skymama 35 #26 February 24, 2014 Thanks, everyone! Yes, third time is the charm! My first marriage was 18 years, so it's not like I don't take marriage and commitment seriously and one can never predict how someone is going to change. Life is a journey. A run-down of the day, if anyone is interested... Instead of waking up and finishing up final details as per my plan, we sat around making Plan B because of the weather. The plan was to get married in a park on the lakeside waterfront about a mile from our house and then have the reception in our backyard. It was looking really bleak. The food was still being prepared, but we couldn't set anything up until 3:30 (for a 5:30 wedding), when it looked like we might have a chance at the rain being a little south of us. So, we went for plan A! Normiss and I took care of all the pre-wedding planning and details and did most of the cooking, but we would not have been able to make the final hours count without the help of our family and friends. Best Man, Rick, was busy cooking in the kitchen with his son and business partner, right up to the minute he had to throw his suit on and get to the ceremony. My Matron-of-Honor was my 7 month pregnant daughter. We weren't allowed to set up at the park, so we kind of had a Flash Mob wedding. I told everyone what time to arrive, and my daughter and I arrived a few minutes later. We were dropped off at the curb thanks to our neighbor, and the ceremony started. It was awesomely simple! Our guests lined the sidewalk for a makeshift aisle. Mark's grandson, Aiden, ran down the aisle with bells while saying, "the Bride is coming, the Bride is coming!". Rick escorted my daughter, Alix, and my Dad and son, Nick, escorted me. My son-in-law, Gabriel, played "Marry me" by Train on his guitar as we walked. It was chilly, overcast and windy, but no rain! Our neighbor performed the short ceremony as our guests gathered around us as we stood on some steps. When I took one look at Mark, I started crying! I guess I really do love this man. When I looked out at our guests, there were a few others with ear muffs on too! We took family photos and headed back to the house. It wasn't just a backyard party, I had been meticulously decorating things for months. We have a beautiful and large backyard with vines covering the walls and a live oak off to one side. Mark strung 400 Italian lights throughout the backyard. The tables were all in white, with white roses and lots of mercury glass candles. Luminaries lined the entrance-way and we placed an antique dresser outside as the welcome table that had my grandma's lace tablecloth on it and her candle holders. Our guest book was there and also glow stick party favors. We gave our guests sparklers and we entered the party as they were holding them. Once I got there, I started feeling faint. I was talking to Art (dzo of Palatka) and he literally had to hold me up. It was then that I realized how long it had been since I had eaten. Fortunately, our photographer, Chuck Bryan, is also a Nurse so he knew to get me a Coke and a piece of bread. I had a bit of a meltdown for a few minutes as my sugar levels evened out, but I felt better within minutes. It was a scary moment to have the feeling of toppling over in 4 inch heels! Rick gave us an awesome and heartfelt toast, and it was finally time to eat. We prepared a huge spread and it seemed that people liked the food. We had pulled pork, smoked turkey, Chicken Rustica, 2 vegetarian lasagnas (thanks to Sandy Bobo) and then a ton of sides. Inside the house, we had a dessert table that included yummy items made by two of Mark's daughters. We had a few fire pits and a S'mores Bar set up, but the night ended up being such a balmy evening it wasn't even cold. We had all the typical wedding moments of cutting the cake, first dance and throwing the bouquet and garter and partied the night away. After all that, we were last men standing, cleaning up the yard at midnight. Today, we took the day off to clean the house. It is a complete mess! Yesterday, we also had two more parties to do; my daughter's baby shower and my dad's birthday party. It was QUITE a weekend and we can't wait to get back to normal life. Thanks to everyone for all of your well wishes, they mean so much to us. We had about 100 people at our house, but we wish we could have invited all of you...well, most of you. Here's a few photos... She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #27 February 24, 2014 More...She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #28 February 24, 2014 And, party pics!She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #29 February 24, 2014 Sure..... "we're interested " a bit pressed for time right now,,, so will Definitely check back here later this evening to enjoy seeing the pictures...gotta GO.. jmy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TriGirl 278 #30 February 24, 2014 Wow!! Your description was spot-on -- I had almost the exact images in my head before I even opened the photos. But of course, since you didnt' describe yourself, the photos of you were such a lovely addition. You two should open a wedding/event planning side business! Congratulations. It looks like it was perfect (right down to the "asshole" particpation!). Well done. See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus Shut Up & Jump! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #31 February 24, 2014 Quote But of course, since you didnt' describe yourself, the photos of you were such a lovely addition. Oh....lol...well, I forgot about me. Let me tell you about my dress! The tag said $1900, but being the bargain shopper I am, I got it for $100 at a charity auction. I was very proud of myself at how inexpensively I put together my "look". The shoes and long vintage style necklace were 75% off from Dillard's (I saved $120 on those shoes!). The shorter strand of pearls belong to my mom. The pearl bracelet and flower in my hair are both from Claire's, of all places. The stole I'm wearing is real, but it was my Grandma's. It was made before I was born, so don't anyone be mad at me for that; that fox didn't die for me. I kind of wanted to match the vintage feel of our house and yard, so that was the look I was going for. For my hair, I told me hairdresser I just wanted to look like me, only a little dressier. I didn't want Bride hair!.Oh, and for my boobies, I had to wear TWO pairs of stick on bras, and that's after the dress got altered in the top. She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #32 February 24, 2014 Simply outstanding,,,,,,congrats....what did you guys do for party music ?smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #33 February 24, 2014 Why wasn't Mark wearing a head-mounted GoPro during the search for the garter? My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 34 #34 February 24, 2014 I'm a sucker for weddings. The pics made me get a bit teary. So happy for you guys. And Rick's shoes??? "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 