Our Big Crazy Happy Jewish Wedding - Melissa & Dustin 06/28/2009

[Mel]

if you want to find me currently click the "life as a wife" blinkie and leave it in my life journal!

:smileheart:

I thought I would start with a touch of backstory....

I joined MLW at the urgining of MsJessica07 when she was planning her wedding and I started the "Always a Bridesmaid" life journal series... Because, well, I was always the BM.
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Dustin and I met in our synagogue in October 2007 shortly after we each moved to Denver. We knew it was the real deal from pretty early on...
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He proposed at the beautiful Garden of the Gods October 2008. Our proposal story is here (http://www.mustloveweddings.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9921).
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v356/209/38/1910319/n1910319_45753649_1184.jpg

We also took our engagement photos at Garden of the Gods, in front of the same rock he proposed at!
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2604/209/38/1910319/n1910319_48527475_2313604.jpg

We had a lot of fun planning our wedding (the "Finally the Bride" series), and I am ever grateful to the women of MLW for their support, encouragement, advice and glomps in the process! You were all with me on my wedding day, for sure!
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Now sit back, relax, and enjoy our wedding story! :wedding2:

[Mel]

Wednesday, June 24 –

Mom and Dad arrive and unload a bunch of stuff into the apartment, then the synagogue, then their hotel room. They then pick me up from work and the four of us head off to dinner. While at dinner we made a plan for Thursday and Friday, though to see things the next two days, you never would have guessed it! :disappoint:

After dinner my friend Emily came over to redo my henna and mom and I finished up the table assignments. The boys watched the history channel. :hehe:

side by side of the old black henna and the redone brown henna....
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Thursday, June 25 –

Mom worked on the placecards, while Dad and Dustin ran around town for some last minute food and drinks for the hospitality suite and alcohol for a part of the reception.

I had to work a full day again, so when Mom and Dad picked me up from work we ran to PartyCity to get some balloons ordered and pick up some silly hats for the photo booth. Then it was off to meet with the caterer and go over the last final details.

After the meeting we went home and had a lame dinner while we got some stuff done, then I had to take a long bath to prepare for Mikvah (the Jewish ritual bath). Mom and I headed out to the Mikvah and Dustin awaited an update from Jess (BM) and Raif (GM) on their arrival. Later that night Dustin and I each spent some time with good friends to casually celebrate our awesomness :biggrin:

Rachel (SIL) and Mackenzie (niece, and adorable flowergirl) had some serious plane issues and got super detained, but eventually made it in to town very late that night. Jess and Raif also arrived pretty late…



Friday, June 26 –

Once, again, I had to work. Luckily, only until noon though! So Mom, Dad, Rachel, and Mackenzie went out to breakfast while Dustin went for a haircut. Then Dad and Dustin picked up their vests from Men’s Wearhouse and Dustin headed off to the airport for Leah (BM) and Avi. Dad came to pick me up from work and I went to see my beloved chiropractor while he picked up the tablecloths. Then it was time to go get my nails did! Vivi (Jr BM) was waiting for me there and we chatted for a bit, then Jess met up with us and they both got manicures too… Jess decided last minute to also get a pedicure, but she didn’t have sandals, so we had to call dad to come pick us up. We got back just in time to say hi to Leah and Avi, and then get ready for the walk-through and Shabbat!

The walk through went well enough. As soon as Arielle started singing I started crying. It was mean. Mackenzie was finicky, as is to be expected of a 4 y/o bundle of cuteness. She really wanted to stand by me and just couldn’t get that she couldn’t be up with us. It was sad, but she got over it. Rabbi had some difficulties with the order, so we talked it through again (and Dustin and Raif each made more clarifications, again) – and it seemed we finally had it sorted out. The girls did a few more practice runs to help get Kenzie used to it, and we had mom stand in for Michelle for spacing/timing, meanwhile the guys discussed the order more in the foyer.

Eventually, we got everyone moving and headed off for Shabbat services and dinner. I am the coordinator of a monthly services/dinner group, and my pre-wedding Shabbat just happened to be the next date, so it was great to get to share that service and community with our family and friends. We had a ton of ppl there and had to even have some overflow dinner seating out in the backyard. Our friends who had gotten married the Sunday before were also there, as was a couple who was getting married July 4th, so we had a lot of wedding energy and I think ppl enjoyed it.

Dustin, Me, Jess, Raif, Leah and Avi all had a nice chat while we walked back to the apt/hotel… Then Jess and Raif and Dustin and I sat around the apt chatting a bit before I was about to pass out!

[Mel]

Saturday, June 27

We woke up bright and early! Dustin was leading one of the early parts of the service so he had to be there at the beginning, and I wanted to be there soon so I could support him. So we got up and started getting ready. I went down to wake Jess and Raif and Raif told me he was up and they were moving. So Dustin went to give them a 15 min warning when he left and they didn’t answer the door! So I finished getting ready and went on down, and it turned out they had fallen back asleep and Jess was having a shirt malfunction. Luckily we are close enough in size I found a suitable alternative and we were off! Services were wonderful, and the Rabbi said some nice things when he said the blessing for a couple about to be married. Then I quickly donned a bike helmet to protect my head from the impending flying candy :lol: ppl got a good laugh out of it, and I still think it was a brilliant plan!

