We arrived at the Haskell building a little after 4:30 pm and the reception started at 5PM. The town car took us into the garage below the building. We took the elevator up to the second floor so we could make our Grande entrance down the staircase in the atrium on the first floor. Our guests waited in the atrium while listening to jazz, receiving champagne and white raspberry chocolates while they signed our picture frame guest book alternative. The café, where the tables had been set up, had the glass entrance doors closed, confining them to the atrium. But it was 3 times as large as the café and beautifully decorated – I’m sure no one minded.
Hidden away from all of our guests who didn’t attend the ceremony, Mr. & Mrs. sat upstairs out of the spotlight. Our bridal party came up and we all got waters and just relaxed for a moment. The kids were eager to get the party started (antsy) while we waited to be announced. There was a little confusion between the DJ and the coordinator, so my MOH went down and straightened things out. But our coordinator decided to announce us in the atrium without the microphone :-/ Aside from that hiccup, we all came down and started our celebration!
Once inside, we went right into the toasts made by Mr. C’s groomsman, his Best Man and my eldest daughter. Then my middle daughter read a poem on love that she found. Finally, my mother got up and gave the blessing for the food and said a few words of her own.
All in all it took about 15 minutes to get those formalities out of the way. Then the Mr. and I went to go get food at the buffet, followed by our parents and the rest of the bridal party. Then our guests were allowed to get in line (Coordinator was on that one.) While we ate, we noticed a rainbow outside. So everyone ran out to get a picture of Mr. & Mrs. under it.
After the Mr. and I ate our food, I officially showed him his surprise cookie bar and we went around the room to thank everyone while they were seated and eating - instead of doing a receiving line. We then got up and spoke, giving our “Love Testimony.” He claimed he was ready to get up and speak with out preparing anything. But I almost had to drag him up there. I told the story of how we met, our first date (with the kids) and how God blessed us with each other. He did speak; of course he made me cry, again. Then somehow he ended up going around the room introducing his friends and family. Somebody call in the Sandman, where’s the hook!
So after we retrieved the microphone from Mr. we cut the cake and had our first dance. Then the girls and I danced a little and some of our guests did too. I soon changed out of my gown into my “Bride” Tank and “Mrs. Carpenter est. 5-27-12” hoodie, which I wasn’t too impressed with, because I paid a reputable company and good friend referral to make it and well, it just wasn’t quite straight and put together. Just look at the photo and you’ll see what I mean :-/ While I was changing, dolphins came up the St. Johns River, a nice treat for the guests.
WEATHER UPDATE: The rain really subsided for the reception. It came down about 5:15 pm and the skies were clear most of the evening. It got cloudy a few times, but no more than sprinkles until we were packing up to leave. PRAISE GOD! Ask and you shall receive. Tropical Storm Beryl was not match for him…
We had to call everyone back inside to see a live performance by my cousin. He performed 2 original songs. One was contemporary Christian fused with rap, the other was at my request. A clean dance track that was fun and a workout! LOL.
It was about the same time that some of our guests, who had delved into the chocolate fountain, cookie bar and chocolate buffet, began to leave. But the party went on. The Mr. and I danced a few more times. I won’t repeat the things he was saying in my ear. All I’ll say is that he was all hopped up on sugar from the cookies.
Around 8-8:30 pm it started to get dark and the clouds came back. That’s when everyone started to call it a night. I had stitch gears back to my wedding planner hat back on and pull out my checkbook to pay the DJ and the Cake Lady. Both blessings to us and our budget!
I’m lucky to have such great friends that stayed to help clean and pack up. We were supposed to be out of the building at 9PM, one of my dearest friends, Montina, who drove down from Atlanta, stayed as well as my long time BFF Kim. They made sure everything was back in order. They even kicked the Mr. and I out and told us to enjoy our wedding night.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that we didn’t have a garter or bouquet toss. There weren’t that many single people there. Not enough to warrant the event. Plus I really didn’t want to do the garter because I knew I’d want to change out of my dress earlier in the evening – pretty, but hot and bulky it is.
Hopefully, I haven’t left anything out. However, I’m sure I did. All I can say is that we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and appreciate everyone who came out to celebrate with us, even with a storm approaching.
I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing Our Sweet Day with WBS and the bees! I hope everyone enjoys them as much as I have! Maybe they will give someone some inspiration. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions about our DIY wedding or need help with your brooch bouquet!
