As the night was nearing the end, we knew we didn’t want it to stop. We decided to extend our reception for an extra hour. Our DJ, Larry Tocci, played tons of high energy music to keep the party going and keep the dance floor packed. The night was definitely ending on a high note. We got to “jump around” to Kris Kross, Shout along with the Isley brothers, and Twist with Chubby Checker.
photos by David Bibeault
When it came time for the last song, Larry played a song we had requested in advance:
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. It had special meaning to us as it was always the last song of the night at one of our favorite places. Some of our guests understood the reference. I got to sway away during our last dance with my new husband. It was the perfect end to the night, except the night didn’t end there.
The lights came on and it was the end of a perfect reception.
personal photo
Luckily, we had planned an after party across the street for those not ready to call it a night.
We knew for sure we wanted to have an after party. I originally wanted to have the after party at one of our favorite college spots, but realized this would involve transportation. Our main goal for the after party was to hang out with as many friends and family members as possible. So we decided to have the party at a place across the street from both the reception venue and the hotels.
The location couldn’t have been more perfect. We invited everyone to come to the after party, but I assumed only the younger crowd would show up…I was completely wrong. Everyone from Mr. Starfish’s parents, to my aunts and uncles, and tons of our family and friends from every age group came. It was awesome.
The pub was perfect as there was ample seating, a long bar and a game area. The guys loved the games area, one of the biggest hits of the night was this punching game to test strength. They even cajoled me into it. I held the title for the strongest girl for about 5 minutes, then quickly went to the bottom of the list.
If you plan to have an after party and want to ensure as many people can make it as possible—go for convenience! We could have picked swankier bars, but we wouldn’t have had as great of a turn out and by the end of the night having a low key place to hang out was perfection.
I originally planned to change into a short white dress, which I also wore to the bachelorette party, to be more comfortable for the after party, but I was having too much fun to go to the hotel and change. So I got to spend another hour or two in my big white dress.
As the night was winding down and the bar was preparing to close, we weren’t quite ready to end our perfect day and leave our friends and family. Mr. Starfish ordered a few pizzas as they were closing up and we went with those who were still awake to the hotel suite to continue the festivities. The wedding party and a few friends grabbed their swim suits and we relaxed in the hot tub. We celebrated late into the morning with our best friends.
It was the perfect way to end our perfect beginning.
How do you plan to end the night?
That looks wonderful! I really wish we could have had an after party (though some of our guests had one at the hotel without us!) but we had to get to sleep because we had a super early flight. It looks like you had an amazing time!!
Your after party looks like an awesome time! I wish we could do this, but our venue is too far to walk to any bars. Lame.
Our “after party” was in the hotel bar, not super exciting but very convenient and easy, and anyway it was 11:30 by the time we got back there. I absolutely did not want to get out of my dress – I wore it til 2am!
We have a bar connected to the hotel that we all are staying at, so that is how we are definitely planning on ending the night (that is, if Mr. D and I are not COMPLETELY exhausted!). You and Mr. Starfish look like you were having the times of your lives! Amazing!
The end of your wedding sounds absolutely magical…. with your honey, and surrounded by loved ones! So special! 
What a great way to extend the celebration! Like Miss Pony, I wish we could have done something like that but our venue was a good 15-20 mins from anything else so we called it a night early although I think our family and friends at the hotel stayed up late.
What a beautiful song to end the reception to. And, your after party sounds like it was a blast!
We had an after party and I wore my dress the whole time, too! How fun!
OMGosh I love this! I definitely need to plan something like this. My family & friends love to party, and the venue wants to be done by midnight. I have yet to tell my mother this, haha. But this is GURRRRREAT!
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.
Latest Gallery Pics