After services we had a nice Kiddush lunch at the synagogue. Then the girls all headed off to my friend Melanie’s house for “Shabbat Kallah” (the bride’s Shabbat) where we had some nice conversations about how everyone knew me and relationships and such… Meanwhile, the boys all went back to the Rabbi’s house and had beer and talked about much less introspective things! I had to leave a bit early so I could go see my friends/family that had arrived and were at the hotel, so I snuck out and others remained playing!

As we walked into the hotel, my aunt, uncle, and cousin were heading out to get some lunch so we got to have a quick hello in the lobby. The highlight was walking into the hospitality suite and saying hello to some family friends and then catching one of my best friends out of the corner of my eye! I said “hold please!” and ran to her instead! So good to see her and to sit and catch up for a bit. She and her boyfriend (who I really want her to marry b/c he is so good to her and she glows with him) decided to go exploring for a bit and Rachel and Mackenzie came back in and there was other ppl coming and going, so I hung out with more good friends and family for awhile. At some point, they noticed Dustin walking home out the giant windows and ppl jumped in front of the window and my mom smashed my head to the side so I couldn’t see him – which only furthered the bad headache I was getting – b/c by this point we were not seeing each other until the wedding. Not long after that I gave up on being social and went to lay down in my parents hotel room for a bit, b/c I had about an hour until I had to meet Jess and Leah to head back over for our welcome reception.

Needless to say, my mom didn’t wake me up on time, so the girls were hanging out in the lobby wondering what happened (and since it was Shabbat and we are all observant, no one could call…). Eventually I stumbled down and we headed out. I drank a bunch of water and ate some fruit and I think that was helpful. Sat night’s reception was nice, though a few parts of it didn’t quite work out as planned; it turned out even better because of it I think. In general, everyone just hung out, made friends, ate food, and chilled. We did do a very nice Havdallah service (a brief service to signify the end of Shabbat) which my uncle decided to video, so that was cool too.

Oh! One of my highlights… Early in the night, a couple came upstairs where I was hanging with a few friends {the event was in a two story youth house} and was all smiles and so happy to see me. I was having a moment of “who the heck are these ppl?! Did I forget family members?! Oh no!!!!” They then very happily introduced themselves as Aunt Leslie and Uncle Rob and I sighed aloud and was all smiles! It was Dustin’s favorite aunt and uncle who live in FL! He lived with them after high school in NorCal for a bit and they were the only members of his father’s family who were invited. It was sooo great to meet them, and to not have forgotten someone I should have already known either! ;)

At some point in the night we did some major choreography to hide Dustin so I could run out to the car and get the BM gifts for my girls ready since the jewelry showed up in Denver with Becki :biggrin: I came back in and distributed stuff and it was awesome. And luckily Becki was there b/c one necklace was broken and an earring was somehow laying funny, so she was able to take them back to the hotel room to fix. At some point, I left and there were still lots of ppl hanging out and having fun and eating...

After we got to the hotel, I got a call from Dustin saying he had finally (around 11:30pm) heard from his GM David who we had not yet seen all weekend, nor his fiancé’ – and they were both supposed to have been around all day Saturday. I was afraid something had happened, turned out there was just a bunch of impromptu stuff they had to do for their wedding instead. We were both a little miffed that they ditched us, but glad they had made it safely and we would see them for the wedding.

We also hadn’t heard from my BM Stephanie all day and she and I were sharing a hotel room, so when we got to the hotel we asked if she had shown up, and apparently she had just checked in! We actually ran into her somewhere along the line, as well as some other friends who were on a quest for food. So we went up and opened the hospitality suite again and hung out for a bit while we sorted out our room. The first room number they told us was to my Aunt’s room! So they told us what room it was supposed to be, which we couldn’t get into! So eventually we found out the handle just turned really weird – just took a long time to get to that point and to get into the room… Once we did, Steph, Lisa (her friend who was her “date”), and I went and got settled in. We stayed up talking for a bit and catching up before we all crashed! They both said good night to me knowing it was our last with me single!!! :biggrin:

[Mel]

*saved for hospitality suite pictures when i get them*

[Mel]

Photos from the welcome reception

relatives from both sides meeting and chatting in the fresh denver air...
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882130835590_1910319_50780118_2941518_n.jpg

the dads...
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882130860540_1910319_50780122_4333249_n.jpg

d's grandpa and great aunt
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882130870520_1910319_50780124_4647968_n.jpg

d's mom's best friend, mom, and great aunt
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882130905450_1910319_50780130_4358550_n.jpg

my college best friend and mom
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882130945370_1910319_50780136_3214188_n.jpg

the next on the marriage circuit, and i set them up 6 yrs ago tyvm.
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my mom and two of my dad's sisters
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dustin's aunt and uncle - the only ppl from his biological father's family who were invited, and the aforementioned aunt and uncle who startled me...
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882130985290_1910319_50780141_1429290_n.jpg

becki showing me jewelry
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882131130000_1910319_50780165_7388881_n.jpg

and me having to steal back my box!
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882131134990_1910319_50780166_3898563_n.jpg

my HVAC technician cousin took to task fixing the ac which sucked.
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882131184890_1910319_50780173_3776010_n.jpg

