tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49165934931679941132024-03-13T11:48:53.261-04:00Tales of a Tech-Savvy WifeI’m a tech-savvy tomboy with an affinity for hot tea and good sushi. Us Meerkats are a couple fun lovin’ geeks. We love anything having to do with movies, books, video games, travel or technology and we hold a special place in our hearts for our two spoiled shih-tzus. While I use to blog as Mrs. Meerkat on Weddingbee about our wedding planning now I write about all the geeky and techy things I love which includes training for the Zombie Apocalypse.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-58163686279392138652015-05-06T15:45:00.001-04:002015-05-07T09:47:08.926-04:00FIRST Robotics in Michigan - Program ConcernsAnyone who knows me knows my biggest joy in life is coaching FIRST Robotics teams. I have dedicated much of my free time in the last 12 years to making sure kids had somewhere to foster their love of science, engineering and technology. I wanted these kids to have a place to come where they could geek out with other kids just like them. A place where their desire to learn could be nurtured in a fun environment.<br />
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Over the last year, I (along with many other coaches) have noticed some startling and scary changes in the way FIRST Robotics is run here in Michigan. Please understand that when I say this, I am focused only on problems that are specific to the operational partners here in Michigan. As far as I can tell these issues are specific to our state and are not an issue for other areas.<br />
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This weekend I drafted an email to FIRST HQ in hopes of starting a dialog about the issues we are seeing. After sending the email, I realized that maybe the dialog needed to happen with more than just FIRST HQ. FIRST is a large, connected community (which I am very thankful for) and we can only solve these issues if we are all able to talk about them. So I have decided to post my email here in hopes of starting this discussion.<br />
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Email sent to FIRST HQ:<br />
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<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">Hello,</span><br />
My name is Carla and I am writing to you to express some concerns over what I am seeing with our FIRST program here in Michigan. I have been coaching FIRST teams in Michigan for the last 12 years. Until this past season I have been very proud to talk about FIRST and my involvement with it. This past season however has left me feeling uneasy about the future of FIRST here in Michigan.
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I began to see problems last summer when I stumbled upon a document for start up teams showing that Michigan had changed to non-standard age ranges for all FIRST programs. This was not listed on their main site and is not inline with national age ranges. For example, the FLL age range was changed to a generic upper elementary while FTC was changed to middle school.
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At this point, I had already registered our FTC team that included a couple 9th grade students. When I contacted FIRST in Michigan to ask where we would be able to compete, I received a response that in short said I should create an FRC team. I explained that we only had a couple students that were old enough for FRC and they were not ready to move up yet.
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After two more interactions like this with the FTC coordinator in Michigan, I was starting to get very concerned about the FIRST in Michigan organization. During both interaction the FTC Coordinator pushed for us to start an FRC team, ignoring the fact we only had two 9th graders.
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After contacting other states looking for a place for out kids to compete, I contact FIRST HQ. Thankfully, Nancy Paul was able to help us get some answers. We did find out there was a single event in Michigan that allowed high school teams. It was bewildering to me that FIRST in Michigan would not have mentioned this during any of the times I talked with them.
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I contacted the organizer of the Michigan high school FTC event. She was very kind and let me know that she has been having issues getting FIRST in Michigan to let people know the competition was even available. In the past they had refused to place the competition on the events page. While I do not understand the reasoning behind it, the whole exchange left me feeling like FIRST in Michigan was simply interested in collecting money not helping students.
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I am hearing similar concerns from many coaches here in Michigan. Most of the coaches are afraid to speak out about their experiences for fear of retaliation against their teams. While I have the same fears, I feel someone needs to speak out if we want to see these problems corrected.
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These program changes plus the interactions with FIRST in Michigan have left me with a sickening feeling about where our program is headed. The goal of our organization is to foster a love of STEM in kids so they can continue onto careers in these fields. This new system of blindly forcing children to move to the next level team based on age alone, not when they feel ready, results in students leaving the program and harboring negative feelings towards STEM.
