My favorite part of the wedding was having all of our friends and family in the same place for just one day. Some couples are lucky and grow up in the same town and get to join their families for lots of fun events. Mr. Starfish and I grew up in different states, so the chances of ever having a day with everyone we love together again is not even a possibility.
We know we won’t be able to have everyone at our future children’s birthday parties or at summer cookouts or holidays. This was our one chance to have the people that mean the most to us, all together. The day wasn’t just a celebration about us, it was a celebration of the people who make us, us.
We spent our wedding day celebrating with our families.
We got to celebrate with our parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins…
and those who aren’t technically family, but we think they are.
We celebrated with our friends from college who were there from the beginning. Without this group, there for sure would be no “us.”
We celebrated with our childhood friends who grew up with us. They’ve celebrated milestones with us throughout our entire lives.
We celebrated with our friends who may not have known us our whole lives, but who will definitely be life long friends.
Above photo by David Bibeault
We celebrated with neighbors, the people who have literally watched us grow up day by day.
Mr. Starfish and I, or maybe just I, spent way to much time agonizing over the guest list. Who should we invite, then who should we cut, who we should add…it wasn’t a fun process. Although, we haven’t had to look back and regret inviting or not inviting any of the people that matter. The people who mattered were there and we loved every moment we spent with them. We accepted their congratulations and thanked them for coming, but mostly we just had fun and teared up the dance floor!
More than any detail of our day, having our friends and family there to celebrate was what really mattered. So when you’re making cuts to your guest list, really make sure you aren’t cutting anyone that truly matters. While I spent lots of time creating the details of the day, not one of them really meant much on the day of the wedding. Sure, I love seeing the pretty pictures and I loved creating ways to personalize the day, but it was definitely the people that made it special. It wasn’t the look of the day that mattered, it was the feel. Our friends and family made the day feel incredibly full of love.
This is a fear of mine too! I have been agonizing since the day we got engaged about whom to leave off and what people definitely need to be there. So glad it turned out well!
Btw, where did you get your bridesmaid dresses?
This post of so true, Starfish. I can’t wait to celebrate with all the most important people in our lives on our wedding day.
I love this post, and I agree completely – it’s so nice to have all of the people who matter in your life in one place at the same time!
I gotta tell you—this is definitely what I am most excited about. Having all of the people you love most in the world under the same roof? Once in a lifetime. Love all the pictures, Starfish!
This is beautiful! “Having our friends and family there to celebrate was what really mattered” That is so true!
@FutureMrsO: Thanks! They are Coren Moore. I got them at a boutique in Boston, but I’m pretty sure Coren Moore dresses sell all over the country.
That was my favourite part of our wedding as well- the people we love are spread around the world so it was amazing to have them all in one spot. Beautiful post.
It’s like you’re in my head, Starfish–couldn’t agree with you more!
@FutureMrsO: We have the same screenname…well, almost! lol 
When I first saw your comment I thought, “I don’t think I wrote that??”
Mrs. Starfish, Boston/Newport Age and Occupation: 25, Coordinator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Sales Engagement Date: October 8, 2008 Wedding Date: October 2010 Venue: The Atlantic Beach Club About Me: I'm a perfectionist who is a planner at heart. I don't do well with surprises. I love planning, crafting, Newport RI, family and friends, and most importantly, Mr. Starfish---all of which will be big components in our October wedding in our favorite little city by the sea.
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