[Mel]

becki, garry, and jess chatting
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882131189880_1910319_50780174_4422649_n.jpg

d and b
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882131194870_1910319_50780175_2545578_n.jpg

girls checking out their necklaces!
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882131199860_1910319_50780176_6181550_n.jpg

b and my mom!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882131269720_1910319_50780188_666423_n.jpg

my earring broke and kept catching on ppl's hair when i hugged them, so then it tore my ear and it was bleeding. only me right?
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my cousins and uncle. this cousin hosted my shower with her mom, who is in the next photo... and my mom and i hosted cousin carrie's shower 6 yrs ago.
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me and my bestest
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882131309640_1910319_50780195_149810_n.jpg

and with jesse and adam. the four of us took hebrew together in high school and have all sorts of crazy memories...
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882131344570_1910319_50780201_3104957_n.jpg

i love jesse... and his partner tony.
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the ppl behind the camera all weekend... my dad's best friend and his wife...
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[Mel]

reema! one of my best friends from high school!
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs171.snc1/6409_109336836491_532426491_2248905_7841711_n.jpg

sorority sisters!
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882131354550_1910319_50780203_7805744_n.jpg

approving the photo... ;)
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mom's maid of honor, mom, dad, dad's best man... how cool is that?!
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882131429400_1910319_50780218_1800159_n.jpg

raif (jess's husband) is going to steal b any moment
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882131444370_1910319_50780221_3269072_n.jpg

tony, jesse, and joel (michelle's dh) looking casual cool
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882131454350_1910319_50780223_5149472_n.jpg

very tired mlw girls...
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882131459340_1910319_50780224_1852861_n.jpg

tammy (aka, my local mom) and rabbi
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882131469320_1910319_50780226_1427887_n.jpg

mmm... food... its behind my mom talking to judy (the cater's front end manager who was on hand for the night)
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882131474310_1910319_50780227_4042029_n.jpg

the short spanish clan... ;) dustin with his grandfather, grandmother, great aunts, and mom.
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882131514230_1910319_50780234_4429786_n.jpg

d and his mama
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d and my parents
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882131499260_1910319_50780232_4373882_n.jpg

me and my parents
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882131524210_1910319_50780236_5047409_n.jpg

[Mel]

Sunday, june 28, 2009! Wedding day!!!!

6am - I wake up and my first thought is “Oh crap, I forgot my toothbrush.” I went potty, climbed back into bed, and layed there for a bit willing myself back to sleep. When that didn’t happen, I gave up and got myself dressed and ran to the grocery store across the street where I proceeded to buy a little travel oral hygiene set, a banana, and two bottles of vitamin water (my one true love :lol:). When I got back to the hotel I sat in the lobby for a bit and then hopped on the computer there to check in here and change my facebook status… yes, I am that much of a dork apparently. When I got back up to the room the girls were starting to wake up. We sat and chatted for a bit, then I headed back to the hospitality suite to gather some stuff to take over to the synagogue for while we got ready…

9am - Mom, Dad, and I loaded up his truck and rach and kenzie, a few local friends, three of my sorority sisters, and the mlw girls all met us there to help with set up! Upon arrival we found one really big error – the whole room had been set with the chairs with square tops, not the round ones – which we needed for our chair covers and had been specified on the layout. So everyone got to work replacing the ~200 wrong chairs, putting on chair covers, and table cloths, and soon everything was looking amazing. {THANKS girls!}

One highlight of the AM, was setting out a tea light holder (which were never lit!) and finding out it was wrapped in bubblewrap in the box. {For those who don’t know, I am a giant klutz and it was joked around that I needed to be taped to the couch and bubblewrapped for the weeks before the wedding.} Needless to say, there was immediate consensus that the bubblewrap needed to be on me… So in unison everyone declared on my leg b/c that is my most apt to break body part and we snapped a few quick pics… Makenzie then decided she wanted it on too {monkey see monkey do for this one}….