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FIRST in Michigan is not the same organization I started with 12 years ago and it feels as though they no longer put the students first. I am hoping in writing this, you will be able to give me some insight into the future of FIRST here in Michigan and the intentions you, as FIRST HQ, have for our teams.
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Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.</blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-21949379095976280642014-08-07T10:19:00.004-04:002014-08-07T10:19:41.855-04:00Kalamazoo Robotics Organization - We're Live!It's been a long time coming but our non-profit has a new name. We are now officially called the <a href="http://www.kalamazoorobotics.org/" target="_blank">Kalamazoo Robotics Organization</a>! <br />
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As our number of robotics teams has expanded so has the reach of our non-profit that we run the teams under. In order to help get our name out there and connect with sponsors, we needed to create a cohesive brand that people will be able to recognize us by.<br />
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When we first started the non-profit back in college we had one team, the Blue Cheesy Flamingos. We didn't think about the future and titled the organization with the words FIRST LEGO League in it. This hasn't been very helpful with our growth or when sponsors research our non-profit. So I spent the last few months filing paper work with the IRS and jumping through the needed hoops. After month of waiting we got our letter this week saying the name change is official.<br />
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In preparation I have been preparing a new website: <a href="http://www.kalamazoorobotics.org/">www.KalamazooRobotics.org</a><br />
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And also creating Facebook pages for our different teams (FLL, FTC, JrFLL) along with a page for our new organization:<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/KalamazooRobotics">www.facebook.com/KalamazooRobotics</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/KalamazooJrFLL">www.facebook.com/KalamazooJrFLL</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/KalamazooTECH">www.facebook.com/KalamazooTECH</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/KalamazooFLL">www.facebook.com/KalamazooFLL</a><br />
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Hop on over and take a look at our pages and let me know what you think.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-22959690783389685922012-08-17T14:04:00.000-04:002014-08-07T10:20:36.275-04:00Robotics Team's New Facebook PageWell hi there! Yes, I know, long time no blog. I promise I am working right now on those recaps about our second reception.<br />
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Until then though I wanted to share my robotics teams new facebook page:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KalamazooFLL">Kalamazoo-Portage FLL Robotics Team</a></div>
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My hope is this new page will help us get connected to other FLL robotics teams and allow new team members to find us. If you get a second pop on over and leave the kids a word of encouragement. I know they would love to know there are people out there cheering them on. ;)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-57665727662080974532011-09-11T13:11:00.001-04:002011-09-11T14:10:26.902-04:00A "bee" to connect us together....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Weddingbee is a very special community and it's hard for me to put into words what it means to me. I really appreciate all the support I got during our wedding planning and even now as an old married lady. ;) </div>
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So back last fall, a little over a month before my wedding, a thought occured to me. Wouldn't it be great if there was a way for all of us to have something to connect us together on our wedding day. And then I happened to stumble on these little guys:</div>
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It was like some kind of sign. So I message Mrs. Knitting and asked if she would like to start a new Weddingbee tradition. A tradition where we would pass these little guys from Bee to Bee so that each of us would be able to carry something with us that connects us together on our wedding day. Well Mrs. Knitting was just as excited as I was about the idea thus a new tradition was born. </div>
