Wedding...MN Style: Rehearsal & Dinner

Thanks to all that voted on the title for the re-caps. It was a close call, but you can see which one won!

When we left off, I was on my way to rehearsal with my parents, sister/MOH and BM B. When I sent out the itinerary to the bridal party and families, it said rehearsal was at 4:30, when it actually didn't start until 5. I told most of the BMs the truth, but the guys were not lead onto the secret!

I was very surprised when I walked into the church because we were only missing 2 attendants (and they were BMs)...all the guys were there! I was completely shocked, but I gave them all a hug and said hi. Once everyone had arrived, which was by 5, we were on our way.

We didn't have a DOC and to be honest, we didn't need one. Our Priest is awesome and he held everyone's attention very well. All of our wedding party had been in other weddings, so they paid attention and did what they were told. Were they smiling the whole time...no, but that's ok! The first run through went fairly slow as we were all being told what to do and where to go. The second time through we were accompanied by the musicians. When my dad and I were walking down the aisle, I lost it. Not really bad, but was definitely teary eyed! I used the very popular choice of Cannon in D as I couldn't imagine walking down the aisle to anything else!

Here are some pictures from rehearsal. All courtesy of SIL C.

A nervous (or tired?) Mr. 2SB

Mr. 2SB and our priest

At the end of the aisle with my dad

Practicing the hand-off

To the Alter we go

Paying close attention

Practicing our vows (I don't recall if we actually said them or not)

Telling us what to do with the Unity Candle

And we're married (practice wise)!

Rehearsal lasted about 30-40 minutes and went very well! After that, we all headed to our Rehearsal Dinner. I can't remember (and don't fee like looking) if I told you about our RD. My parents friends have a lot of experience in catering. We asked them to cater our RD and just rented out on of the meeting rooms at the hotel. We brought in our own beer and soda. Including everything, we spent $500. We wanted it to be laid back, which it was; for people to have good food, which they did; to quench their thirst, which they did; and to be fairly short in length, which it was!

We passed out the gifts. I told my BMs the story about their necklaces and everyone opened their gifts at the same time. No speeches were given, we just all hung out and mingled. A lot of the beer was gone, but the GM kept most of the rest. I said goodbye to Mr. 2SB and his crew and headed back to my parents house.

Once we got there, we put on comfy clothes, opened a bottle of wine and my mom, sister/MOH, BM B and I watched the season finale of Grey's Anatomy, that we had DVRed. (If you watch GA, umm...holy crap what a finale that was!) Shortly after, we all turned in. I tossed and turned a little, but fell asleep shortly after 2 when I got a text from Mr. 2SB. I was glad to know he was also going to bed (they were talking about hitting some bars when I was leaving).

Overall, rehearsal and the dinner went really well and was very low-key! It was great to feel relaxed...even if it was just for a few short hours!

Next up...the ladies begin our day