11am – The amazing Danica (makeup artist) arrives! And so did all my bridesmaids… We got Michelle settled in with Danica for her makeup application, and rounded up the hair doing crew and headed off to the salon. Mom and Leah went first. Mom was done very quickly, but there were some complications with Leah’s hair… So when Jess hopped into the space Mom vacated and my stylist showed up – Mom went next door for a nice bagel snack while we fought hair. Luckily, the stylists were all amazing and everyone wound up with great hair. Unfortunately we were on a tight time schedule going back and forth with hair and makeup, so when Jess was done mom ran her back to the synagogue to get make-uped and by the time she got back, Leah and I were also ready to go, so we paid and were on our way! We got back just in time to move along. I got make-up-ed, Steph was doing her hair, and ppl were generally getting stuff done. Until at some point we realized my mom’s bag was missing. At which point things stopped getting done and there was a big delay in the long run from the quest for my mom’s bag. At some point, mom gave up (though she was very emotional about it… turned out the bag contained not only her needed shoes, undergarments, and Nanuk’s Igloo jewelry, but also the ring my grandfather designed for my grandfather for their 50th wedding anniversary which she had planned to wear) and got dressed. Just then, Tammy (my local mom) comes running in with the bag! She made the whole catering staff stop what they were doing and look under every table until it was found! My mom’s had a nice moment and then we rapidly finished getting ready.

Somewhere along the way my father came in and we had a nice moment. Then he pulls a baggie with a penny out of his pocket and I cried (one of only two times all day). He had my uncle bring me a wheatback penny from my grandfather’s collection for my shoe… My grandfather was my father figure growing up and the sole source of positive family childhood memories, his death was a big turning point in my life (for the worse) and I miss him every day. Being able to have that penny made all the difference in the world that day.

3:30pm - Jesse and Adam arrive for our planned pre-wedding photo, we hugged a moment and I helped make sure some final stuff was done then we ran outside for our very important photo.

eta - somewhere around 3 we also realized we had forgotten to get the balloons... so michelle's dh joel came to the rescue and picked them up on his way over!

[Mel]

Speaking of photos...

stuffed in the car and ready to go
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o253/smelis/stuffedincar.jpg

unloading the car
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882134288670_1910319_50780472_513718_n.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882134303640_1910319_50780475_2056274_n.jpg

my dress!
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882134298650_1910319_50780474_8093289_n.jpg

the great chair switch
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882134318610_1910319_50780477_8116779_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882134333580_1910319_50780480_3215801_n.jpg

bubblewrap!
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882134353540_1910319_50780482_5439601_n.jpg
{i can't find the kenzie bubblewrap pic.. :shuffle:}

helpers
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882134363520_1910319_50780484_329637_n.jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882134373500_1910319_50780486_7593993_n.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882134393460_1910319_50780490_7742005_n.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882134398450_1910319_50780491_4331017_n.jpg

my sil and mom are clearly warning me something, and i'm guessing it has to do with falling...
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882134403440_1910319_50780492_4851106_n.jpg

The room all fixed up and looking ready to go!
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882134418410_1910319_50780494_4819067_n.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882146424350_1910319_50780957_7358371_n.jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882146429340_1910319_50780958_2644121_n.jpg

[Mel]

Getting Hair-did...

{jess has these pics}

[Mel]

a Sampling of Professional Getting Ready Photos

makeup!
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_892019603420_1910319_51271599_2351550_n.jpg
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_892019648330_1910319_51271607_6087574_n.jpg
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_892019763100_1910319_51271620_3722597_n.jpg

i'm excited!
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_892019618390_1910319_51271602_738646_n.jpg

and i love my daddy...
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_892019633360_1910319_51271605_8216395_n.jpg

and mlw :biggrin:
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_892024967670_1910319_51271797_3804722_n.jpg

i took a moment to pray...
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_892019668290_1910319_51271610_2860803_n.jpg

helping kenzie get ready
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the penny moment...
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steph put my shoes on at my fitting, so it was only appropriate she do it now too...
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_892025177250_1910319_51271832_6374067_n.jpg

becki had to do some last minute adjustments
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_892025182240_1910319_51271833_2884268_n.jpg

i was dying! needed more vitawater!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_892025217170_1910319_51271836_4125094_n.jpg

hugs...
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_892025257090_1910319_51271841_1706676_n.jpg

and the all important photo. we spent the better part of our high school years hanging out on synogauge playgrounds... :lol:
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891489380990_1910319_51251007_1035766_n.jpg

[Mel]

next up - the wedding!
but you are gonna have to wait for that... :evillaugh:

[Mel]

fyi: more writing of the WDS is on hold until i'm less emotional. for some reason everything is upsetting me right now, and since that is far from my mood on the wedding day, i want to wait to write it until i'm not feeling that way since that won't express how we were....

*insert muzac here*
your patience is appreciated. hold time is approximately: one week.

[Mel]

In traditional Jewish wedding the bride and groom each have a reception where they welcome guests and are celebrated. The info from our program about this is under the spoiler...

Kabbalat Panim – The Bride’s Reception

Melissa will hold a reception for our female guests as a queen would receive her courtiers, befitting her status of the day. Please visit Melissa in the lobby as she sits upon her bridal throne.

Jewish tradition also assigns great significance to enhancing the bride’s joy at this time: helping her, complimenting her, and entertaining her are considered intrinsic to the day. Guests may choose to ask her to make a prayer on their behalf, as the Gates of Heaven are considered to be particularly open to her.

