Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
The full bridal party hopped onto the party bus and headed about three blocks away from the church to pose for pictures at a true Johnstown landmark—the Inclined Plane. Despite the shortness of that drive, we managed to squeeze in some celebration. GM A and Mr. Snow Cone popped some celebratory champagne…
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Immediately following the ceremony, Mr. Snow Cone and I stepped outside into the bright sunshine. I was more focused on tracking down some sustenance than enjoying the beautiful weather. Thankfully, my mom’s emergency granola bar made its way into my hands in no time, and I consumed it in about two bites before kicking off our receiving line. Take note: eating a hearty-ish breakfast at 8:00 AM will probably not be sufficient to keep you powering through until cocktail hour. Have a designated person (or two) to carry an emergency snack supply!
For our receiving line, we opted to limit it to the newlyweds and both sets of parents. Including the bridal party would have made the line way too long, not to mention a bit awkward, since there’s no way any one of our guests would have known more than two or three of the bridal party members, and vice versa.
In the planning stage, I considered a receiving line something to do because tradition and etiquette dictated it. Not necessarily something I was craving to do, but something I couldn’t get away with skipping. Now that I’ve done it, though, I can say it was one of the most structured but relaxing parts of the day. All I had to do was stand in one spot and welcome face after face after face. It was nice to get some one-on-one time with each guest, even if it was just a quick hug and sharing some well wishes. Mr. Snow Cone and both sets of parents remarked that they thought the line took a while to finish, but I never felt that way. Maybe it was because I had expectations of it dragging on for an almost unendurable length of time, but it seemed to chug along at a nice pace once it was under way.
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Following the rite of marriage, the rest of the ceremony was fairly standard for a Catholic mass. My older brother P read the general intercessions, asking for special blessings for us.
We prepared the altar, with Mr. Snow Cone and I accepting the gifts from my godparents.
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Once our priest finished his homily, he motioned for us to come forward. Everyone in the entire building knew what was coming; after almost nine years, we were mere seconds away from becoming husband and wife.
First, we had to publicly state our intentions. We were asked three questions, expected to answer them with emphatic “yes” responses. Immediately before heading up to the altar for this statement of intentions, I had to covertly remind Mr. Snow Cone that these questions were coming. He got big eyes and promptly thanked me, because he had apparently forgotten about this part of the ceremony. See, freaking out during your rehearsal pays off! Anyhow, our statement of intentions: Read more…
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Now that I had made my way up the aisle, it was time for the ceremony to officially begin. Our priest quietly whispered if we were calm and OK to begin, which we were. He began by welcoming all of our guests to this special ceremony. To be honest, I don’t actually remember much from this part of the wedding. But I have a good reason!! I was so elated to be next to Mr. Snow Cone’s side again that we pretty much spent the first few minutes whispering to each other about how excited we both were and how much we loved each other.
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Finally, finally, finally I heard the organ change to Canon in D, and I knew that the rest of the bridal party was now processing toward the altar. First we had Mr. Snow Cone’s sister, BM J, accompanied by GM JS,
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
While Christina was photographing Mr. Snow Cone and his crowd, I hopped into my parents’ car and drove the four whole minutes it took to get to the church. When we arrived, I saw a lot of dashing young men in suits milling around the front of the church, about 10 yards from where our car was headed. I was not interested in getting this close to the ceremony and then botching the whole “no first look” decision. I slouched as much as I could, given the yards of satin and tulle that were crammed into the passenger seat with me, and I begged my dad to give a few courtesy honks. We weren’t really sure what to do, but we knew that this had to be handled delicately in order to avoid a wedding-day blunder. Finally, my mom hopped out of the car and surveyed the situation, determining Mr. Snow Cone had already been safely stashed in his hiding zone. She gave us the high-sign, and we drove up to the church.
In order to have me walk the shortest distance possible, my dad pulled up directly next to the side entrance, where I’d be hiding until my big walk down the aisle. His efforts to make things easy on me weren’t so easy on his car; when he got out to help me out of my side of the car, he opened his own door right into the staircase’s iron handrail. It was a very clear episode of bridal brain, father of the bride edition. Anyone, in any other situation, would have realized that was not the ideal place to park a car and open the door, but darn it, he had a bride who needed to be tended to! For whatever reason, that moment of hearing the ominous thud of the door against the rail and exchanging a “did that really just happen?!” look with my dad is one of the clearest memories of the entire day for me! Read more…
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Before I launch into the events of the ceremony, I think it’s important to develop an idea of our surroundings on that special August afternoon. My family’s church, which served as the headquarters for our ceremony.
If you look really hard, you can see our floral letters on either side of the entrance. Read more…
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
When I originally started mapping out the timeline for our wedding day, I allotted an hour for groom pictures before the ceremony. Our photographer quickly set me straight, though, informing me that most grooms’ limit for posing and smiling is much shorter than that. She assured me she’d be able to get all of the shots she needed during the half-hour immediately prior to the ceremony.