642 #35 February 24, 2014 You were and are absolutely radiant baby. WOW! What an event. I am tremendously humbled by the show of love from our friends and families. I am so very thankful for the friends we have. We could have easily invited at least 100 more people - and truly wanted to! I am quite proud that we pulled off such a huge event at our house. I love our home. More so when it is filled with SO MANY of the people we love and are fortunate to have in our life. Thank you everyone, from the bottom of my heart. Life IS good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LuckyMcSwervy 0 #36 February 24, 2014 You looked stunningly beautiful, so happy and in love!! Elegant, classy, beautiful!! Your gown... WOW!! Everything looked so... perfect!! Mark looked like he knew he was the luckiest man on earth and so in love!! I think it's so wonderful you had your reception at your home with those you love surrounding you. Home is where the heart is. So true!! I love weddings. PS - Your daughter looked amazing!! Always be kinder than you feel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LuckyMcSwervy 0 #37 February 24, 2014 normiss You were and are absolutely radiant baby. WOW! What an event. I am tremendously humbled by the show of love from our friends and families. I am so very thankful for the friends we have. We could have easily invited at least 100 more people - and truly wanted to! I am quite proud that we pulled off such a huge event at our house. I love our home. More so when it is filled with SO MANY of the people we love and are fortunate to have in our life. Thank you everyone, from the bottom of my heart. Life IS good. Awwwww!! That's so sweet!! You looked very handsome!! Always be kinder than you feel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GooniesKid 0 #38 February 24, 2014 skymama So, behave yourselves! If I have to log back in here to ban someone, heads will roll. And don't misbehave tomorrow because that is my daughter's baby shower day. Actually, just don't misbehave, period. I case anyone doesn't know, I'm marrying dz.commer Normiss today. So here's a lesson for you kids; go ahead and flirt in PM's with that cutie you like, you never know where it may lead! I've tried to flirt with cuties...but i keep on getting called a creep , LOL! Congrats to the newlyweds! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 642 #39 February 24, 2014 Try not making every single post about you for a change. It just might help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 3 #40 February 24, 2014 You make such a radiant bride, a beautiful lady. Mark is a luck man. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #41 February 25, 2014 Great photos When i saw the stole, i had a certain sense about it's origin, Before i even read skymamas explanation,,,, which verified it...Great bargains ( as would be Expected ) by the happy bride...As new wave and fashionable, as you guys ARE,, I really Like how you're traditional, and nostalgic and sentimental as well !! Normiss, your suit and tie was perfect !!Classy and Dressy, yet Cool and Casual, all at the same time Wonderful pictures. thanks for sharing them... I believe strongly that skymamas GrandMother was smiling happily, somewhere in Heaven and I think that SHE blessed your marriage from above...MUCH happiness to You... j Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #42 February 25, 2014 I just sat down after cleaning all day (why on earth did I hire a cleaning lady BEFORE the wedding? I needed her today! ), and your posts made me feel so blessed to have friends who are happy for us and some whom we have never met in person yet. Thank you all for your kind words. And, Jimmy, there were many more touches of my Grandma at our wedding, so maybe you are right! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
labrys 0 #43 February 25, 2014 Long love and happiness, Guys.Owned by Remi #? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
irishrigger 32 #44 February 25, 2014 many congrats to the 2 of yous! looked like you had a great day and all the very best of luck and happiness for the future! rodger Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rwieder 0 #45 February 25, 2014 Mark & Andrea- Congrats to you both. May God bless your "Union" may much love and respect be a standard in your marriage throughout the duration of your lives together. I'm excited for the both of you! Best- Richard Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,105 #46 February 25, 2014 I'm very happy for you both. Both good people with big hearts & in love with the other. Recipe for a long and happy life together. Congratulations!!!Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 3 #47 February 26, 2014 normiss It just might help. What do YOU know about picking up chicks on DZ.com?? Oh right, you made every guy here jealous!! Congrats you guys!! I'm happy that it all came together for you two. I'm glad the muffs went over well. Rick knew you'd be cool with it but was a little nervous at the dz last weekend about it. "I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #48 February 26, 2014 Quote I'm glad the muffs went over well. Rick knew you'd be cool with it but was a little nervous at the dz last weekend about it. Well, he could have picked a color that matched the wedding theme a little better. She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 3 #49 February 26, 2014 skymama Quote I'm glad the muffs went over well. Rick knew you'd be cool with it but was a little nervous at the dz last weekend about it. Well, he could have picked a color that matched the wedding theme a little better. He coulda found some that were way worse. "I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 212 #50 February 26, 2014 skymama Quote But of course, since you didnt' describe yourself, the photos of you were such a lovely addition. Oh....lol...well, I forgot about me. Let me tell you about my dress! The tag said $1900, but being the bargain shopper I am, I got it for $100 at a charity auction. I was very proud of myself at how inexpensively I put together my "look". The shoes and long vintage style necklace were 75% off from Dillard's (I saved $120 on those shoes!). The shorter strand of pearls belong to my mom. The pearl bracelet and flower in my hair are both from Claire's, of all places. The stole I'm wearing is real, but it was my Grandma's. It was made before I was born, so don't anyone be mad at me for that; that fox didn't die for me. I kind of wanted to match the vintage feel of our house and yard, so that was the look I was going for. For my hair, I told me hairdresser I just wanted to look like me, only a little dressier. I didn't want Bride hair!.Oh, and for my boobies, I had to wear TWO pairs of stick on bras, and that's after the dress got altered in the top. I suggest that you use the Pre-wedding pic as your new avatar.You look absolutely Gorgeous!I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