Chatan’s Tish – The Groom’s Table

In the chapel, Dustin will preside over the Chatan’s Tish. Dustin will conduct a short D’var Torah (lesson in Torah), as is custom. It is customary that his friends, knowing he will be nervous, will kindly interrupt his lesson with song. We invite our male guests to join Dustin in his Tish.

Bedekken – Veiling of the Bride

Following the Tish, friends and family escort Dustin to where Melissa is waiting, leading the way with song and dance. As Dustin lays his eyes on his beautiful bride for the first time that day, he lowers the veil over her face and asks God’s blessing for her, “May the Lord make you as Sara, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.”

The custom of the Bedekken dates back to the earliest recorded wedding in Jewish history—that of Rebecca to Isaac (Genesis 24:65). The custom of veiling the Kallah is based on the story of Jacob who, failing to check his bride before the wedding, married Leah instead of Rachel.

The veil is also thought to have mystical meaning which gives the bride “special eyes” with which to watch over her children. Bedekken is thought to connect the bride to the future so that all her children and grandchildren until the end of their generations walk with her to the
Chupah.

So Dustin was in one room and already well into his time when I finally made it out to my throne... I got to see some friends and my face lit up a few times to see out of town guests I had not yet seen. This time is a great chance to see and say hi to many guests...

I felt like I had just sat down when the Rabbi came out to have me sign the civil marriage license (and he laughed at my signature). He asked if we had specific people who we wanted to have sign it, so i said "well, we hadn't asked them yet but we wanted M and M." and they both happened to be standing in front of me and were clearly very honored. Their husbands were signing our Jewish marriage contract (Ketubah), so we found it very fitting to have them as the signers for our civil document.

Rabbi left and soon thereafter I heard the doors open and the guys singing the traditional wedding song and dancing Dustin to me. We both had giant grins as soon as we saw each other and were so excited to be getting married!

Rabbi spoke a bit about the Bedeken and on the blending of traditions from each of our Jewish backgrounds that people would see (Dustin's family is from Spain, where as mine is from Russia/Poland - so there are some things that are done differently in the two regions and we incorporated a variety of each), Dustin lowered my (very-short) veil, and then people were sent off to be seated in the sanctuary!

As we got up to line up we were all a bit frazzled... Kenzie stepped on her dress and tore the front of it making some petals fall out so Rachel did a quick improv to close the front of her dress and keep the petals in it. We also realized at this point we never got my bouquet or Dustin's bout out of the fridge! So we threw it on quick (you can tell by how poorly it is on in the ceremony pics vs how it is in the formal shots....) and off we went to tie the knot!

[Mel]

dustin in his tisch....
drinking with the rabbis
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_891324790830_1910319_51241350_205992_n.jpg

cantor interrupts with a song
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891324860690_1910319_51241361_1842989_n.jpg

signing the civil license
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891330309770_1910319_51241703_4688475_n.jpg

my kabbalat panim
flanked by the kids
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http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882146489220_1910319_50780968_586251_n.jpg

"drinking" with my girls (i think my shot was water!)
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs102.snc1/5009_759907676821_6008881_43312662_418682_n.jpg
signing the civil license
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so happy!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs102.snc1/5009_759907666841_6008881_43312660_2099574_n.jpg

bedeken!!!
yes, this is the woman i intend to marry...
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891330354680_1910319_51241709_3659406_n.jpg

and our nieces think this is super cool (both of their little heads are right by my chair)
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882146653890_1910319_50780994_6923762_n.jpg

[Mel]

all i can say about our ceremony is that it was wonderful... :mushy:

i will spoil the jewish ceremony info for those who have not yet read the description about our ceremony, i figure that is just easier than retyping the whole thing, then i'll touch on the special parts...

Chupah – The Wedding Canopy

The marriage ceremony takes place under the Chupah, which represents the bride and groom’s future home together. By having the Chupah open on all sides, the community is invited to join the couple’s personal joy. By having the Chupah covered on top, the bride and groom share the privacy of their first moments together as husband and wife.

The Chupah is made from a talit (prayer shawl) that belonged to Melissa's grandfather (Irving Krantz, of blessed memory) and also served as the Chuppah for her brother's wedding. Melissa's grandfather was an important part of her life and Jewish journey, so we are honored to be able to use it in this important moment for our life together.

Melissa will circle Dustin seven times once they arrive at the Chupah. This custom has many interpretations that we enjoy. The number seven suggests the days of creation, and the circling symbolically creates space for the new family. The custom also alludes to a verse within Jeremiah (31:21) “a woman shall go around a man.” Furthermore, it is said to symbolize the idea of the bride being a protective, surrounding light of the household that illuminates it with love from within and protects it from harm from the outside.

Erusin and Kiddushin – Betrothal and Sanctification

Rabbi Dollin will welcome the guests and bless the couple. The Jewish ceremony combines betrothal and marriage itself. In earlier times the betrothal took place up to a year before the marriage ceremony. They were combined into a single ceremony during the twelfth century.

