Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
We had planned on spending our second day in Orlando visiting Magic Kingdom and exploring the new Fantasyland, which neither of us had seen. A couple of weeks before our trip, we learned that Disney was hosting the Monstrous Summer All Nighter, which meant Magic Kingdom would be open for 24 hours the day we had planned on visiting. Talk about great news!
We arrived at the park a little after 7:30am to begin our fun filled day at the Happiest Place on Earth!
We headed straight to the enchanted forest part of the new Fantasyland. We had breakfast at Gaston’s Tavern, where we had a chance to taste the scrumptious Le Fou Brew and a special edition Sully cupcake before checking out the new attractions in the area.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
Choosing to go to Orlando for our first anniversary was a really easy decision. We’d been talking about going for years (he had only gone once, I hadn’t gone in over seven years) and taking an “adult” trip to Disney was something we wanted to do before even thinking about having kids. We decided to make a five day event over our anniversary weekend, giving us a chance to explore three parks (we chose Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Islands of Adventure) and the two Disney water parks. By going on our anniversary it meant we could wear the awesome Happy Anniversary pins!
On our first day in Orlando we would be exploring Epcot, walking around Future World in the morning and on a mission to drink around the world showcase in the afternoon. The goal of drinking around the world is to consume an alcoholic drink in each country before (or while) moving on to the next. Yes, at least eleven drinks in all, which we planned to do in six hours. Our game plan was that we’d each try all the drinks but Tomas would be responsible for finishing the beers, while I was accountable for finishing all the other types of liqueurs. We aren’t drinkers at all, but it sounded like a fun way to spend a day.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
Three hundred sixty-five days ago I said “I do.” I said “I do” to a lifetime of love and commitment, to sharing my life with another human being, and to embarking on the great adventure that is marriage.
Three hundred sixty-five days ago, I was wearing a big puffy white dress and too much makeup. You were standing in too tight shoes and smelling like Ivory soap. You held my hand at the altar and the world faded away. In that moment I knew I was at exactly the right place at the right time. Every decision I have ever made, some way or another, led me to you, to that moment, and to today. Here I stand, 365 days more in love, one year of marriage under my belt, standing in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, holding your hand, and looking forward to the future.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
The budget breakdown was the last post of the Boa recaps and it also marked the end of my wedding blogging days. It’s been thirteen months since I started blogging for Weddingbee, nine months since the wedding and about time I wrapped it all up.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
Let’s talk about money! You may recall that we mentioned our budget for our 100 guest wedding was “Spend-as-little-as possible-shooting-for-under-$5,000.” My parents gifted us that amount and we decided keep the total wedding budget under that number so that we could use our savings for the honeymoon.
Ceremony – $400
$100donation to the church
$250 Pre-Cana Retreat
$50 Marriage License
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
After the small snaffu at the beginning of the ceremony, the photographers offered us a Day After Shoot free of charge for when we came back from the honeymoon, to make up for the misunderstanding. So three days after we arrived from our three week romp through Europe, we got gussied up again and took pictures all over my grandfather’s land.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
After an incredible morning, at 1:30 pm we said our goodbyes, gave our “I Spy” game winners a box of cupcakes to take home and asked all our guests to go downstairs for one final group picture.
As our guests made their way downstairs, Mr. Boa and I had a final dance in the empty reception space. it was a great quiet moment to giggle and commiserate about the day before heading off on the two hour car ride to the airport and then the ten hour flight to Rome.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
Once every guest was seated an enjoying their breakfast, the speeches began.
Our friends, C and L, gave a sentimental but hilarious speech about our relationship. We’ve been friends with C and L for a long as we’ve been with each other, so it was incredibly touching to have them say such sweet things about us and our relationship. Unfortunately, their speech was in Spanish and impossible to translate, so you’ll just have to trust my word that it was awesome.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
I apologize for the recap hiatus—the Boas went back to Puerto Rico for the holidays and just got back last week. Our holidays were spent surrounded by family and friends that we haven’t seen in the last six months. It has been incredibly hard to get back into the Cincinnati groove.
The Boa recaps continue just after our first dance, when Mr. Boa and I picked up the mic to welcome all of our friends and family to our wedding and to thank them for sharing in such an important event in our lives. By then it was close to 10:30 am and everyone was probably starving. So, as planned, we announced that the breakfast buffet was open. Our breakfast buffet consisted of a fresh fruit platter, a cheese platter, a ham patter, a pastry platter, croissants, bagels, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes and french toast.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
We went into our first dance immediately after making our entrance. You might recall from here and here, that choosing a song for our first dance was a tough decision. We ended up selecting “I Belong to You” by Eros Ramazzotti and Anastacia in Spanish, but the Universe conspired against us and the DJ played the Italian version instead. No biggie—we smiled and kept dancing…
Our first dance was a blast! Instead of being a romantic and tender moment as I had always imagined, we spent the whole dance whispering inside jokes in each others ears, giggling and making silly faces. I guess we just couldn’t contain our happiness! We really aren’t serious or formal people so our laid-back fun attitude during the day was us just being ourselves.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
The details…the fruits of my labor and many hours of Pintrest. I hope you can find some inspiration in the following pictures and prepare for an overload of purple.
As soon as you entered the reception space you were greeted by a small table holding our guestbook. We decided on having a Jenga guestbook because my shelves are already full of albums and scrapbooks and our walls can’t hold one more framed item. I wanted something “useful,” something that would hold a purpose other than just carrying the notes from our wedding guests. That lead us to Jenga, a board game we already owned and was a hit on game nights. It’s something we can pull out to play (reminisce) every now and then—even our kids might get to play with them.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
Our driver sped through the fifteen minutes to the reception venue, which we meant we arrived before most of the guests.We used our our time wisely by sneaking in a short photo shoot on the grounds of the reception venue while we were waiting for the guests to arrive.
This was definitely my favorite part of the day! We were able to sneak away for some “alone time” and relish in all the bubbling emotions…the joy, the excitement and the realization that we were married, that the moment that we had been looking forward to for so long had come and gone. We were alone in a little bubble of wedded bliss and I love that these pictures captured at least the essence of all our emotions.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto RicoAge and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil EngineerEngagement Date: May 19, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: El Faro Convention CenterAbout Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