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For the past 10 months we have been passing these little charms along to the next Bee getting married. Everyone has been free carry the charms with them how ever they wanted so there have been some really cool ideas. Want to see what a few of us did with them?</div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/meerkat">Mrs. Meerkat</a> / Photo by <a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/knitting">Mrs. Knitting</a> / Photo by <a href="http://joshlevinsonphotography.com/">Josh Levinson</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/elephant">Mrs. Elephant</a> / Photo by <a href="http://lynnmichelle.com/">Lynn Michelle Photography</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/bunting">Mrs. Bunting</a> / Photo by <a href="http://www.bryanandmae.net/">Bryan and Mae</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/cheetah">Mrs. Cheetah</a> / Photo by <a href="http://www.amelialyon.com/">Amelia Lyon</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/cardigan">Mrs. Cardigan</a> / Photo by <a href="http://www.she-n-he.com/">She-N-He Photography</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/lox">Mrs. Lox</a> / Photo by <a href="http://chadlippiattphoto.com/">Chad Lippiatt Photo </a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/jaguar">Mrs. Jaguar</a> / Photo by <a href="http://www.follanphotography.com.au/">Follan Photography</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/lioness">Mrs. Lioness</a> / Photo by <a href="http://www.evanhampton.com/">H. Photography</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/eggsbenedict">Mrs. Eggs Benedict</a> / Photo by <a href="http://www.persimmonimages.com/">Persimmon Images </a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/brooch">Mrs. Brooch</a> / Photo by <a href="http://www.meredithperdue.com/">Meredith Perdue</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/crepe">Mrs. Crepe</a> / Photo by <a href="http://mindyandphil.com/">Phindy Studios</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/rainbow">Mrs. Rainbow</a> / Photo by <a href="http://jessicacharlesphotography.com/">Jessica Charles Photography</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/painauchocolat/">Mrs. Pain Au Chocolat</a> / Photo by <a href="http://heatherfowlerphoto.com/">Heather Fowler Photography</a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/teaspoon">Mrs. Teaspoon</a> / Personal Photo</div>
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I love reading through recaps and seeing the little charms. It really makes me feel like no matter the distance we are all connected. I am sure these photos are not the last you will see of these little charms as our new Bees are continuing the tradition. So keep your eyes peeled, you never know when a photo of them might pop up in a post. ;)</div>
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Did you / will you carry anything on your wedding day to connect you to someone else?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-26014154581098773122011-09-06T15:43:00.000-04:002011-09-06T15:43:00.623-04:00Meerkat's Mexico BudgetAt first I wasn't sure I was even going to write this post. I would hate for anyone who stumbled across our budget to think that all destination weddings have similar costs. I am not going to lie, we splurged on a few things we really wanted. So please take our budget with a grain of salt.<br />
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Now for the breakdown. Originally our budget was $10k but as we went along, like most couples, we found a few things here and there that we decided to splurge a bit more on than originally planned (*cough* my dress *cough*). Eventually we settled on a $15k budget which to this day I am really happy with. Compared to the $28k it would have cost us back here in Michigan, Mr. Meerkat and I both felt we got a lot of bang for our buck.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUFpLGRb-8k/TYFp6YA3pPI/AAAAAAAAO3g/2Il8UUJXrvQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUFpLGRb-8k/TYFp6YA3pPI/AAAAAAAAO3g/2Il8UUJXrvQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0086.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><b>Mrs. Meerkat's Attire - $1624</b></span><br />
My dress was one of the items we splurged on. I had planned to buy something simple and low cost but when I tried this dress on I fell in love. I tried on over <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/10/13/real-brides-wedding-dresses/">100 dresses</a> before I found this one but when I put it on I actually started jumping up and down with excitement. I told Mr. Meerkat I wasn't going to buy it because of cost, he told me to go right back to the store and order it. Which resulted in a happy bride and our first budget increase.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on/">Wedding dress</a>: $1250</li>
<li>Alterations: $84</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on/">Custom Painted Shoes</a>: $91</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/09/22/veil-or-no-veil/">Hair flowers</a>: $15</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/10/18/vintage-hollywood-glam-style-jewelry/">Necklace</a>: $40</li>
<li>Bracelet: $25</li>
<li>Hair: $0 (gift from a friend)</li>
<li>Makeup: $0 (gift from a friend)</li>
<li>Manicure: & Pedicure $79</li>
<li>Wedding Band: $40</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9r3plg1-NM/TYFsIphw7ZI/AAAAAAAAO44/F_QYtrLSVTI/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9r3plg1-NM/TYFsIphw7ZI/AAAAAAAAO44/F_QYtrLSVTI/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0101.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><b>Mr. Meerkat's Attire - $489</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">Custom suit & vest</a>: $175</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">Tie and Pocket Square</a>: $14</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/11/17/mr-meerkat-gets-a-wedding-band/">Wedding Band</a>: $300</li>