Rabbi Dollin will lift a cup of wine and recite Birchat Erusin, the two blessings of betrothal. One blessing recited over the wine, which is a symbol of joy, and the other blessing proclaiming the sanctity of marriage. The bride and groom both drink from the cup of wine, symbolically affirming that throughout life they will experience both joy and sorrow but always together.

The Ring Ceremony

Dustin places the ring on Melissa’s right forefinger and recites the traditional wedding vow in Hebrew. The ring is placed on the index finger, as it is believed that the blood flows from there directly to the heart. As soon as the ring is placed on the Melissa’s finger, she and Dustin will be considered engaged according to Jewish Law.

Kinyan Ketubah - Acquiring the Ketubah

To put the ketubbah into action, the groom must formally acquire (kinyan) the obligations therein, which he does by raising an object worth more than a penny that is offered to him by the two designated kosher witnesses. Traditionally, a plain handkerchief is used, but Melissa will take this opportunity to tie a ring into it for Dustin, who will accept it silently expressing his consent of the marriage.

It is traditional in both Sephardic weddings and in Jerusalem to enact the ketubbah as the text is being read aloud. The body summarizes the engagement that has just taken place, and the kinyan is performed when the reader reaches the line describing it. The word “acquire,” which has been left incomplete, is then filled in, whereupon the document is signed and the reading completed.

Nissuin – Nuptials

The final part of the ceremony is Nissuin, the nuptials, or wedding benedictions. It consists of the Sheva Berachot (seven marriage blessings). Cantor Goldstein will recite the blessings in Hebrew over a second cup of wine. These seven blessings are the centerpiece of the marriage ceremony. The first blessing is a repetition of the blessing over the wine. The next three celebrate the theme of creation in a sequence that builds to the blessing of marriage. The remaining blessings culminate with a portion that includes ten synonyms for happiness. Following the seven blessings, Dustin and Melissa will be considered husband and wife.

Breaking the Glass

The formal ceremony concludes with Dustin stepping on a glass. This custom teaches us that in times of joy, we must always remember that life also brings sadness and sorrow. Traditionally, the breaking of the glass symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and other disasters that have befallen Jews throughout history. The irrevocable nature of a shattered glass also suggests the transforming effects that marriage has on the bride and groom, who are no longer merely individuals while sending a strong message about the fragility of human relationships, and the commitment and hard work required to keep them whole.

At the moment the glass is smashed, it is customary for all present to shout “Mazel Tov!” (good luck and congratulations) as all sadness is set aside and the time has come to rejoice with the newly married couple.

our wonderful cantor sang for the processional, until he hopped on the piano and my surrogate little sister who has the most gorgeous voice sang while i came down the aisle. as soon as i heard her voice it really hit me that i was getting married!

rabbi spoke about soulmates and how clear it is that dustin and i are meant to be. he spoke of each of our passions for the jewish community and how we both came to this community at such important times in our life and are such a great fit to pursue our hopes and dreams and change the world together. he used a saying from the ba'al shem tov (a great rabbi and scholar) about how each person is a light and when they join together they send a flame to heaven, and i love that saying (it is worded better by rabbis than me) and since we had our attendants carry candles it felt all the more fitting...

when i did the circles my friend maura who was one of my chuppah bearers made a little print out that said "final lap" and then flipped it over to a checkered flag at the end of my 7th circle. it was awesome :lol:

the only slip up was that rabbi got one part out of order, the same part we had talked about a bunch the night before! so we all laughed a little but moved on from it b/c in the end we were married and that was most important!

speaking of being married! as dustin stomped on the glass, i recalled a conversation from friday were dustin shared that he and raif had learned that sephardic (spanish jews) men used to teach their sons that as soon as they stepped on the glass, they should step on the woman's foot to show they had dominance in the relationship, so the mothers taught their daughters that while the man is distracted by breaking the glass they should be prepared to do it first... so i did! :hehe:

[Mel]

chuppah bearers!

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882146668860_1910319_50780996_7536880_n.jpg

groomsmen!
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http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882146688820_1910319_50780999_5772025_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882146693810_1910319_50781000_7737072_n.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882146708780_1910319_50781002_6259154_n.jpg

the handsome groom!
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882146698800_1910319_50781001_7486386_n.jpg

bridesmaids
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jr bridesmaid and flower girl
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http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882146743710_1910319_50781009_2667079_n.jpg

the beautiful bride!
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891307939600_1910319_51240277_6916169_n.jpg
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_891307949580_1910319_51240279_5373331_n.jpg
{i can't find any good frontal shots! the only one i canfind now my mom looks petrified!}

[Mel]

ceremony...
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891308009460_1910319_51240289_5979644_n.jpg

extending my finger to receive the ring, basically the vows of jewish weddings
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882146803590_1910319_50781020_3283234_n.jpg

clenching my fist around my ring, basically the "i do" of jewish weddings
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_891308074330_1910319_51240300_3283761_n.jpg

kenzie really wanted to stand with us!
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891308194090_1910319_51240318_2339079_n.jpg

sleeping kids...
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http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882146873450_1910319_50781031_5828922_n.jpg
during the seven blessings...
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http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_891308263950_1910319_51240328_3006400_n.jpg

breaking the glass!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_891308428620_1910319_51240348_4990984_n.jpg

and if you look closely, me stepping on his foot!
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6495_882146883430_1910319_50781033_8042318_n.jpg

off to the yichud room for our few moments of solitude!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_891308488500_1910319_51240356_1877636_n.jpg

