Meghann and Derek’s Wedding: Part 1

I can’t believe the weekend’s festivities have already come to a close for us. Bo and I are sipping smoothies at the Orlando Airport right now, waiting on our 12:15 flight back to New York City. After 3 straight weeks of travel, we chose an early flight over the wedding brunch. While we so wish we could review the night’s events with the wedding party and friends but sometimes an afternoon at home, especially on a Sunday, wins.

Meghann has happily told all wedding guests that she has no issues with us sharing pictures via our social media outlets over the next few days. I love this idea as it allows she and Derek to enjoy this time while also sharing some first glimpse of the wedding day with those who were there physically and in spirit along with those who have read about her planning via her blog for the past year.

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Before the Wedding

After the run and breakfast, the bridesmaids and mothers spent the morning relaxing together at Meghann’s house while we all had our hair and makeup done. I really enjoyed this time with everyone as it gave us some down time together in between the excitement of the rehearsal and the wedding. Over the course of four hours we each had our makeup done by a local Mary Kay consultant who had done Meghann’s makeup trials previously. She was really friendly and asked a lot of questions to ensure that she did our makeup in a way that we would each like.  In addition, the woman who did Meghann’s hair trials came and did up do’s for each of us. She happily obliged Pintrest inspired requests and took her time, ensuring that she used plenty of bobby pins and spray so our hair would withhold the hours of photographs, dancing, and humidity.  While Meghann didn’t require any of us to get our makeup or hair done we all chose to enjoy the luxury of having someone else do our hair and makeup. We were also able to don our bridesmaids gifts, personalized cotton waffle weave robes, during this time. I loved the robe as I do not have one and it is the perfect weight and length for everyday use!

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We hung our dresses up so they could get some air and would be ready to go once our hair and makeup was done. This also allowed us time to make sure everyone had their boots, socks, necklaces, sweaters, and any other needed accessories. By coincidence, we all wore pearl earrings with our outfits which worked perfectly!

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In case you’re interested, our bridesmaids outfit included cowboy boots of our choice, matching gray cardigans from American Eagle which were on sale during the holidays, and navy JCrew bridesmaids dresses which we found on sale earlier this year. The dresses were flattering on each of our figures due to the V-neck and loose, flowing cut.

Around 3pm we headed over to the wedding venue, Birdsong Barn, for Meghann and Derek’s first look followed by bridal party and family pictures. Due to the early sunset this time of year, they opted to do majority of the photographs before the wedding which also would allow for them to spend most of their time enjoying the wedding versus taking pictures. We were worried when the breeze picked up around 3pm, as the Weather Channel had predicted rain to begin at 3pm. Each minute that passed during pictures rain free was truly a blessing and Meghann wouldn’t let anyone talk about the weather until pictures were over!

Once the bridesmaid photos were done I was able to captures a few candid shots of the family and groomsmen shots.

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Just as guests started to arrive, the photo session ended allowing us time to grab some water, food, and a quick rest in the bridal suite before the wedding.

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Okay, maybe it allowed time for swig of rum too, courtesy of the guys.

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Finally, it was time to walk down the aisle!

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I’ll be back later with Part 2, the wedding ceremony and reception!

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Meghann Finally Gets to Marry Her Prince

For almost 3 years, I’ve heard Meghann talk about the man of her dreams, her prince Derek. Like a great Disney love story there time together has been long and filled with adventures, distance, and love.

The first day we truly met each other, February 9th 2010, we ran 4 miles and spent at least 1 of the miles talking about Derek. They had been together for about a year and half and already she knew that he was the one. A great guy who she met for the first time at FSU, they were meant for each other.

Shortly thereafter, both Bo and I had the great fortune to spend many a weekend with Meghann and Derek. They’ve spent 2 weekend trips with us in New York, one ski weekend with us in Vermont, and we had a magical weekend in Disney World feeling like kids last year. There has never been a question in our mind about whether they would get married. They balance each other on a daily basis. Derek is the strong, calm energy that keeps Meghann sane while Meghann brings out the best in Derek’s personality.

Now, it’s finally time to watch them say those two magic words, “I Do” in front of their friends and family. Being a part of this wedding has made the whole event that much more magical for me as I’ve watched both Meghann and Derek’s families and friends support them.

The rehearsal and dinner have been enjoyed.

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A group of ladies came out to run 3.5 miles with Meghann this morning, excited to hear all her feelings about the wedding weekend. A filling breakfast complete with scones, fruit, yogurt and bacon was enjoyed at Meghann’s home while everyone laughed and smiled with the excited bride. The excitement is absolutely contagious at this point!

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The champagne has been popped and any last minute nerves have melted away in the shining sun.

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After over a year of planning and 7 years of friendship, it’s finally time for Meghann + Derek’s big day!

Congratulations to the couple who bleeds FSU garnet and gold and already has the most loving and laughter filled family of their own, including Maddie.

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Eight Years in The Making

When we last parted ways, I was still sweating after a tough run and was busy trying to stop the sweat.

Luckily by noon I was cleaned up and ready for to be whisked away by some of Bo’s best guy friends who were sweet enough to hang out with me before the wedding while Bo was busy with wedding festivities.

After a quick lunch at Panera in black-tie, like it was no big deal,  we headed to the church, ready to celebrate Mike & Liz.

053The programs and church were both classic and gorgeous, nothing short of my expectations knowing how much work and planning Liz and Mike put into the big day.

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Within minutes the groomsmen and bridesmaids were lined up, ready to go.  The bridesmaids gowns, Vera Wang for David’s Bridal, were absolutely stunning on each and every lady, regardless of height or size. The groomsmen wore tuxedos which were rented from Jos A. Bank. 054 The next hour was like no other wedding we’ve attended as the priest was family, which made it that much more meaningful and personal. In addition, the bride and groom were radiant and it was clear how much they’ve been looking forward to this moment. They’ve been together for over 8 years which meant that many of us have gotten to know each other during their relationship and watched them grow as a couple.

063   069 070         022After the ceremony the wedding party and guests lined up to greet the married couple for the first time before heading back to our respective hotels to kill time in between the ceremony and reception.

027It was so nice that they provided shuttles to and from each location, allowing guests to enjoy without having to worry about directions or driving. While we killed time, our group enjoyed a photo session in front of the church. I’m so lucky to have these guys in my life as they have become my friends over the past few years as well as Bo’s. He made some amazing friendships during his time in graduate school and for that we’re forever thankful!  036035 032 As a side note, I couldn’t be happier with last night’s dress. Liz and I actually bought this dress and the dress she wore to her rehearsal dinner together while we shopped Rent the Runway’s warehouse sample sale back in February. A Nicole Miller, this dress normally retails for $495 and I was able to buy it for $75! It was comfortable, cool and flattering which was a perfect combination for a long wedding celebration.

The reception, which started with a cocktail hour, took place at her family’s country club, Aronimink Country Club. For the next five hours we danced, laughed and toasted as we celebrated with the bride and groom. The band was absolutely wonderful, rarely taking a break and always keeping the group going. I think it helped that the dance floor was packed the entire time! I guess that’s what happens when half the bridal party met in ballet classes over 20 years ago!

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Every part of this wedding was Mike and Liz, including the after party at Kelly’s, their favorite Main Line bar from their Villanova days. We are so thankful to have been part of the weekend. Now it’s time for an early bed time to balance out last night’s very late night or this morning’s early morning, depending how you want to look at it.

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