Wedding Day

The big day had finally arrived. Tessa took an afternoon nap, a rare thing for us these days, and then it was time to primp for the wedding. She loved her long, fluffy dress and that she got to wear real jewelry like Momma. I had been very nervous that she would get fussy about the flowers in her hair. But, as you see, she's wearing them and looking like an angel. She's the prettiest flower girl I have ever seen.

We had time for a few pictures before the wedding started. Look at everyone all dressed up!

While the guests were being seated, we hung out with Aunt Carol and Frank.

Then it was time to walk down the aisle. The ring bearer, Tristan marched right down looking very handsome in his tux. Tessa either wanted the stage to herself or just got distracted with her flowers. My MIL had assured me Tessa would be cute, no matter what she did, as long as she wasn't crying. She was right. She came running down the aisle and was super cute. I loved hearing the guests say "awww!"

The beautiful bride made her grand entrance by boat, no small feat in 4 inch heels! It was a lovely ceremony and Tessa stood up with the bridesmaids for most of it. She came and sat down with us for a minute but then decided it was more fun to be up front.

Congratulations Blase and Jen, you make a stunning couple!

While everyone else went in for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, the wedding party stayed outside for formal pictures.

Instead of a receiving line, the parents and the wedding party were announced by the DJ. Tessa and Tristan walked in together and took their place at the edge of the dance floor to watch the first dance. Then it was time for the wedding party to dance. Tessa grabbed Tristan and they started dancing just like the adults. It was the cutest thing.

Oh the cake! The gorgeous wedding cake was right in front of our table and Tessa couldn't wait to have a piece. Thankfully she remembered all of our discussions about not sticking her finger in it or tasting it early. The cake remained intact until Blase and Jen cut it. It was comical to watch Tessa's face fall when the servers then whisked the cake off to the back to finish cutting it. Never fear, she ended up with two pieces of the red velvet cake and even managed to keep her dress clean.

The reception was so much fun. The food was great, Tessa danced her little heart out, Heath caught the garter and I learned a new wedding tradition. After the bride dance the guests all circled around Jen and linked arms. Tessa and I were wedged in the innermost part of the circle. Then Blase had to try to fight his way through friends and family to get to his bride. We all did our best to keep him out but he eventually just picked up Jen's mom and busted through. 

Did I mention that Tessa liked the dancing? Fast dancing, slow dancing, salsa, polka - I think the only time she wasn't dancing was when she was eating cake. We all took turns with her, she even got Uncle Carl and Heath out on the floor. But Blase was by far her favorite because he swung her in really high circles. She was flying and giggling and having the time of her life.  She would have danced all night but we finally took her back to the room and put her to bed at about 11pm.  She laid in bed happily telling her Cinderella doll all about the wedding.  This child makes me laugh.

It was wonderful to be able to participate in Blase and Jen's special day.  I was so proud of Tessa and how she behaved as the flower girl.  She had so much fun that when she woke up the next day she asked if we could play wedding again.