Countdown to the Anniversary: Reception

So...after all of those portraits, it was time to go to the reception! We had a slight break in between the ceremony and the reception. I was worried about the transition for our guests, but in the end...this just ended up being the right choice. We took all of our photos, and then got the reception right after cocktail hour began! Which was fantastic, because we were able to mingle with our guests before dinner. It was really relaxed and fun, AND then we didn't have to go from table to table at dinner...we just sat down and ate and enjoyed ourselves!

Our reception site was a really beautiful club. We had cocktails upstairs, where there were a couple of sitting areas, fireplaces, a large room for mingling, and a bar with a TV (very helpful considering the fact that we got married on a football Saturday!). Then, dinner was in the dining room downstairs.

First up, some detail shots. Here is our amazingly delicious cake...yummmmmy!

Placecards, made by MOH Jenn

The dining room

Our band

Rings and flowers

College football fun!

Our favors - caramel apples

Relaxing during cocktail hour

Saying hi to a BFF I hadn't seen in awhile!

Cutting the cake

Everyone went downstairs to be seated for dinner, and we waited upstairs to make our grand entrance. In the meantime...we practiced our killer dance moves.

This isn't a good photo...but what the heck. Walking into the dining room.

First dance, to Love is Here to Stay

Sharing a funny moment with my parents

My niece Jaylanne and me

My dad made a fantastic speech...I wish I remembered everything he said, because it was lovely.

Listening to speeches

Cheers!

Dance with Dad

Matt's dance with my MIL (by the way...today is my MIL's 60th birthday! Happy birthday, Jill!)

Getting ready to throw the bouquet. Apparently the majority of my girlfriends were either...not there, or are already engaged/married.

My cousin Julie caught the bouquet. And she got married in July!

Matt throwing the garter...WAY more single guys out there!

My friend Steve caught it. Here we all are checking it out...

Dancing!

Okay, so I lied. There are more portraits. But these were taken AT the reception. I know, sneaky, right? :)

Well...that's everything! I hope you enjoyed my little walk down wedding memory lane. Up next tomorrow, on our anniversary, some photos from our amazing honeymoon in Costa Rica!

*once again, all photos by Patrick Abel*