Scenes From this Weekend

I had the pleasure and honor of being a bridesmaid in my friend Rachael's wedding on Aug. 20, 2011. Her and Brian tied the knot in the most perfect, beautiful and thoughtful ceremony I've ever attended. Every detail was lovely and impeccably done, from the I will totally use this again bridesmaids' gifts to the gigantic flowers, tasteful decor and adorable vows. Tim and I both agreed that the vows the pair wrote themselves were touching and from the heart.
We started the weekend with a great rehearsal at the church followed by fantastic conversation at Buca di Beppo and a lovely slideshow of Brian and Rachael's childhood memories (and pictures of me in my fat stage. Seriously, who let me get that way?).

The next morning, I checked into the Doubletree Chicago-Oak Brook, where I promptly received a welcome box from the bride that was stuffed with drinks, snacks and tylenol (smart girl). I then had a breakfast buffet there with a friend before getting my hair done and having lunch with the bride.

We took a bus over to the ceremony site, then waited in the preschool room for the shin dig to kick off. Hilarity ensued. I tripped on the aisle runner, but did not fall, so I'm going to hope that that part is edited from the final wedding video.

And then there was the reception at Brookfield Zoo! We took tons of photos on the grounds, including on the carousel and in front of the zoo sign. I can't wait to see these photos! If they're anything like the engagement photos this photographer snapped, they will be breathtaking.

We ate, ate and ate some more. The wedding cake was amazing, the soup and salad course were awesome and they brought out pizza and cookies for a late-night snack. I only wish I wasn't wearing such a tight dress so I could have induldged more. It was so tight my ribcage hurt the next day.

And if my crappy photos didn't fill your need to see an amazing wedding in motion, check out my fellow bridesmaid and friend Hyacynth's blog for some seriously awesome photos.