowd and more clicking of the camera.

After a few more words from Jim, we marched out as man and wife...then ran around the back of the church, through the bushes to a side entrance. We exited again after everyone had a chance to get their bubble tubes ready.

We finished our time at the church with family photos at the altar.
To be continued...

I do...

Part II
The Wedding Day:

I woke up from a great night's sleep (really!) around 8 am. After a touch of cereal and some coffee with mom I headed out to the hair salon for my 9am appointment where I met Ang and Stef. Maura, the hair goddess, worked on my hair while Lucia, the make-up miracle, did Ang's make-up. Stef got her hair done along with me, and was done with her make-up by the time I was ready for mine.

Maura asked if I wanted my curls pinned up in the back and I said "Sure, lets go for it." 5 minutes after she finished I had a mini-meltdown and insisted that she take them back down and let them hang. She obliged and I was so happy that we made the change. It made a huge difference and I went from kind-of-not-liking my hair to loving it!

Lucia worked her magic with Mineral Hygenics and for the rest of the day, every time I passed a mirror, I had a "Well hello there, Beautiful!" moment.
We all finished close to 11, and headed back to my mom's house to get dressed and wait for Nicole, Kaleigh, and Jen to arrive.

Jim the photographer arrived right at 11:45, so I dropped my left-over-rehearsal chicken and slipped into my dress so he could take the obligatory zipping-up shots. He took several of me putting earrings on, then necklace, then bracelet, etc, before heading out to the pond.

Finally, the pond into which my dear step-dad poured so much blood, sweat, and tears gets it time to shine!

Jim took a few pictures of me moseying around the pond, and also a picture of me with each bridesmaid near the pond. I'll admit, every time a car drove by I thought "Oh no! It's Ryan! He can see me!" Stef finally called Ryan's dad and made sure they gave us a 5-minute warning before their arrival.

Soon, we got the call. I ran inside and well, panicked! What do I do? Where do I go? When do I come out? All the bridesmaids huddled at the garden window on the porch, and I walked out the sliding glass door along the brick walkway to Ryan. He was standing there with his back to me, in his tux. My instructions were to tap him on the shoulder and he'd turn around.

I walked up and stood right behind him. I hummed a little "Do do da do..." just to make him wonder when I'd tap. Then...tap, tap, tap. He slowly turned (to his left, just like Jim told him).

And there he was, smiling from ear to ear looking daper in his tux. We just smiled at each other for a few seconds, he told me I looked beautiful, and we smooched as the camera clicked away. It was a great moment. Ryan finally understood why I spent the last month freaking out over every mosquito bite, bump, and bruise on my legs.

After snapping some more pictures around the pond, we headed into the limo and off to the park for more pictures.

To be continued...

Practice makes perfect..

Part I
The Rehearsal:

Ryan and I drove into Columbus in time for Ryan to pick up his tux. We then met up with his parents and grandparents for a nice lunch at Zenobia (a middle eastern cafe). Ryan and I ordered the same thing - hummos and tabouli. While we dined I sat by and talked with Nanna Shelly, which was nice because I haven't seen her since our Ocean City trip in 2008.

After lunch, we dropped off the grandparents to relax at the hotel for a bit, and headed to the Georgetown with Ryan's parents to preview The Georgetown, where my mom was waiting. It looked beautiful all set up. The chair covers made a big difference, and I am so glad we swapped out blended drinks for them.

I went home with my mom to get ready for the rehearsal (wearing a dress borrowed from my friend Nicole), and soon enough, we were pulling up to St. James.

Jim the minister had us run through the whole thing a couple of times. It seemed a little bit confusing, with people all over the place. And it was hard to remember what order everything went in, but I figured on the day of the wedding it would be more apparent. (Stef would later tell me my Mom looked concerned at the blank stares of the bridal party during rehearsal, haha!)

After everyone felt adequately rehearsed, we headed down the road to a cabin for a savory Italian dinner!

The tables looked beautiful with fall flower centerpieces and I could smell the pasta and chicken from the doorway. My dad set up some speakers and played a steady stream of dinner music during the whole evening. After a lovely welcome and thank you from Ryan's dad, guests made their way over to the buffet and filled their plates with Antone's bests.

After dinner we were delighted with spumoni ice cream and cookies from none other than the famous Corbo's Bakery from Little Italy in Cleveland. As everyone nibbled on cookies and ice cream, Ryan and I passed out out attendant gifts. Each of the girls received a monogrammed pink fleece robe and flip-flops, while each of the gentlemen were given a pocket knife and a "Worst-case Scenario Survival Guide."As we finished up dessert, Ryan's sister, oops, I mean MY sister (in-law, that is) thrilled the crowd with a beautiful slide show that chronicled the childhood years of Ryan and I. The show concluded with pictures from Ryan and I's relationship up to this point. It was touching and pulled out a few tears from my mom and dad.

People began to trickle out and head back to their homes and hotels to rest up for the main event. I went home with my mom and Greg, took a bath, painted my nails, and hopped into bed!

TO BE CONTINUED...

Today I met the boy....

...That I am going to marry.
4 short days til the wedding! I am excited, thrilled, nervous, stressed out... School is ending and a new chapter of my life is beginning. I'll come back from the wedding with a better update, and hopefully some pictures as well.

Over the last couple weeks:

I finished my preceptorship with hospice, it was a great experience. I got to spend "11th hour" time with a dying man, look through a scrapbook with a WWII vet, and see some great nurses touch the lives of those that need it.

Ryan and I have done some geocaching, which we really enjoy. Ryan also went on (another) trip to the Red River Gorge with 4 Dental School friends. He said it was the best climbing trip he's ever been in! (Better than with me? Better than watching me swat bugs and run from spiders, and have shy-bladder syndrome in the restrooms? Impossible!)

On Saturday his best friend Kyle came to visit, and we were able to take him to the gallery hop.
Its nice having him off school for a bit before the wedding. It makes it easier to get some things done. Let the countdown resume!