Wedding Part III

[Click here to read Blog Post "Wedding Part I"]

[Click here to read Blog Post "Wedding Part II]

Finally....it was wedding time! We made our way down to the ceremony site (via golf cart which Asher LOVED), and the Mad Violinist (AHH-Mazing) serenaded everyone as they took their seats and waited for the ceremony to begin.

The processional was short and sweet, first Bubbie escorted by Uncle Rick, followed by Jims Parents, and then Jim who was escorted by Chip, then Tom, Corie and Mini Flower Girl Olivia (Jim's Brother + Fam) and then Nick, Myself, and the Mini Ring Bearer, Asher.  Finally, Chase, the ring bearer walked the line carrying a banner that said "here comes the bride"

Then, Sister made her grand entrance, escorted by Daddy and everyones jaws dropped. She was beautiful, elegant, classic, stunning, and just absolutely radiating beams of happiness from every inch of her being. It was tough to not have an emotional breakdown at how grown up and beautiful she looked, but I kept it together ;)

The ceremony was beautiful. Besides Sara and Jim and the love that you could feel between the two of them, my favorite part was the chuppa. The top of it, Whitney made as part of the decor for Sisters Bridal Shower, and then Jim made the frame. It was very whimsical and I could not have imagined them getting married under ANYTHING else. They both wrote their own vows, and they sounded like something you would hear in a movie scripted by an award winning writer. The two of them or so artistic, creative, soulful and romantic.

Having kids in your wedding means being prepared for the unexpected. Sister knew that there was the possibility of the kids coming and going from the ceremony, but never expected that Ella would follow her as she circled Jim 7 times (but who can blame her, they play ring around the rosie all the time) Asher was pretty good throughout the ceremony, he stood with me for a little while, sat with nick, and then came back to me. Ultimately we had to move him to sit with Lyndsey and Jack because he kept squealing and reaching for me (but when he would stand up there with me, just wanted to walk on sisters dress) Having the kids around was just enough of a distraction to help keep my emotions in check too!

When the ceremony was over, Jim broke the glass (after a couple of tries...should have cheated and used a lightbulb like Nick ;), and the two of them retreated off for some quiet time together (and to grab a quick bit to eat while everyone else enjoyed cocktail hour)

After cocktail hour, and a quick shoe change it was time to introduce Mr. & Mrs. Dimitroff for their first dance, and the father daughter / son mother dances.

Loved sisters blue suede shoes!

With all the "traditional" wedding traditions out of the way it was time to party! Sara and Jim's friends have this energy that surounds them, and you could feel the energy in the party. Asher especially loved the music, specifically the band. His eyes were always glued on the band, even when they stopped, he walked up front and signed for more. I didn't have my camera out much the rest of the evening, it was way long past bed time, and even though Asher was partying (he puts his hands in the air and says whoooo, whoooo), he still was slightly on edge and didnt really want to be put down, and prefered to be in my arms. No big deal (other than the fact that he weighs 25 pounds and my arms were still sore 2 days later), we still just danced and partied with everyone else!

 

Around 10pm Asher started to get tired, so I took him up to the cottage, and changed him into his PJs.  About 45 minutes later he was asleep on my shoulder.  He woke up just in time for the send off and the the thirty minute car ride home.  Thankfully Aunt Rachel and Aunt Lyndsey rode back to the hotel with us and provided Asher with some back seat entertainment.

 

1:30 in the morning, and we were back in the hotel room and ready to finally put Asher to bed. After I snapped a couple of pictures of my night owl, it was straight to bed for him, and party time for mom and dad!

We had a room on the main level of the hotel, so lucky for us the baby monitor worked in the lobby and we celebrated into the wee hours of the morning by slapping the bag and a little mega shofar blowing!

Sunday morning came entirely too soon, we enjoyed a delicious hotel buffet breakfast and then were on our way. We took a slight detour back to Dunaway to drop off Blair and Josh at their car and then headed home for a family nap, before heading back to mom and dads for dinner with the rest of the family that was in town. 

 It was an unforgettable weekend, and I think that Sister's dream wedding became a reality. I could not be happier for her and Jim and am so thankful to have been a part of their wedding! 

 Here is to Brother Jame and Sister Dimi...

...May you Live Happily Ever After!

 [to see all the pictures from the wedding click here]