Weddingbee Blog

Oh, I know that the music’s fine

Like sparkling wine go and have your fun

Laugh and sing but while we’re apart

Don’t give your heart to anyone

And don’t forget who’s taking you home

And in whose arms you’re gonna be

So darlin’, save the last dance for me

Cheesy, yes. But all weddings need a little cheese.

When the DJ announced the last song, and these lyrics drifted over the dance floor, couples coupled up, and everyone swayed to the music. I looked around me at all of this love—all of these couples who inspire Mr. W and me every day—and I felt this peace that is indescribable.

It was the perfect end to our Best Day Ever. Engaged bees—pick a meaningful last-dance song. Seriously, it gives you such closure at the end of the reception. Just thinking about that time gives me the warm and fuzzies.

Our very last surprise for our guests was the sparklers we purchased for a Dramatic Sparkler Exit. There were about two per guest, and I bought a whoollllle lot of extra-long matches to help get that process started. (Don’t kid yourself. It takes a long time to light up 200 sparklers. And they burn quickly, so more people = longer sparklers. Plan accordingly! And read this.)

While everyone was lighting their sparklers, I turned around and looked back at the beautiful space, trying to take it all in. Right before me were the rows of empty chairs—I still couldn’t believe how many people had shown up to support us. (Or to guzzle the free booze…but whatever! ) And behind the chairs—that incredible tree. I was so happy we picked Oak Tree Manor, and really with everything we planned laboriously—it all came together into such a sweet, emotional, incredibly fun day.

In a couple minutes, everyone’s sparklers were sparkling (with much help from our amazing day-of coordinator, Teri). I suddenly got cold feet when I realized we were about to run under sticks of fire held up by a bunch of drunk people. I wondered if my lace dress was flammable.

But then Mr. W grabbed my hand, and we were running under the sparklers.

Waiting for us at the end of the path was a limo. This was a surprise to me—I thought we were going to leave in Mr. W’s Kia Optima. His whole family pitched in for a limo. Hive, they’re the best.

My father-in-law gave us high-fives (classic dad move) before we ducked into the car and drove off.

While we were running through the tunnel of sparklers, Mr. W made a video on his iPhone (with commentary).

Wallaby Wedding – Sparklers from MsWallaby on Vimeo / Personal video

And that was where my wedding plans ended. Mr. W persuaded me to leave the wedding-night accommodations up to him. The whole limo ride, I might as well have been blindfolded. The limo finally pulled into the driveway of the swanky Hyatt Market Street. Mr. W retrieved our suitcases from the trunk and led me inside. I was pretty much floored by the beautiful lobby (we are the Hampton Inn/Motel 6 type on normal occasions). Good work, husband!!! The room itself was even better, and there was a bottle of champagne and two chocolate truffles awaiting us. #YOLO

Best. Day. Ever.

*All photos personal

Miss a recap? Previously:

• We got our pro pics in the mail.
• Orlando and his crew at A Sweet Film whipped up a sweet little teaser from the wedding.
• We p-a-r-t-ied with close friends and fam, Persian style. (We’re taking “Gangnam Style” to the next level.)
• We girls got our nails did, while the guys carted all of the wedding stuff off to the venue. Poor boys.
• We survived a hectic rehearsal in the dark.
• The wedding party and our out-of-town guests joined us for a juicy steak rehearsal dinner.
• I wrote my vows, and we battled Houston traffic to get to Oak Tree Manor.
• Following some game-time decisions, we girls sat in the stylist’s chair for hair and makeup.
• Mr. W sent up a sentimental note and a sweet little gift, and I got all dressed up.
• Mustard Seed snapped some more photos of us during our couple’s portraits and family portraits.
• I shared our ceremony deets, our guests arrived, and my dad and I got a little emotional.
• We walked/sauntered/pranced/cried down the aisle and we were married. Then we made a grand exit. But we soon returned to the ceremony tree to take wedding party photos.
• I shared the details. And some more details.
• Cocktail hour happened. And then we made a dramatic entrance and dove right into our first dance.
• My dad, the maids of honor, and the best man delivered some sweet, emotional toasts.
• We cut the cake and served ice cream right out of the ice cream truck.
• We danced a lot and had impromptu bouquet and garter tosses.