Wedding Pictures Part 19: Cake & Cupcakes

Since Kenneth's cousin turned 13 the day of our wedding, we thought she deserved a little time in the spotlight too...

This picture is included entirely because of the adorably mischievous look on little cousin H's face. And cousin Luke is great too. :) 

Singing Happy Birthday to Kenneth's cousin M  was definitely one of the best parts of the day.  (Thanks to groomsman Nathan for making that happen!)

And now, for our cake...

But before that, let's take a moment to appreciate our baker...

Inspiration:

Our version:

And now, I'll unveil my worst wedding day fear. A cake that looked like this:

(To be clear, this is a nice cake, it's not a cake wreck... but it's not at all what we wanted.)

A lot of the bakers we talked to just didn't convince me that they could replicate the cake that tied together every decision relating to aesthetics for our wedding. That inspiration cake inspired our invitations, bridesmaid dress colors, the centerpieces, programs-- everything. In addition to that,  I had spent too much time reading Cake Wrecks to have faith in "professionals" with less than absolutely jaw-dropping portfolios. Needless to say, I was really, really happy with our cake. Was it an exact replica of the inspiration cake? No. But did it have the graceful, calligraphy like swirls of the cake Kenneth and I both loved. Yep. Mike's Amazing Cakes, my friends. They can do anything with cake, (no really, they can-- check out the website) and they came in right on budget. They made this bride very, very happy.

Umm... We don't have forks. I guess we use our fingers...?

Notice the small children surrounding us. I'm sure cake is the best part of going to weddings when you're under 10.

Wedding Pictures Part 19: Toasts

I don't entirely remember what was said in our toasts.... and for this I'm grateful for our pictures and video.  Especially because at this point, my memory of the toasts is a jumble of laughter and tearing up, and jokes about fish and turtles. Memories are untrustworthy things...

Anyway, pictures of toast giving...

Dad is quite the talker... anyone who has spent 5 minutes with him could tell you that. And yet, he was clearly a bit nervous about his speech. I was once told that being nervous is a good thing. It shows you really care about what's going on. So, seeing Dad actually get nervous about giving a toast at our wedding. Well, it meant a lot to me seeing how much it meant to him, giving that speech. Even made me tear up just a tiny bit...

 James and Kenneth have a bond that amazes me. They are just as much friends as they are brothers. Actually, I'd say best friends. So James was a very special part of our wedding, and his speech was undoubtedly a highlight of the day for Kenneth.

Look closely at Kenneth's eyes... I'm almost certain that was the only time that day that I thought he might just cry. He didn't, but he was about as close to teary-eyed as I've ever seen him. Or ever will, I imagine.

Unfortunately, all I remember is James talking about taking care of the turtle. 

Lovely speech, James! Cheers all around!

During the year or so prior to the wedding,  Sara and I went from being sisters to being friends. It baffles both of us, but it's true. The day before the wedding, even Sara said, and I quote "I really love you. You've been there for me and you've become one of my best friends" (She will deny this if asked, because Sara "doesn't do emotions.") So having Sara give a speech at our wedding had more meaning than I imagined it would...

My friends Margarett, Taryn, and Carina spoke, too. We became inseparable in high school, and while we've certainly gone on very different paths since then, I still feel the most myself when I'm around them than with anyone else in the world.

Do you know why I'm laughing here? It's because Margarett is telling the fish joke. If you don't know what I'm talking about, let me know and I'll fill you in. Because nothing makes me laugh harder than a good, lame joke. It's the area where my dad's side of the family comes out the most in me.

Uncle Bill is not known for brevity, a fact I'm sure he is aware of because everyone on that side of the family is that way -- we talk even when no one is listening, and we tell the same stories over and over and over and... On top of that, as we age, it only gets worse. (Poor Kenneth! He can't wait until I'm 60!) So, with that, I admit I was a little nervous when Uncle Bill requested the microphone. Turns out, I shouldn't have been. Uncle Bill was was very kind, and the words he shared about marriage were perfect (if what I remember is correct...).

And finally, Spencer, Kenneth's best friend (after James) wrapped up our toasts. When you date someone, their family and their friends come as part of the package. Luckily, Kenneth's friends and family are terrific, including Spencer. Spencer has this quiet, friendly attitude that sets you at ease, and a great sense of humor. He pointed out how Kenneth and I have brought out the best in each other since we started dating, something I hope we continue to do throughout our marriage.

Is a poppy by any other name, still a poppy?

One last post and then it's to bed with me tonight, but I thought I'd mention that I finally changed my name.

It took me a while because I wasn't totally certain what I wanted to do about my name.  I had come very close to a decision, but I still wavered. Take Kenneth's last name and drop mine? That would certainly be easiest. Wait, keeping my name would be easiest, but I had finally decided I didn't want to keep it entirely. Hyphenate? Ugh, way too long. Add his to mine?

Yeah, that works. Legally, my last name is one I'm totally comfortable with.  I can hyphenate when it makes sense. But I can also be Mrs. H, and whenever it makes the most sense to go by a shorter name.

I finally came around to the idea that I'm still me, even if my name changes.  So I got over my irrational fears of finding parking near the SS office, of the passport agencies losing my paperwork, of lines at the Department of Licensing. Truth be told, there's some parts to this process that have made me feel like I should have just kept my name and not gone through all the trouble. But my name is growing on me. I like being Brianna N J H. If nothing else, I win the prize for having the longest last name in the office. :)

P.S. About our thank you cards-- we're sending them out to each guest by their last name, and currently we are in "H." We are so very grateful for everyone's generosity, but being newly married makes one busy. Not to mention we have a dog to take care of, busy work schedules, Brianna's ridiculous time commitments (10-25 hrs a week with NMUN, 2 hours a week teaching ESL, and now, studying for the LSAT to be taken this December), Kenneth's mountaineering course, etc. We're still planning to show our gratitude to each of you before a year post wedding, just like Emily Post says to. We've just had a stressful, busy summer/fall with all this going on, but we're in the home stretch and things are starting to calm down a bit. Thanks for your patience!

Wedding Pictures Part 18: Friends

Our friends are basically amazing. And they made our wedding day that much more special by being there for and with us on our wedding day...

From the ones were there in spirit, but threw me one heck of a (totally PG) bachelorette party a few weeks before the wedding while I was in New York...

To the ones that came to the other bachelorette party... (and that one was...*ahem*...  not quite as PG, since Sara was planning it)...

(I've yet to see any from Ken's bachelor party... it's probably going to stay that way.)

From my oldest friends of 16 years (!) that traveled hundreds of miles from California to spend the day with us... 

To the ones that honored us by standing next to us at the altar...

And said the most kind words I think anyone has ever said about us.

From the ones that started out as co-workers, and became incredibly good friends...

(And who took the time to read our programs... hehe).

From the friends we made in college...

To the ones we've known for much longer...

To the ones who have parents, spouses, and siblings that have always treated us like their own family...

Who filled our day with so much laughter and fun...

... we are so very blessed to have them in our lives.

(And if I didn't include a picture of you-- it's because somehow I didn't get a picture of you from the wedding! Bummer indeed! It's not because you aren't loved!)