Just like Mrs. Octopus, above everything else (you know, aside from actually getting married), we wanted to throw the most-fun-ever-talked-about-for-years-most-banging-bash any of our guests had ever attended. I can’t possibly capture the energy in still-motion photographs, but I sure did try. Every guest was on their feet for at least a few songs, and months later, people are still telling us how much fun they had (and would we please throw an anniversary party?)! And Mr. HC and I had the most fun of our entire lives!
Time to get real for a minute: I debated whether or not to go into detail about the things that happened at our wedding that were not so magical. In an effort to keep it real with you guys, there were several incidents that were upsetting. First, the timeline got a little wonky in the morning, and I wound up being late to the tisch. Second, we had a family member toast made that was the opposite of what a toast should be—it was actually offensive and upsetting. So upsetting that I decided to omit the toasts altogether from my recaps and just show you the fun stuff. It took me several months to get to where I am now, which is not quite so upset, but still working on getting over it. Third, there were a couple of seriously minor things that were not exactly right and I decided to ignore those completely and have even mostly forgotten what they were!
I’ve decided to share this with you now because despite everything, and believe me, these were big everythings, the wedding was hands down, no question, the best day of my entire life so far.
I have never had so much fun, danced or laughed so much, smiled so big, or felt so much love as on that day. My greatest advice to all brides-to-be (and even to those recently wed who experienced something upsetting at their wedding) is to enjoy yourself. It’s your wedding day, and you and your partner deserve it!
And now, to see the dancing in action!
Friends
I may have actually shared this one with you, but oh man, it is still my favorite!
Mr. HC’s dad breaking it down!
My mom and our long-time neighbor
Mr. HC and his sister
And one of our last songs may be, in my opinion, one of the best wedding party songs of all time. The dance floor was packed, the music was spot on and it was unbelievably fun. This song may be on your “do-not-play” list, but I beg you to reconsider!
Hermit Crab’s recommendation for never-fail-pump-everyone-up-mini-set-list: “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Twist,” “Shout!” Believe me, these three songs back to back will have your whole party rockin’ out on the dance floor!
You make me wanna…
SHOUT!
And with that, dear Hive, the Hermit Crab recaps are complete! I have so much enjoyed sharing my journey with you, and appreciated all your love and unbelievably sweet comments the whole way. Don’t fear though, your Mrs. Hermit Crab is not quite done here. I am going to share my vendor reviews, and I have a few more posts up my sleeve before I officially sign off. Of course, I will never be too far; you can usually catch me over on the boards!
As I begin to wrap up, are there any other Jewish (wedding or otherwise) traditions that you are unsure about that I can clear up in future posts?
And with that, my final wedding tip (lucky #25)!
Hermit Crab wedding tip #25:
Rock out at your wedding! Plan to have fun the best way that represents you—it’s YOUR wedding! If you’re having the best time ever, it’s likely that your guests will follow your lead. Things may come up that want to get you down, and only you have control of your reactions. Let everything else go and enjoy yourself!
Do you have any wedding tips for the Hive? Please share!
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Did you miss any of the Hermit Crab recaps? Catch up here!
(Unless otherwise noted, all photos in the Hermit Crab recaps are by Joel Greenberg of Joel Greenberg and Wendy Stewart Photography)
Check out the Hermit Crab Honeymoon in Croatia!
HC, that looks like an amazing dance party! I’m so glad you were able to have such a good time despite all of the things that went wrong!
We’ve just recently added shout to our must play list!
I love Living on a Prayer! They played it at a friend’s wedding and everyone sang along. Looks like you had a fantastic party!
Looks like so much fun! You look so happy in every picture and so does Mr. HC! Im sad the recaps are over but Ive enjoyed them a lot! I love seeing a Jewish bride with all the traditional aspects!
Love your FIL rockin’ it out. Our dancing photos from the wedding are some of my favorite because like yours they show everyone having such a good time.
Looks like everyone had a blast! Such great song recommendations, too! I love SHOUT!
These pictures make me hope our guests get out of their seats and have fun with us too!
@PitBulLover: Thank you for coming along for the ride! If you have any questions I didn’t answer, let me know!
@Miss Lox: They are definitely going to!
@Miss Brooch: @Mrs. Meerkat: @toshella: @Mrs. Cardigan: Thank you!!
@Miss Elephant: Good call, you can’t go wrong!
It is so clear that everyone is having such a good time! Thank you for sharing about some of the small mishaps at your wedding, it’s nice to hear and commiserate! Thank you for sharing your wedding and tips with us!
Looks like everyone had a blast 
Im so glad you had a good time, despite some things that went wrong! I have loved reading your recaps!
I think you totally succeeded at throwing an awesome party! Everyone looks like they’re having such a great time. I’m sorry to hear about the mishaps, but from these photos you can’t tell at all that anything was weighing you down.
That looks like good fun!! Love especially the last pic, it shows how much everyone is enjoying themselves!
So fun! I’ll miss your recaps, HC! They always brought smiles to my day. =)
This post is so awesome it makes me wanna SHOUT!
HC, I’ve been drooling and drooling over your recaps! I really want to have my fiance’s Jewish background influence our wedding ceremony, and although it’s still two years out, I am so inspired by your big day! Yours is the first entire Jewish ceremony that I’ve ever seen, and everything is so beautiful and meaningful! Also, hello, ROCKIN’ reception!!! Thank you SO much for the inspiration! I hope my wedding can be half as awesome as yours
Yay! I love all of the joyful and fun dancing at the reception! I’m glad you have such fond memories of the day
I loved reading through your recaps HC! I’m hoping to have a wedding that turns out hopefully similar to yours, so I’ve loved being able to see some things I’ve been thinking of come to life through your recaps!
Looks like everyone had a wonderful time!!! The photos really capture the joy!
Mrs. Hermit Crab, New York, NY Age and Occupation: 24, Youth Director soon to be Grad Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Medical Student - soon to be Surgery Resident Engagement Date: October 11, 2008 Wedding Date: June 2010 Venue: New York Botanical Garden About Me: I love all things food, books, our furbaby, Rashi, and adventures with my amazing fiance (oh, and saving the world!). This summer I will not only be a bride, but a bridesmaid, officiant, and attendee as well---it's all about weddings in my life right now, full of so many exciting moments and projects. We're planning a fab New York City wedding weekend full of family, love and lots of color!
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