Recap: Highlights from the Wedding Ceremony & Reception

I can’t recall all the details what went on that day. That is why we have a photographer and a videographer. Here are some snapshots popping in my mind now:

I remember putting on my wedding dress in front of the full length mirror in the bridal suite of La Venta. Staring back at myself, thinking, wow, this is the moment I have been waiting for all my life.

I remember lovingly touching the bridal bouquet I chose. It was the first moment I saw what I designed to carry for the day I walk down the isle toward my soon-to-be husband.

I remember my best friends, raising the champagne glasses, toasting for me, at the bridal suite while we snacked on cheese and cracker, getting dress and waiting for the photographers.

I remember I chose to wear my $10 platform causal sandal over the brand new stilettos heel I purchased for this occasion. My feet were calling for comfort. Of course, for the official pictures, I claimed to have them on.

I remember the moment when Tom came up behind me as we were doing first glance video recording. He has never seen me in the wedding gown prior. We wanted to capture both of our expression, mostly his expression.

I remember how all of a sudden, I started to feel a bit nervous, just before the ceremony. I locked myself into the side room of the bridal suite, trying to calm myself down, while practicing breathing and rehearsing my vows again and again. We both carried no notes up to the ceremony. My voice got husky. Then the videographer came in to ask if I want to say something to Tom through the camcorder just before the ceremony. I was drawing a blank initially. I said something, so we just have to wait for the result when the DVD is delivered.

I remember we, the wedding party, standing in line, just before the music started. Makayla and the other kiddies were trying really hard to stand still. Then she came up to me, extending one of her hands out while holding onto her flower basket on the other hand, not sure if she should touch me or not (actually I think she wanted to touch the dress), and then smiled and shyly turned away.

I remember the crowd’s reaction when Makayla and Caden walked down the path. I heard the sigh from everyone. Then Riley and Ian next. All the boys were in their tux. Makayla was in her pretty white dress. They are all so adorable. I am still amazed that all of them walked down the isle without falling. I think there was some major bribing going on at the end of the walk path by the mommies and daddies. They were not even looking at the stair steps, but straight ahead!

I DON’T remember much of the ceremony proceeding. Once again, it was a great decision to video it. I can at least check back in!!! I do remember what Tom said to me. I do remember what I said to Tom. And everything else is details and details. So it is great to have the reading down and I can re-read whenever I want to. Below are the readings done during the ceremony.

Reading by Andrea (one of my best friends)

What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness, to be one with each other in the silent unspoken memories?

Love is the seed of all hope, love is always open arms. As love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul. Love is patient, love is kind, love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not
irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

“Blessing of the Hands" – Reading by Nilenka (Tom’s eldest sister)

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

I remember at the end of the ceremony, Tom kissed me after Marsh announced us as husband and wife. I remember a sigh of relief (that nothing major went wrong). I remember finally able to look at our guests, seeing their faces.

I remember Tom and I retrieved back to the bridal suite after a few family photos. We realized we are now husband and wife. We just sat there for a few moments holding hands. Then Sara brought our appetizers in. The guests should be enjoying their cocktails and appetizers. We had a few moments to eat quietly before going back out to greet our guests.

I met most of Tom’s friend and colleague for the first time that night. I remember hugging a lot of people. I remember laughing a lot. I remember the last minute panicking because the table numbers were wrongly placed. I remember the urge to take the camera from Val so I can take pictures of everything else, like the decoration, the food, the flowers, etc. I remember most of the three toasts by Dennis, Val, and Jenn. They are all well worded and delivered. Gosh, so grateful I get to watch them on DVD in a few months. They are correct; it is going to be money well spent.

I remember dancing all night, grabbing people out to the dance floor left and right. I remember the Congo line someone started. Then as the evening went on, I told the photographer we want a picture from the gazebo with the light background of the south Bay. I hope they turn out! Then the remaining guests lined up to take pictures of themselves too!!!

When the night finally winded down, we did our last dance. It’s “Lullaby” by Bond.

All I can say is I couldn’t ask for more than what I had. Everything turned out smoothly. Even if I had more time to plan, I don’t think I can do any better than what I had. Thank you so much for all the attendees, making it such a memorable and wonderful lifetime event. Here are a few preview pictures from the photographers.