Wedding Weekend: Saturday Part III -- The Reception

The Happy Bride and Groom

A Special Touch from the CaterersM-n-Ms that Mom Ordered for Our Wedding Day

While Tomkin and I enjoyed a few minutes of solitude (and plates full of food, not to mention a glass of champagne) during our post-ceremony yichud, our guests filed downstairs to get food and drinks of their own. We hired TST Catering to provide our food, and it was awesome! We had incredible BBQ pork sandwiches on homemade buns, Jo-Jo potatoes, pasta salad, and watermelon. (We're planning to hire TST for a party so we can get those BBQ sandwiches again!) We also hired a bartender to keep our guests liquified throughout the evening. Heidi, Lana, and Cassidy Enjoying DinnerJustin, Our Awesome Bartender

Most of the evening was a blur. We chatted with friends and family, posed for pictures, and partook in traditional wedding events. The Game Day Girls (plus Joanna's husband, Tom, and Kerri's baby, Emma) flew in from Chicago that afternoon, and Tomkin's friend Fletch was in town from Philadelphia, so he joined us, too. We had about 55 guests all together, plus two photographers, two videographers (Tomkin's friend Adam and his wife, Cheryl), and the caterers. Quite a full house! But, surprisingly, it didn't feel crowded. People really spread out and used all the rooms.The Carleton Crew (More or Less):
Row 1 - Jules, Tomkin, Johanna, Scotty, Jake, Richard
Row 2 - JimDog, Megan, Cassidy, Becca
Row 3 - Christopher, KurtThe Game Day Girls Sort of Posing as "Charlie's Angels":

Jill, Joanna, Jules, Mary Beth, Kelly, and KerriTom Holding EmmaHeidi, Jules, Lana, and Brenda

(We've All Known Each Other Since High School or Before)Jenny and AllisonTomkin, Jules, Kurt, and Richard Jules with Uncle Mike and ReneeJules with Aunt Carol and SteveGetting a Quick Pick-Me-Up from Alex and PhillipJimDog, Jake, and PeteTomkin's Happy Parents, Nancy and TomDad, Sandy, Alex, Phillip, Steve, and Other People Gathered in the Spare BedroomAngie and Cassidy with Tomkin and JulesBecca and OmarJules with Jennifer and ShellyTomkin and Jules with Cheryl and Adam, Who Did Our VideographyDave and Kris (Syd)Jules with Chris and JillJules and Adolfo Showing Off Our Fancy Footwear
(I Loved My Shoes, But I Just Couldn't Leave Them On!)

We had a guest book with a designated page for each person/couple who attended the wedding, and we asked everyone to write words of advice, a funny or special memory, or anything else that came to mind that day. Just about everyone filled it out, and it's something we really treasure.Jill Signing the Guest Book

Tomkin, Jenny, Brenda, Tom, the photographers, and I all squeezed into the bedroom to sign the marriage license (or document the signing). Making It All Legal and Official

About 7:30, everyone gathered around for toasts. Jenny, Scotty, Brenda, and Becca all got up and gave lovely, funny, heartfelt toasts. I said a few words of thanks to all our guests. It really meant a lot to us that so many people had traveled to be there for our wedding celebration.Groom's Attendant (and Sister) Jenny Giving a ToastMaid of Honor Brenda Toasting the Happy CoupleHead Usher Scotty Giving a ToastOur Mutual College Friend Becca Sharing Memories and Words of Wisdom

The Toasts Made Us Laugh......and Cry"Thank You All For Coming....We're Sorry About the Snow!"Adolfo, Fletch, Jake, Becca, Jules, Tomkin, Dave, Tom, and Nancy
Clinking Glasses (or Cans)

Next, Tomkin and I cut the cake. We got that from TST Catering as well (it was delicious!). Tomkin composed the haiku that was written in frosting on the cake: "Circle of friends/a kiss/it begins now." He used his Masonic sword to slice it up. Tomkin Slicing Through the Cake with His SwordA Sugary Sweet KissChampagne and Wedding Cake...Mmm, Mmm!

We had a wonderful time hanging out and talking with people, although I felt like I didn't get to have many actual conversations. Gradually, the crowd began to thin, and by about 10:30 it was down to me & Tomkin, my mom, Brenda, Barb (Brenda's mom), Scotty, Jake, Becca, Adolfo, Carrie D., Carrie Mc., Jill, Mark & Sissy, and Johanna & Lisa. We cranked up the music and started dancing. That was so much fun! Johanna & Lisa are amazing swing dancers. We Carleton folks relived some of our cast party memories, and everyone else joined in and had fun out on the dance floor (aka our living room).Mom Having Fun on the Dance Floor with Carrie, Scotty, Becca, and TomkinMark and Sissy Gettin' DownJohanna and Lisa Were the Swing Dancing Masters!Tomkin Busts a MoveHot Mom-to-Be Becca Dancing with AdolfoCarrie D., Jules, Tomkin, Scotty, Becca, and Carrie Mc.Dancing the Night AwayJake, Scotty, and Tomkin Do a Little Slam-Dancing

At some point we broke out the deli meats and cheeses we had ordered to make sure no one went hungry (or drank too much on an empty stomach). Best sandwiches ever! Brenda and the Carries Enjoying Sandwiches in the Kitchen

The group got smaller and smaller until it was finally me, Tomkin, Scotty, Jake, and Brenda at the end of the night (about 2:00). What a fun and incredible day!Scotty, Tomkin, Jules, Jake, and Brenda at the End of a Long and Wonderful Day