June 15: Ali + Rod

Well, we made it. My sister Ali is married! It went so well that we're still somewhat in disbelief... and breathing huge, numerous sighs of relief. Be forewarned: this post is a MAJOR photo explosion. But be patient... I promise it will be worth it!

We did a lot of setup the night before, and put together all of the gift tables, dining tables, and strung up all the decorations. It was a party unto itself, wrapped up with the rehearsal. The next morning, the bridal party met at my parents' house to drop off dresses and then we booked it to the salon for our pretty party! The amazing stylists at our favorite salon, Shear Chaos, went above and beyond to make it an amazing morning, and we all had a great time! 

I'll take this moment to show off my own hair: 

Voila! While we double-fisted coffee and champagne, we snacked on homemade egg bake and muffins, and then it was out the door and back home for dressing!

We girls ran around like crazy people trying to get out the door in time to make it to the farm and get Ali down the aisle. I was put in charge of music for the ceremony, and a playlist for the reception, so I was anxious about timing and songs -- all of it was last-minute. But let me just say... the ceremony was so. sickeningly. lovely.

Being in the wedding party, I realized pretty quickly, one doesn't really have the luxury of stopping to take photos all of the time. The ones I managed to get were mostly of the decorations and surroundings. As much as I wished I could have photographed the ceremony, I was obviously ten thousand times more honored to be standing up in it, so I left that to everyone else. ;)

We arrived with simple white hydrangea bouquets, and we all wore dresses in alternating light blue and red (mine was red). The groomsmen were in simple grey vests with black Chuck Taylors on -- red for the groom! Once the bridal party was down the aisle, "The Very Thought of You" by Billie Holiday was queued, and Ali arrived on the winding drive in an old Model T Ford! My dad led her from the car through a small copse of trees up the aisle, and vows were exchanged. 

It was only when asked for the rings that we all realized that -- we forgot the rings! Although only back in the tent, so we paused for a moment while the mother of the bride ran after the rings, and while we waited, we were treated to a flyover by a neighbor's adorable red and white plane, and he made a couple of rounds for fun. Once the rings were back and securely on their respective fingers, we jammed out to "Happy Together" by The Turtles for the recessional.

My beautiful and talented cousin Jena Schleis was the photographer, based in Madison. We're a little obsessed with seeing the outcome of her shoots; they promise to be spectacular! We had so many friends and family who went out of their way to make the day run as seamlessly as possible.

The tent was full of people, and dinner was a pig roast and countless potluck dishes. Pretty much every kind of pasta salad, cookie, bar, salad, slaw, bake, you-name-it -- the tables were crammed and everything was so delicious. And we were meant to make sure to catch this awesome event:

And then we partied!

Cupcakes were provided by the ever-amazing Amanda Cupcake, located in New London, WI. I mentioned her previously in my Bachelorette party post, and she didn't fail to deliver. There were two different kinds to choose from: red velvet with blue buttercream frosting, and vanilla with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting. To die for. Oh, and did I mention cake pops?? 

There was plenty of dancing...

Ali's dress was altered from a vintage original -- our grandmother's, one that we have always had around the house on a wicker mannequin. Seeing it on her was really dazzling. Also, the little beaded trinket around the bow is Ali's "something blue," a necklace that belonged to our late, loved aunt Sharon, whose birthday was yesterday, along with her twin sister Karen, who was happily there to celebrate with us!

And cake cutting...

And sparklers... even when it started to rain. 

It was an absolutely magical evening. My little sister is married, and we had a fantastic party! How much sweeter could that get?

I hope everyone has enjoyed a wonderful, cheerful weekend!

_____

Days to Edinburgh move-in: 83