We arrived back home today after a fun wedding weekend celebrating the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Sommerlot. On Friday, we were able to catch the first glimpse of the reception venue as decorating took place in the morning. I think the space truly captured what Jamie had been envisioning all this while leading up to the big day. (I think David Tutera would be proud, Jamie!) Also a lover of all things purple, I was excited about the colors she chose as part of her elegant wedding theme. Even the groomsmen got in on the action of decorating and setting up that day.
Trail Mix Bar featuring popcorn with various topping flavors
"Treats and Sweets" Candy Buffet
Despite the cold water, Ian and Eli still had fun in the pool at our hotel in the afternoon. Eli had already met Bennett (Matt's nephew), the other ring bearer earlier in the day and then the flower girl, Ella at the rehearsal later in the day. He really adores other little kids and warms up easily now to making new friends. After the rehearsal, we all enjoyed a great supper at a local restaurant.
One of my favorite parts of the weekend was when Jamie's friends presented her with a scrapbook compiled of pages created by family members and friends including pictures and a letter written to Jamie from each person. What a neat idea and keepsake presented to her on her special day! The funniest part as she was looking through it was when she came across the pages my mom added, which included a page she had found in Jamie's room of a scrapbook in progress from when she was younger that she actually had started herself and only after a few minutes of taking it all in realized that she herself had actually created that page that was part of the book.
The sacrament of marriage was celebrated with a beautiful mass uniting the couple. (A few pictures are missing as Ian was capturing them after a little meltdown by Eli when he realized he would not be sitting with the flower girl during mass, such as the first bridesmaid and groomsman, my mom being seated, Bennett being brought down the aisle by his dad carrying a sign that read, "Uncle Matt, Here Comes Your Bride!", and my dad walking Jamie down the aisle.)
Both Jamie and Matt wrote letters in memory of their grandparents
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| ...and he's out but not for long |
Not only were there 2 baby bumps with both Megan and myself in the wedding party, there was a baby boom within the bridesmaids as two of Jamie's other bridesmaids also had babies recently. As a side note and speaking of a baby boom, there are 7 of us total cousins on my dad's side all expecting within the next 5 months. As I have been thinking about this, I found it interesting that out of my dad's 9 other brothers and sisters (only 3 out of his immediate family are guys), there is only 1 out of all my cousins (I think around 26 or so total) that will be able to carry on the Sabers family name. This is because both my dad and one of my other uncles each had 3 girls while my other uncle had 2 girls and 1 boy, who is another cousin along with his wife expecting a baby. My Grandma and Grandpa Sabers not only have a total of 20-something grandkids but also about the same number of great-grandkids.
Coming back after that detour of my thoughts to the wedding, after mass, we traveled by trolley to a couple of local bars including Bushwood, where Jamie first met Matt. Arriving back at our final destination, we were greeted by a reception area full of guests. After dinner was served, it was time for the toasts. As always, I have to script things like that ahead of time since I prefer to compose my thoughts on paper instead of giving a spontaneous speech.
To Jamie and Matt
On Your Wedding Day
Jamie and Matt, your wedding
day is finally here.
I am privileged to be the
matron of honor for a sister so dear.
For the past 25 years now,
you have been a part of my life.
It is hard to believe the
youngest in our family has today became a gorgeous wife.
Even though we are 7 years
apart in age, as we grew up, our relationship was still a close one.
Reflecting back on childhood
memories, I remember how you enjoyed the scavenger hunts out of ads I created
for fun.
As a youngster, you had a
long-lasting fascination with the VW Bug, a car I thought you would acquire one
day.
Instead, you can now be
found in your Caddy making your way.
Even before Matt popped the
question, you and I both were busy searching for wedding-inspired pins to add
to your "When the Day Comes" Pinterest board.
The theme then transitioned
from rustic to vintage and finally elegant is what you ultimately leaned
toward.
I must say I had a lot of
fun taking part during the search for the perfect dress,
and the one that you chose
is simply stunning and fits your style the best.
An Iowa State
grad and businessman Jamie did find.
Now after 4 years of being
together, they become husband and wife and are officially intertwined.
A favorite pastime of Matt's
includes spending time outdoors on the green in a golf game.
He even thought lessons
would be a good idea for Jamie so she can do the same.
One day, you two decided to
take on the responsibility of a new furry friend as a pet.
Along came Reggie who brought
you lots of entertainment, although I may not be ready to befriend him just
yet.
As for advice for the newly
married couple, a relationship involves giving and receiving without keeping
score.
An attitude of unconditional
love and forgiveness will allow for a happy life together and much more.
With the end of my poem
drawing to a close, let's make a toast to the new husband and wife. Here's to Jamie and Matt - may you experience
as much happiness as you do today throughout your married life.
Following my speech, Megan gave the most heartfelt, sincere, and meaningful words of advice and encouragement that led me not only to tears but maybe a few sobs as well. The pair of guys sharing the best man role finished off by sharing a few candid stories of their friendship with Matt.
After dinner, the dance floor quickly filled up as many of the guests joined in to familiar songs. The DJ kept the music going all night long with a fast-paced wide variety of songs that kept everyone entertained until the night wound down at the very end with a sparkler send-off.
So...while the details of this story are a still a bit sketchy, my dad somehow ended up outside the reception nearby some fishermen (and even kids, quite late at night) fishing off the bridge when he noticed a big tug on the end of one of their fishing poles. When it was reeled in, there was a huge fish on the end of the line! Here he is - the father of the bride proudly displaying the big catch of the night in his tux no less!
We
wrapped up the weekend with the gift opening at Jamie and Matt's house
on Sunday before heading back home.
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| Eli was laughing hysterically while searching through his Look and Find books with Matt's mom |
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| A special gallery wrap from Jamie's friend/personal attendant who also photographed their engagement session; Matt even mentioned this was favorite picture from the session - Good choice, Kelli! |
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| Proudly displaying "Corky" who Jamie spotted at one of the wineries we visited during her bachelorette party that Megan secretly bought while we were there to give her as part of her wedding gift. |
I always enjoy watching others
opening gifts, especially wedding ones with so many unique personalized
gifts that will make their house even more of a home as they begin their
new married life together.