[Mel]

the boys!
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_892019608410_1910319_51271600_3660470_n.jpg

the girls!
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_892019972680_1910319_51271648_4986335_n.jpg

the whole crew!
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_892019907810_1910319_51271638_4651122_n.jpg
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_892019922780_1910319_51271641_7695858_n.jpg
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http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_892019957710_1910319_51271645_7764203_n.jpg

the happy couple!
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_892019803020_1910319_51271625_3442752_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_892019852920_1910319_51271632_8133815_n.jpg

the parents!
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_892031684210_1910319_51272071_7788695_n.jpg

dustin's family
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_892031699180_1910319_51272074_4758739_n.jpg

melissa's family
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_892031704170_1910319_51272075_5640111_n.jpg

aaaand, we caught this moment of our friends enjoyoing cocktail hour!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_892031659260_1910319_51272068_6224046_n.jpg

[Mel]

we entered the reception and went right into the hora!
{traditional jewish circle dancing}
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the women's circles...
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the men's circles....
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up on chairs!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891429920150_1910319_51247780_754374_n.jpghtt p://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_891429870250_1910319_51247772_8279819_n.jpg
dustin and i both fell out of our chairs, opposite directions at almost the same time...
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs191.snc1/6409_109336851491_532426491_2248908_6680405_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891429980030_1910319_51247789_1296999_n.jpg

[Mel]

then we had a scrumptious dinner, which yes, we both did eat!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891430114760_1910319_51247812_1620158_n.jpg

then it was first dance time...
the singer was apparently reading the lyrics off her iphone, which i think is awesome to be honest!
our song was if i ain't got you by alicia keyes and the lyrics are just perfect for us... (youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1sLrRlCobY) of the song if you aren't familiar with it)

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891430264460_1910319_51247831_3024210_n.jpght tp://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891430224540_1910319_51247826_5378533_n.jpg
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then more dancing and hanging out! b/c thats pretty much what we do best! including shout and the electric slide, sometime in here, i tore my wedding gown down both seams! {a whole post of random dancing photos to follow}
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and intersperesed in all the dancing were the special dances...
father-daughter dance to beep-beep by the playmates (youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbQ9hzXeKn4)!)
{this song is a long standing joke between my dad and i, and i asked the band leader to play just a snipit it of it some point and we were supposed to have heartland's i loved her first, as our actual dance, but as the band leader told me, "when we learned this song, we just couldn't do anything else" -- he also started it by saying "this is the strangest request we have ever received, and it goes out to the bride and her dad" and my daddy said "beep beep?!" very excitedly...}
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891430444100_1910319_51247851_7087236_n.jpght tp://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891471955910_1910319_51250094_3123254_n.jpg


and the mother-son dance was a very sentimental a song for mama by boyz ii men (youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILtYtOc8lZM)!)
boyz ii men was a big thing with dustin and his mom for a long time, so this song was very special and they had a very sentimental dance...
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and towards the end, we got serenaded by a good friend of ours at who's wedding we met the band...
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and another good friend couldn't resist a little "say anything" moment...
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5935_891489420910_1910319_51251013_2965516_n.jpg
and yes, it was the right song :kimgrill:

[Mel]

let there be dancing! {in absolutely no order!}

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[Mel]

at some point in time - there was cake!!!

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i struggled with cutting and slicing it and there weren't plates, so it was very interesting and kind of messy...
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[Mel]

i cried explaining this in the moment, so i know i will cry if i try to write it now, so once again, i'm just pasting what i put in the program...

Melissa’s niece, Mackenzie Scholten, has taught her family a wonderful way of remembering our departed loves ones which she has been nice enough to share with us today. You may have noticed some balloons in the foyer as you came in and shared in Kabbalat Panim with us. Those balloons each represent one of the above family members whom we keep in our hearts today. During the reception, Melissa and Dustin, along with their immediate families, will take a moment to give each balloon a hug and then release them upwards so that all of our beloved family members are able to share a part of our special day.

We also think of the men and women overseas who put themselves in danger for our freedom every day. Today, we want to especially think of Staff Sergeant, Matthew Scholten, US Army (brother of the bride) and civilian contractor Terri Westcott (cousin of the groom) who were unable to join us as they are currently stationed in Iraq.

i got choked up as i began to speak, and then i looked right at my sister who was crying and it made me cry more. everyone proceeded to cry, including my photographer.... it was a wonderful and emotional and perfect...

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[Mel]

overall, we had a wonderful wedding and it was a dream come true!

i laughed more than i cried, as did dustin and most of our friends, and well - that was our goal, as that is our life...

