Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
I don’t know about you guys, but one of my favorite things about Weddingbee is following a bride from planning to execution. The little details were always so fun to see being created, and seeing them in effect on the big day always further inspired me and gave me a sense of closure.
I had a ton of fun working on our wedding details, which is why a lot of them got done—being crafty makes me happy! I honestly did not expect our guests to really notice all my little touches, but to my surprise, a lot of them did.
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
As our delicious dinner came to a close, our amazing photographer Jessica Ames grabbed Burger and me to get some fun shots in our Photobooth—and boy am I glad she did, because these pictures are some of our favorites!
The Photobooth was graciously provided for our guests by Jessica and her husband Lucas. They used a 10×10’ white backdrop, mustaches and lips from this Etsy store (at least I think that is where they are from!), and one of their cameras to get these fantastic shots!
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
With our portraits on campus finally done, we headed to the hotel in our trolley, anxious to really start the celebration!
We pulled up about ten minutes after the cocktail hour had begun, and as we walked through the doors we were quickly swarmed by all of our loving guests who greeted us with hugs and kind words.
I had always planned on attending our cocktail hour. I think it’s nice for the bridal party to be reunited with their dates for that time, rather than be tucked away in some hiding place, and I think it’s nice to start saying hello to guests. Plus, I really didn’t want to miss ANYTHING on our wedding day, especially not the opportunity to eat and drink ;). I mean look at that spread! Yum.
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
When searching for wedding day makeup inspiration, I found myself drawn to dark exotic beauties with smoky eyes and blonde bombshells with bright red lips. Unfortunately, I am neither dark and exotic nor blonde and fabulous, so it’s probably no surprise that neither of these looks worked for me (but I’m so jealous if they work for you!).
After a failed makeup trial with said smoky eyes and red lips, I went back to the drawing board and reached for the last thing I ever thought I would—my own makeup bag! Here is the end result:
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
Once we finished getting our group shots, Burger and I posed for pictures at our favorite spots around Penn State’s campus. It was just the two of us, and I finally felt myself relax and enjoy each and every moment, which played out on film as lots of smiles and smooches.
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
Between portrait locations, we drove around in the most amazing vintage trolley. It was perfect for our enormous bridal party—everyone had room to sit, and it had high enough ceilings that even the guys could stand up if they wanted! We had a cooler packed with drinks, a bunch of chips and pretzels, and a CD of fun tunes—what more could you ask for?!
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
So, I was coming off a huge high from our amazing ceremony. Burger and I ushered ourselves into the back room, followed closely by our bridal party and family members. I remember being so enamored with what had just happened—”Ohmygod we’re married! This is my husband! I’m so thirsty…”
It seemed like only minutes had passed when our photographers entered the room and said that it was time for formal portraits. Once we were back on the altar, one photographer said, “OK, your ceremony was REALLY LONG so we have got to move QUICKLY on these portraits.”
*senses threat to rigid schedule, enters PANIC MODE*
I immediately transformed into a Bridezilla Drill Sargeant. You see, between the two of us, Burger and I have 100+ immediate family members who needed to organize themselves for these pictures, and fast. My poor mother/in laws/extended family were trying to talk to one another (since it was their first opportunity to), and I was bossing them around and telling them where to stand. I wish I had just let the photographer do the announcing, but I’m a huge control freak. Hindsight, ya know?
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
When I last left you, I was smiling big-time and ready for the walk with my dad to begin.
The organist began to play one of my favorites, Canon in D, and I knew that our moment had arrived. I wanted to start walking at a very specific part in the song (at 1:45 in the video linked above), so I had the organist start to play that part about 30 seconds in - but 30 seconds is a long time! I think my Dad thought I was never going to take the first step! But as soon as I heard those beautiful high notes, off we went!
And this is what I saw as soon as I rounded the corner. My best friend. My soul mate. The love of my life. Read more…
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
After we got our wedding photographs back, I immediately started thinking about the albums for our parents. We had given our parents some gifts at the wedding, but these albums were also part of their wedding present from us, and I knew they were looking forward to having them. My mom mentions quite often how the only pictures from the wedding that she (physically) has to show people are all non-pro shots that she got developed during the 3 month lag before our pro pics arrived.
Our photographer has some wonderful small-album options, and we had had a good experience when we purchased our engagement album from her. However, her options are not cheap. Our engagement book ran us about $200+ for an 11×8 book with 24 spreads. We needed two books, with at least that many pages (though likely more), and we preferred a higher quality album than what we could afford with her.
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
As you saw at the end of my last post, we were in the back of the church, lined up and ready to go. It was time for this Cheeseburger to get married, people!
I remember telling myself to try pay attention to the music, as we had spent so much time carefully picking each song. I got to hear the very tail end of “Hail Holy Queen” being sung beautifully by our cantor, and then, “Air from Suite in D Major” by Bach began, signaling the start of the processional.
Burger’s parents, my amazing in laws, made their way down the aisle.
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
Burger and the guys were already at the church, ushering guests and getting in place. When we arrived a little later that afternoon, I asked the girls what time it was. Someone said 12:59, putting us one minute ahead of my meticulous schedule. I believe my exact response was, “I’m so f*cking bomb.” Kind of ridiculous, I know, but at the time I just remember thinking that everything had fallen into place, and that all of my crazy planning had worked out.
Our amazing planner Christine came out to the trolley and let us know that Burger was stowed away, out of sight, and that the coast was clear for my entrance. As some guests had already arrived, we quickly climbed the church’s back stairs to the cry room, where we planned to stay until the processional began—but not without a quick glance out into the crowd.
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
With my family and bridesmaids in place in the bridal suite, it was time for me to become a bride.
I had hung up my dress before we left to go to the hair salon. When we returned, she just seemed to beam in the gorgeous light filling the room. Read more…
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
The vibe in my hotel room was pretty much amazing all morning. I think I owe that in large part to this lovely lady and lots of prayers sent her way that week:
This statue of The Blessed Mother belongs to my Mom and traveled to State College with us for the wedding weekend. Why you ask? In my family, the ladies pray to Mary for good weather and lots of love and happiness on the big day. Having a statue of her in the room, facing out the window, served as a reminder to pump up those prayers - especially since earlier in the week they had been calling for rain on Saturday. Read more…
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
After opening his present, it was time for Burger to become a groom.
Am I the only one who loves pictures of the groom getting ready? I have tons of inspiration photos saved, and getting these photos of Burger was always a priority for me.
I know these shots might not be too exciting for the hive, but I love them. When I look at them, all I can think is, ‘ohmygoodness, this is my husband.’ It’s wonderful.
Anyway, back to becoming a groom! First - button up that shirt!
We originally planned to nix the vests, but I’m so glad we didn’t - I loved the way the guys’ tuxes ended up looking. Read more…
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
Unique Wedding Favors
