Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night

After pictures we went back into the bridal suite to wait for our big entrance--although it seemed a little bit contrived since everyone had been watching us take photos the whole time.  We watched through the windows as guests played lawn games, lined up at the bar, and milled around checking out the decorations.

Reverend Bruce came in to collect our marriage license and congratulate us.  All of us girls fixed our hair and makeup.  The guys enjoyed a cold beer in the rare quiet moment.

Before long, the DJ came in and told us it was time.  We walked out onto the porch  and the song "I Got a Feeling" began to play.  Over the opening notes, the DJ announced Danielle and Matt:

Then Jaymi and Matt:

Then Jeff and I took our place at the head of the stairs.  We saw all of the guests seated at their tables, smiling and looking comfortable and happy.  The DJ announced us, and immediately the first notes of Smashmouth's "I'm a Believer" rang out.  Jeff and I walked out, making our way through the tables and our guests' smiling faces, to cheers and applause.

 I danced and waved to people as we meandered toward our table.  Jeff smiled and seemed comfortable, despite having everyone's eyes on him:

We took our seats at the head table and I was glad to be flanked by our best friends as everyone stared at us like animals in the zoo

Immediately the DJ announced that it was time for toasts.  Matt went first with a very nice, and funny, speech about how he knew I was special to Jeff when Jeff was more excited about hanging out with me than about riding dirt bikes with Matt.  He said what a great couple we make and ended with a very sweet toast.

Jaymi was up next and gave a beautiful, thoughtful speech that began with teasing us about our widely varying interests (driving sandrails, visiting museums, shooting guns, and going to the symphony), and went on to say how Jeff brings out the best in me and how much she likes him.  She ended with the lyrics of the Colbie Callait song "Tailor Made": though I may have been the only person present who knew the reference, the words were just as touching, and they held special meaning for me.

My dad came up prepared with a speech, but in the end decided to wing it.  He told the story of the first time he met Jeff, when he was helping me move, and said it was a great first impression: Jeff showed up with a GMC truck and a hand truck that was bigger than my dad's.  Everyone laughed.  My dad welcomed Jeff into the family, and I admit I teared up a little.

Having maxed out our sappiness for the time being, it was time to move on to dinner.  Up next: Jeff's very favorite part of the whole wedding!