Keeping with the Game Day theme, I always like early start times.  I don’t like night games when I have to pace around all day getting nervous.  So our early wedding time of 9am was perfect.

The wedding party conveniently stayed at the Morris Inn on campus.  The groomsmen and I made a feeble attempt at tailgating before our march to the Basilica.  I’m not superstitious, so I didn’t understand the whole waiting to see the bride thing... until now.  That breathless moment when pure radiance appears at the end of the aisle was indescribable. 

The ceremony was beautiful; it was impossible not to feel God’s grace being showered down upon all of us.  We were honored to have Father Tim Scully, the founder of ACE (the program where we met), preside over the ceremony.  He was quick to pick up on the Be Yellow theme, as he creatively changed the gospel to a “light of the world” premise and fully displayed his talent as a wonderful preacher/priest.  He was joined by an All-Star ACE cast for the Mass:  Sarah’s Biloxi housemates - Tony Hollowell, server/reader and Elizabeth (Elsener) Mayer, reader.  The responsorial psalm was beautifully sung by Chelsea Madison and another reading was done by Nicole Shirilla.

The ladies in red were Sarah’s sister Kati (Matron of Honor), my sisters Megan and Erin, and Sarah’s college friends Emily and Karen.  My childhood friend, Todd Jacob, stood by my side as Best Man.  His 4-year-old daughter, Payton, (my Goddaughter) was the world's cutest flower girl.  And Kati’s husband Paul, college friend Todd Reffett, cousin Daren Kuntz, and MBA buddy Jason rounded out the starting five.  This amazing troupe led the way among an incredible group of people joining us on our biggest day.  The crew came from 20 states:  Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, Kentucky, DC, Massachusetts, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and California.    Unfortunately, we realize this was the only time in our life that this extraordinary group would celebrate together.  But the day would not have been nearly as special without the presence of so many who led us down the path to each other.

The celebration lasted all day, first with a rockin’ afternoon reception.  Todd and Kati gave beautiful toasts, and the wait staff commented on how the lively atmosphere was reminiscent of a mood usually reserved for the night receptions.  Downtown Jason Brown kicked things off with his very own Free to Love You for our first dance (video courtesy of my friend Dave Lesser), and he never sounded better.  Thanks to Chet and Carolyn, the generous hosts moved the party to the homestead for those guests staying in town another night.

It might be cliché to say our wedding day was the best day of our lives, but it truly was.  We can’t thank everyone enough.  It was beyond our wildest dreams. 

In the words of Patty Griffin:
Oh heavenly day, all the clouds blew away
Got no trouble today...
The smile on your face I live only to see
It's enough for me, baby, it's enough for me
Oh, heavenly day, heavenly day, heavenly day.

Again, here are the photos from McDonald Studio.  Also, view/add your own to our Snapfish wedding photo page.

Here are a few highlights of the ones sent to us so far:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Billie Jean comeback... one last time.