Just to play it safe, though, I fudged the photographers’ instructions and requested Mr. Snow Cone to be at the church an hour beforehand. He decided to play it safe, too, and told his groomsmen to be ready to be at the church more than an hour ahead of time. As it turned out, the hotel shuttle ran late, causing Mr. Snow Cone a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety, but with all the wiggle room built into the schedule, everything went off without a hitch.
Remember, ladies, neurotic worriers always finish first. Or, at least, arrive to their destination first. Enough with the chit-chat, onto the pictures!
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
At this point in the morning, all we had to take care of was our pre-ceremony portraits. First, I delivered my mom’s bouquet to her, describing how my original plan to replicate her bridal bouquet for her had been substituted with a bouquet charm with her wedding date. She seemed to like the touch of personalization that came with her wedding flowers.
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
As a result of my private dressing session, none of my bridesmaids had seen the finished product. I could hear them on the other side of the door while I was getting dressed, so once everything was in place, I instructed my mom to open the door and let them in for grand reveal number one.
I love this picture - specifically, the reflection of BM K’s face in the mirror. Perfect reaction.
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Because everyone was finishing up their own wedding day looks in my bathroom, I scooted over to my parents’ room to use their bathroom. When I was done, I opened the door, expecting to head back to my own room and kill some time before slipping into my gown. That plan went out the window when I opened the bathroom door and saw my mom, my photographer, and my gown all waiting for me. I had my hair and makeup done, so pretty much the only task left in the getting-ready process was stepping into my bridal gown. My mom asked me if I wanted to start getting dressed, and although I was caught off-guard by how fast I went from bumming around to becoming a bride, I was totally ready for this.
I decided the best course of action would be to rip my tank top off… right over my head… over my perfectly coiffed updo. Previously in the day, I had been repeatedly reminded by my mom and hair-dresser to step out of the tank top as opposed to pulling it over my head. I responded to all of these warnings with an eye roll and a reminder that this wasn’t my first updo, duh. Turns out they were right, and I had a severe bout of bridal brain and messed up part of my hair. Fortunately, my mom quelled my panic and assured me that the hairdresser, who is a dear family friend, was on her way over already, so she could patch it up.
After that little snafu, I collected myself and started getting dressed. I had previously envisioned myself getting dressed surrounded by my mom and bridesmaids, but the way it turned out, my mom was the only one around. And it was perfect. Read more…
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Per instructions from my lovely photographer Christina, I had spent some time that morning setting aside the details that went into creating my bridal look. While I was putting the final touches on my makeup, she and her assistant were working their magic, photographing. It’s amazing to me that in a matter of mere minutes, these items went from inanimate objects to being cemented in a young woman’s mind as an indelible part of her wedding day ensemble and experience.
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Fortunately, I had no problem falling asleep on Friday night. I think I was so totally zonked from the prior week that falling asleep was the only natural response at that point. Waking up, though, was a different story. My 7:00 AM hair appointment meant I had to be in the shower by about 5:45 AM. As a result, instead of waking up refreshed and ready to take on the day, I woke up tired. Not like “man, I’m a little sleepy but I’ll rally” tired. More like “I could crawl back into bed and be asleep within 10 seconds but I have to stay awake because it’s my wedding day and I have to get my hair done” tired. Even though I didn’t feel like a blushing bride as I dragged my butt out of bed, I didn’t really have any time to reflect on my fatigue, because it was finally the big day!!
While planning, I decided to do something a little different with the beautification process for myself and my bridesmaids. I had one bride, seven bridesmaids, and two mothers to get all done up before pictures began at roughly 11:00 that morning. Originally, I really wanted all of us to get ready at the same place so as to kick off the wedding morning in style. After evaluating the timeline and how many hairdos had to be created, I realized that just wasn’t happening. Read more…
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
Early in our planning for the rehearsal dinner, we decided to have a rehearsal dinner after party. We wanted to expand upon our standard rehearsal dinner to squeeze in some extra time with our out of town guests. Specifically, the vast majority of my extended family is from at least a few states away. I wasn’t happy with the prospect of having them come in for the weekend and only seeing them for a little snippet of time during the wedding day mayhem. On the other hand, inviting them to the actual rehearsal dinner would have effectively doubled the dinner guest list. We compromised with the after party—all out of town guests were invited to the house for drinks and desserts to join in the festivities. As if I didn’t wax poetic enough about our dinner in the previous post, this after party was an awesome addition.
To jump-start the after party, we threw a miniature birthday party, as our rehearsal dinner coincided with two guest birthdays—MOH H and BM A’s boyfriend. We arranged to have a birthday cake there for the two of them, and then everyone gathered up and serenaded them on their special day.
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
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