All photos by Exclamation Imagery unless otherwise noted.
Before we go forward, several things about said cake:
1. Since we opted for buttercream icing, I was told that if it happened to be exceptionally hot the day of our wedding, the cake tiers would need to be separated and on three different cake stands. Long story short, I hated all the ones the cake place had, I attempted to find my own, then attempted to make my own, then gave up. Then we lucked out with the weather and they didn't need to be separated after all. Huzzah!
2. I totally used fake flower petals that I got at Michael's to decorate the table. I never thought I would have done that in a million years. I know tons of people love 'em and use 'em, but they just aren't my thing. Then I saw them in colors that matched the petal colors I requested on the cake, and it was game over, man. And I loved it.
3. Our photog totally asked if I wanted a close up/detail shot of "the cute little squirrels" on top of the cake. Except they were foxes.
Ehh, squirrels, foxes, they're both adorable.
And the masses seemed to agree - there was lots of love over our cake table! Whoever arranged everything (Officiant Em? Jaime? Bueller?) did a fabulous job with everything.
This is from when we were actually cutting the cake.. my dad (guy with the camera) just cracks me up!
So anyway, as I started to say.. somewhere in the middle our dancefest, the cake table was rolled to the center of the dance floor as Speak Slow by Tegan and Sara started playing. We took our places and got ready to slice that baby.. when Foxy decided he should go all ninja with a samurai sword and tried to take over. Again.
Photo by Mrs. Guinea Pig
I probably made that face for about half a second, which Mrs. Guinea Pig somehow managed to catch. Total awesomesauce.
Scary moment over, we proceeded to cut the cake the right way. You know, with the bride taking control.
At this point, I think all breaths were held. Anyone who knows Foxy would expect a piece of cake being smashed all over my face.
Anyone who knows me would know that I would not let that happen. Then again, anyone who knows the both of us would still expect some cake smashing.
Alas, I think I threatened talked to Foxy enough to ensure a nice, proper bite of cake. I mean.. I would have been so sad if it got smushed on my face. That cake was freaking tasty. A bite on my face was a bite not in my mouth.
I'm actually quite impressed that Foxy even ate his piece - the man hates cake. And the only flavor he really tolerates is red velvet.. which was in the top tier. You know, the one we weren't going to cut into. Oh well.
At least I know he enjoyed our proceeding toast, done with the gorgeous flutes my lady love HK made for us!
Then it was time for everyone else to dig in, and for the crêpe station to turn from savory to sweet.
(Sorry, I had to post this picture again.. it was too delicious not to!)
At this point, I was starting to get a little sad. Cutting the cake meant that we were nearing the end of the reception sooner rather than later. Even though I knew the night would still continue for a handful of us, I didn't want what was happening right then, in that moment and with so many of my loved ones, to stop. One of my few regrets is that we weren't able to have a longer reception (due to time limits and local noise ordinances) - so I knew I had to enjoy the rest of the celebration to its fullest. Back to dancing it was!!
I even got my token dip!
Miss a recap? Catch yourself up!
It's Wedding Week! - The week of the wedding started out pretty hectic, but we made it through (relatively) unscathed.
We're Cool People (who had to deal with a slight change of plans) - On Friday, we made our way to the venue, had a relatable moment on the radio, and learned about some last minute changes that we made an effort to take in stride.
Practice Makes Perfect.. And Crabs Don't Hurt, Either - After most everyone was settled in on Friday evening, we had our rehearsal followed by the best dinner ever - a Maryland crab feast!
Rise and Shine! - Wedding morning was soon upon us, and I woke up at the crack of dawn ready to get prettified.
Pretty Women - Over the course of the next several hours, myself and the girls hung out, got our hair and makeup done, had a photo shoot, and drank champagne.
Dressing Up - Soon enough, it was time for me to slip into my dress!
Dapper Dudes - At the same time, Foxy and his guys were ironing and getting into their suites - and Foxy was opening his wedding day gift!
The First of Many Looks - We had our first look, and both felt so much better after being able to see each other for the first time that day.
A School Bus Photoshoot - Our vehicle of choice for the day was a school bus, which we turned into a photo op both inside and out!
Smiles and Sun - The photos continued by the lighthouse and pier.. with sunglasses and a few funny stories along the way.
ALL The Family - We then met up with family at the lock house for even more pictures, and I started getting a bit antsy and having problems with my dress.
And Then There's Us - I kinda-sorta-maybe forgot all about couple and bridal pictures. Thank goodness for our amazing photog reminding us!
Final Touches - Slight chaos then ensued in the minutes before the ceremony started, consisting of me getting sewn into my dress and the boys getting their bouts pinned on at the last minute.
And So It Begins - The guests arrive, the wedding party lines up, and the ceremony space is revealed - complete with programs, white knots, and bubbles!
All I Want Is You, Will You Be My Bride? - The time had finally come - we all made our way down the aisle while my stepdad and stepbro played and sang a beautiful, acoustic version of "All I Want Is You".
Take Me By The Hand and Stand By My Side - In other words.. the ceremony!
Bubbles and Bustles and Beverages, Oh My! - Bubbles are blown, my bustle is tied in, and cocktail hour commences with lots of love, hugs, and drinks.
The Guestbook - The final version & reveal of our fingerprint guestbook - and some tips, should you want them!
I'd Do Anything For You - The reception kicked off with our oh-so-intricate first dance sway to Wake Up by Coheed and Cambria, which our guests joined in on halfway through.
Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry - Which is exactly what we did, thanks to our bestest friends' amazing and beautiful toasts.
Food & Details - All the details about our cocktail-style reception and rustic decor.
Good Times, Bad Touch - Our guests got down with their bad selves on the dance floor with a lot of finger pointing, interpretive dance, and.. our very own rendition of Bad Touch.
Faux-to Booth Fun! - We said no to veggies and yes to a sorta last-minute DIY photo booth!
Tatted Up - One of the most fun and unexpected features at the reception was our temporary tattoos that many guests ended up sporting proudly all night!