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_891471047730_1910319_51249963_278132_n.jpg

*i just want to post about monday am then i'll be done! thanks for your patience*

[Mel]

monday morning wed had brunch at our apt complex's club room.... during the morning we watched some of the video from the wedding which was nice and we got a chance to talk a bit more...

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then at the end of the morning we took some family photos, with mackenzie's "daddy doll" so that matt was in some photos of the weekend...
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6495_882135501240_1910319_50780582_6636170_n.jpg
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we also followed the custom of having meals with friends each night for the first week after the wedding where the seven blessings are said. we really enjoyed getting that extra time to celebrate with our friends and relish the newleywed feeling for a little bit longer... here are pics of us from the first four of those dinners:
night one hosted my michelle and joel:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs143.snc1/5295_896538317880_1910319_51463304_7365423_n.jpg


night two hosted by dede:
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs143.snc1/5295_896538402710_1910319_51463319_1720416_n.jpg

night three "cheesy vegas wedding" theme hosted by danny and juliet:
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs143.snc1/5295_896538452610_1910319_51463327_6509674_n.jpg
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night four hosted by the cohen and defez families:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs143.snc1/5295_896538477560_1910319_51463331_2449793_n.jpg

night five was shabbat at the rabbi's house, and sat night was at shul, and sunday was with dan, amy and friends up in broomfield!


a month after the wedding i completed my projected, and with my jr bm and soloist - donated enough hair for at least half of a wig for a woman with cancer via pantene's beautiful lengths!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs123.snc1/5295_896540623260_1910319_51463412_7688780_n.jpg

[Mel]

two months later -- i'm done!!!
:thanks:


feel free to join the dance party and post...
:villagepeople:

[Mel]

i forgot i wanted to post a bunch of random detail shots!

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[*Tanya*]

I'm having a really emotional day so far (and it's not even 8 a.m. yet!), but I wanted to let you know that I've had tears streaming down my face, and LOL'd, as I looked at your photos. I LOVE the balloon moment, and the "Say Anything" moment. You are so lovely, inside and out, and it feels like I was actually *there*. Thanks for sharing. :)

[Mel]

thanks tanya! i'm glad i could make you laugh on a hard day! :hug99:

[Mel]

i also forgot to share that we had breakdancing and magic/balloons from two of the rabbi's sons...

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[Mel]

aaand i didn't post photobooth shots!
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[Mrs.Brooks]

:crybaby:

Seriously.

You had an amazing, beautiful, and loving wedding. :bliss: You made an absolutely gorgeous bride. I knew you would be, but you looked stunning. I think part of it is that both you and Dustin just look SO happy in your pictures. It's that glow that only certain people have when they're around each other and you two have it.

[Mel]

awww, thanks heather! :mushy:
we have a lot of love and happiness, that is for darn sure!

[luxebudgetbride]

The photo booth shots look so fun! I love the big glasses! :D

All the photos looked gorgeous. This one was my favorite

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs159.snc1/5935_891553717060_1910319_51254371_4779983_n.jpg

Congratulations on a beautiful wedding!

[Deidre98]

:crybaby: I am sitting here with tears in my eyes, remembering that wonderful day! You were a beautiful bride and you and Dustin make such a wonderful couple! Thank you so much for letting Braeden and I be a part of your special day! I was so happy that I could be there! :blowkiss:

[Angela]

Mel, I sat here and laughed and cried reading this. You were a gorgeous bride and it's easy to see how much you and Dustin love each other. :hug: :swirly:

[Mel]

The photo booth shots look so fun! I love the big glasses! :D

All the photos looked gorgeous. This one was my favorite

Congratulations on a beautiful wedding!

thanks stacy!
when you get your business up, i highly recommend having the photobooth option for people! it was a great way to keep people active and get shots of some more guests....

:crybaby: I am sitting here with tears in my eyes, remembering that wonderful day! You were a beautiful bride and you and Dustin make such a wonderful couple! Thank you so much for letting Braeden and I be a part of your special day! I was so happy that I could be there! :blowkiss:

thanks d! :blowkiss:
and i am just as happy that you guys were able to be here for it...

Mel, I sat here and laughed and cried reading this. You were a gorgeous bride and it's easy to see how much you and Dustin love each other. :hug: :swirly:

thanks ang! we do love each other a lot :nod:
:hug99: and :swirly: back atcha!

[~Arielle~]

What an amazing wedding weekend you had - everything was so gorgeous and you were beyond the moon beautiful! The whole thing just seemed so amazing!!

I know I have said it before but the balloon ceremony was so incredible :happysigh:

[Mel]

thanks arielle.... love you! :hug99:

[Cindy]

:mecry: Loved it! I second D's remark. I'm so glad that you included me in your special day. It meant a lot to me! Seeing your mom tearing up with the balloon pics made me :crybaby:

Great pics. And she is spot on... I think it was the best wedding I've ever been to. It was amazing in every.possible.way.

[Mel]

thanks cin.... love you too :hug99: