Weddingbee Blog

OK, y’all! Here goes nothin’! Let the Brooch recaps begin…

I have the fondest memories of the day before our wedding despite all the last minute running around. My Maid of Honor, Chelly was really helpful, too! She picked me up from my apartment and we loaded a ton of stuff into her car. She drove me to the mall where she basically sat me down to get my nails done, and then she ran off to get me some food. Hello Chipotle! Yes, you are picturing that correct! I was literally eating beans and rice the morning before the wedding while getting my nails done! Glamorous, ay?

I also had to run a few errands in the mall, but Chelly made sure we were on schedule. We arrived at the National Harbor right in time to check into my hotel suite and unload. Phew!

Just a few hours later, I met up with Mr. Brooch at the Westin Hotel’s restaurant. They were nice enough to let us use the area (free of charge!) right before it opened for our rehearsal.

I love that picture of us! We look so ready, so happy, and so good! But you know what? I wouldn’t have looked like that if it wasn’t for Chelly!

Ladies, do yourself a favor and make sure your Maid of Honor is around the weekend of your wedding! A quick ode: if it wasn’t for Chelly, I would not have had a single thing to wear to the rehearsal! The lovely (and oh-so flattering) dress you see in the picture above is totally HERS! I tried to find something for our rehearsal, but I was coming up empty! I ran out of time and because she’s awesome, she brought a few dresses from her closet for me to choose from. She even threw in her diamond earrings for me to wear at the very last second! That’s a true friend, let me tell ya. How ironic that the almost-wed Brooches are matching, too! That wasn’t planned!

As everyone started arriving, we posed for pictures; these will let you know who is who as recaps continue…

Flower girl, Junior BM, and Ring bearers

GM Jus and Mr. Brooch

Me and MOH Chelly

BM Ree

BM Twin #1

GM Q and BM Sean

All the BMs and the Flower girl

Auntie and Mama Brooch

Meanwhile, our planner reviewed the schedule and Mr. Brooch called the folks missing in action.

Once everyone arrived, Pavaune lined them up the same way they’d be lined up on the day of the wedding.

I think reality set in when everyone was standing in attendance! Do you see the freaked out look on our faces? We were listening intently to Pavaune! We didn’t want to miss a beat!

My brother was the only one with questions. He wanted to know exactly how he should stand, which made for some pretty good laughs from the rest of us! I can’t remember what Pavaune said, but I think they decided on them having their hands clasped in the front. It was totally not a big deal to this bride! I was much more concerned with my role! Like walking down the aisle with my dad!

I think both my mom and step mom started crying at this point! In all honesty, I wanted to cry too.

I couldn’t believe that this day had finally arrived! I kept asking myself, “Am I really getting married tomorrow?” I also felt an extraordinary sense of gratitude that I have a dad—an amazing dad—who was there to give me away. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it!

Mr. Brooch’s father has a knack for lightening up the mood and before long, we were all laughing! I don’t remember what was so funny in this picture, but you can tell we were having a good time!

You knew Mr. Brooch’s father was our officiant, right?

He explained the course of events.

And all eyes were on us…

LOL at our ring bearer, Noah in this photo!

Same with Papa Brooch, Step Mama Brooch, Grandma K, and the little one; they all look totally tuned in:

Overall, I think the rehearsal went great. Everyone showed up and our planner did a fabulous job keeping everyone informed of their role the following day. The decision to rehearse somewhere other than Oxon Hill Manor was a last minute decision. We didn’t want to have to pay $150 to use the venue, and in the end, I was really happy we decided to rehearse elsewhere! I think we saved ourselves a little money and it didn’t affect our wedding day at all. Win!

After the rehearsal, Aunt B took a few people outside for pictures. I wish the weather had been nicer; it was a bit overcast! Below you’ll see Mr. Brooch’s dad, Mama Brooch, Mr. Brooch’s mom, and my brother.

Mama Brooch and I looking a little pasty, but happy the day was finally upon us! Again, our matching colors was a total coincidence!

My brother’s boys (the ring bearers) hung around when everyone left, and helped us carry a few items back to my hotel suite.

While we were there, I wanted to give my mom a special gift. I ordered a handkerchief for each of the moms but I wanted to personally give my mom hers. You can see the surprised look on her face:

I also needed to give my bridesmaids their out-of-town box. Since all of the guests were staying in a different hotel, we sent the boxes there. I had a few to give to the bridesmaids staying with me. They loved them!

For some reason I felt it appropriate to read the letter to both of them aloud! I was totally teary-eyed by the end of it! I meant every word in that letter. I was truly thankful that they were there!

My Aunt (who you can tell is very handy with the camera) took a picture of my dress hanging up!

And for the next hour or so, everyone kind of did their own thing in preparation for dinner. Here is my Maid of Honor and Future Sis-in-Law having a glass of wine and catching up.

The kids played outside on the Great Awakening right outside the restaurant!

Next we head over to McCormick & Schmick’s for our rehearsal dinner.

Did you rehearse at your venue? If not, did it make a big difference?

*Note the change in recap title from “Brooches Become One” to “Pinned Together” (a la Miss Funnel Cake). I wanted something funnier and that alluded to my moniker! Hope you don’t mind the last minute switch-a-roo!