Philadelphia Reception and Honeymoon

Stefan and I decided to work a week between our cleveland wedding and philly reception.  When I came into work the day after the wedding, I found my boss donna had taken some of the decorations and left them for me at work.  I literally laughed out loud!!

After working a week we drove out to philly.  Sadly I didn't have my phone on me for the philly reception but it was BEAUTIFUL and the food was delish!  I did have my phone on me when Joel found the creepy fox scarf from our childhood:

The day after our reception, we had dinner with both sets of parents, then drove to Atlantic City to start our honeymoon.  We got a honeymoon suite at the trump taj mahal.  The view from our room was BEAUTIFUL!!

Our room was gorgeous!!  It had a huge balcony:

and a Jacuzzi IN THE ROOM!!!!

We went to a different buffet everyday.  We went to the Tropicana for dinner on Sunday (one of the best Buffets).  Stefan even tried crab for the first time (it wasn't bad)

The next day we went to the Golden Nugget buffet (the worst buffet)

and we went to the Borgata buffet the last night...although someone (me) forgot to take pictures.

We gambled a little, but did a LOT of stuff as well.  We went to the Ripleys museum and saw zoltar!

we saw Specter at the giant IMAX screen at the Tropicana

we went to the beach

And Stefan even tried to touch the water:

We saw a light show on the boardwalk

We went outlet shopping:

But some outfits got vetoed:

and finally it was time to say goodbye to AC and get back to real life

It was a wonderful honeymoon

Wedding

The day of the wedding, I carpooled over with Jeff and Rachel and babies.  We picked up a burger from McDonald's on the way.  It was a relief to show up and hear that Stefan was already there!!  I had a really fun time getting ready with my bridesmaids.

Dad walked me down the aisle and almost made me AND Stefan cry when he gave me away and said some mighty sweet things.

We're so thankful that so many wonderful people showed up to help us celebrate!  Our Photographer did an amazing job, and there are so many pictures that don't fit in the blog, so here ya go...enjoy!!  https://goo.gl/photos/W2LqiJktv6GtNmPZ6

Almost Wedding Blog

In the days leading up to the wedding, we had a lot to do.  Once again, Alex put stickers on kisses that Stefan's mom had ordered for table decorations for the Cleveland reception.  As you can see, his mom has GREAT taste.

We had our rehearsal, and it went smoothly.  Huge thank you to Julie for taking pictures and videos!!!

Stefan's parents and sister Alex splurged for a wonderfully delicious rehersal dinner at Mellow mushroom afterwards.  Of course, I was so smitten with my husband to be, I only got a picture of him <3

The day after was spent picking up tuxes and meeting family as they came in from out of state.

That evening was spent in the same hotel as my parents/siblings/extended family.  Huge thank you to day for buying rooms for us all!!!

The next day (the wedding day), was really relaxing.  We went to the park with all the nieces and nephews:

And Jaida showed off her physical prowess!

We chilled and watched TV

And finally started getting ready!!

...and then we headed off to the wedding (next blog!)

Life, Bachelorette Parties, and recovering

Work and life were keeping me pretty busy as Stefan and I got closer to our wedding.  For a week at work, I spent 2 hours every morning making popcorn:

To add stress to life, my cars check engine light turned on.  I got to spend part of my time in the dealership getting the car fixed...but, I got to see another popcorn machine!

As we got closer to the wedding, Alex was a huge help with getting thank you notes labeled:

I got my hair trimmed:

And then it was bachlorette party time.  I asked my Matron of Honor, Mitch, to just have a dinner (for my non-drinking friends) at the harry buffalow, and then a costume drinking party at the West End Tavern afterwards (I was a firefighter).  My favorite part of the night:  The Bride PIMP cup that Mitch bought me.  My favorite friend that showed up?  ALL OF THEM!!

Stefan had his Bachelor party the same evening.  Being in our 30's we were both home before 1am (I was home by midnight).  We spent the next morning recovering with delicious food from Bob Evans

We are both so thankful for such awesome friends!!