Monday, November 19, 2007

Brand New Day

The only pictures we have so far (above) are from my mom and her BFF Margaret. We will get to see the professional proofs in mid-December. If you are interested in seeing them too, email me and I'll give you the website and password to view them.

When we arrived in Northern California the day before the wedding it began raining and it rained all day and all night. As we went through our day, Michael and I started to adjust our expectations for the wedding day. The outdoor wedding in our venue's lovely garden was probably going to have to take place inside instead. We didn't want the weather to steal our joy, so we tried to keep our disappointment in check and hoped for the best.

When we awoke early the next morning, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. We couldn't believe it! The day turned out to be gloriously beautiful and our outdoor wedding went off without a hitch. Every aspect of the ceremony and the reception was just perfect. I couldn't have asked for more.

Some details the pictures don't reveal:

Our very sweet and accomodating officiant had a nose piercing.

I told Michael to have tissues in his pocket for me because I was pretty sure I'd shed a few tears, but Michael became very emotional when my dad presented me to him at the beginning of the ceremony. Since he was crying, I knew I couldn't break down too, so I kept it together for him. I was very moved to see him show so much emotion. He has such a tender heart.

We chose Sting's song Brand New Day as our recessional piece, and Michael's cousin played it for us on his classical guitar. I also had Brand New Day and 11-11-07 engraved on the inside of Michael's wedding band. After all we've been through to get where we are today, it really feels like it's a brand new day!

We drank Domaine Carneros sparkling wine. This was one of the champagne houses we visited in Sonoma back in June when we first scouted out our venue.

Our menu included a roasted pork loin in a pinot noir sauce, a potato and leek turine, roasted seasonal vegetables, and a butternut squash quiche. Our cake was orange almond with a cream filling and buttercream frosting. The food was outstanding!

Our first dance was Anita Baker's Giving You the Best That I've Got, and I danced with my dad to Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole's Unforgettable.

We are still basking in the afterglow of our beautiful day. Every chance we get, we use "husband" or "wife" in conversation. I have loved Michael for so long, it is just amazing to finally be married and happy together. We are so excited about our future and all the possibilities that it holds.

The best days are coming
The best days are coming, baby
They'll be like nothing we've ever seen
Made for living, laughing, and loving
The best days are coming for you and me

Sara Evans

18 comments:

Shelley said...

Really. Overcome.

Happiness for you both for years to come.

Shell

Paulette said...

You both look so happy and in such love with each other. Love all the details especially the way Michael heart was wide open on his sleeve for you. May this new day be the beginning of a lifetime of happiness. (I would love to see ever photo).

Anonymous said...

joannah!

Yay! Thanks for making me feel like I was there...I can see it all and practically taste the food.

Ain't life grand?

Enjoy this "brand new day" with your Michael. I can't wait to see you soon and hear more, more, more!

Stacey

t~ said...

Congratulations on your brand new day!

Paula said...

What a beautiful wedding. I am a friend of Paulettes and I saw all of the things you gave her for Annaliese. Your husband sounds like a really special guy. Congratulations!
Paula

4D said...

Sounds truly wonderful.

Keep smilin!

wzgirl said...

Wow, that cake looks incredible! YUM! Now I know that I should have crashed the party.

Congrats again & again. XOXO

~Kristen said...

So happy to hear that your day was absolutely perfect.. the pictures are wonderful.

Congrats again... enjoy the bliss!!

Special K said...

Your wedding day sounds amazing. You look beautiful. Best wishes for a long and happy life together.

Gracencameronsmomy said...

congratulations!! Love the photos, so far. i would love to see the professionals...

Michelle said...

Never forget that special, magical feeling. It will get you through some of the tough times if you can just remember the love you felt for each other on that special day. It has helped keep us together for fifteen years.

D said...

Sounds like it was so fun! Enjoy your first holidays together...and holidays for years and years to come!

Kayce said...

Oh I love it! You both look so happy and yes, A Brand New Day! You will remember every detail of your day forever, because it sounds so perfect! Enjoy your first holiday as husband and wife!!

PS - I'd love to see those professional pics!

AprilMay said...

Oooo soo fabulous! I told you everything would be perfect! :)
I have goose bumps. Congratulations! I know you two will have a beautiful life together!

Anonymous said...

This makes me weepy :)

I'm thrilled for the both of you to have each other and to have had a beautiful day to begin your marriage.

Shannon said...

Congratulations on finding each other and being able to love each other forever and ever.

Sugar Cookies And Hope said...

Sounds so lovely, Joannah! I would love to see the pictures!

Enjoy your time together.

Pam said...

Congrats. It looks like you had a wonderful wedding. Everything looked beautiful.