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<i><b>Bridal Party Gifts - $380</b></i></div>
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<li>Groomsman - Mexican Liquor (x2): $70</li>
<li>Bridesmaids - Leather Makeup Case and Bracelet (x2): $90</li>
<li>Moms - <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/11/23/wedding-gifts-for-moms/">Necklace and Handkerchief</a> (x2): $220</li>
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<i><b>Misc - $332</b></i></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/09/29/boarding-pass-invitations-tutorial/">Invitations</a> (x100): $125</li>
<li>Bouquet & Pocket Photo Frames: $45</li>
<li>3 Parasol: $55 </li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/12/02/diy-vinyl-stickers/">Suitcase Purses</a>: $65</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a>: $0 (Thanks to Mama-In-Law Meerkat)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">Guestbook</a>: $42</li>
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<b><i>Photography, Videography & </i><i>Trash the Dress Session</i></b><i> -</i> $7125<br />
Here is another area we splurged. We booked both <a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Sol</a> and our videographer for an additional two hours and added a trash the dress session. This was one of the bigger reasons we had to increase our budget but I can honestly say it was the best money we spent. The photos and memories we got from Del Sol are worth their weight in gold.</div>
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<i><b>Rehearsal Dinner: $0 (Included in Resort Stay)</b></i><br />
Cost really wasn't a factor on this one as Mama-In-Law Meerkat wanted to host this for us. But it just didn't make sense to head off property when the restaurants at the resort offered to host it for us for free. We made the right decision. The food was amazing and totally free!<br />
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<a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<i><b>Ceremony (Al Cielo Hotel) - $2731</b></i><br />
Booking <a href="http://www.alcielohotel.com/">Al Cielo</a> for our ceremony comes in #2 on the what I would do again list (right behind booking Del Sol). Everything was just perfect, they treated us like royalty and the setting was beyond amazing. There were a few things I added in like the vases with bamboo and the root balls which added to the budget increase.</div>
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<li>Transportation To/From Resort: $120</li>
<li><a href="http://www.alcielohotel.com/">Al Cielo</a> Venue Fee & Cocktail Hour: $1,500</li>
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<li>Included palm leaves and petals for aisle, benches, chuppah, welcome drinks, cocktail hour with hor 'dourves and bathroom decor</li>
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<li>Additional Decor: $444</li>
<li>Bridal Bouquet: $90</li>
<li>Outside Wedding Coordinator: $500</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">Engraved Sandalwood Fans</a>: $31.25</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">Programs</a>: $35</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Shell Ring Bowl</a>: $10.75</li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc2GwRWo8_Q/ThSBSULtIPI/AAAAAAAAQAA/FeDvJC0ivnU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc2GwRWo8_Q/ThSBSULtIPI/AAAAAAAAQAA/FeDvJC0ivnU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0860.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>Reception (La Laguna @ Grand Palladium Resort) - $2766</b></i><br />
The food was delicious and the drinks free flowing. They even setup a station for everyone to have flaming Mayan coffee. And our DJ, Bijan, kept the party going all night.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Venue Fee: $0</li>
<li>Four Course Dinner ($60 x 25): $1500</li>
<li>Alcohol: $0 (included)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Flowers</a>: $325</li>
<li>Cake With Flowers Added: $104</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-lets-smash-some-cake/">Cake Toppers</a>: $55</li>
<li>DJ: $600</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Favors</a>: $90</li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Menus, Signs & Cork Stands</a>: $22</li>
<li>Meerkat Statue: $70</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><b>TOTAL: $15,447</b></span></div>
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So there you have it, the Meerkat's Mexico budget. We came in $447 over budget but for us that is pretty darn close! ;)<br />
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How are you doing with your budget? Are you close to your goal to?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-20160826929664208622011-08-31T15:56:00.000-04:002011-08-31T15:56:00.365-04:00Trash the Dress - The Aftermath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ID4Xsd0HuZg/TlvpQNCjkEI/AAAAAAAAQgs/y3gJs_vjErc/s1600/Carla%252BChris_T_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ID4Xsd0HuZg/TlvpQNCjkEI/AAAAAAAAQgs/y3gJs_vjErc/s1600/Carla%252BChris_T_0180.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lalunaphotography.com/">La Luna Photography</a></div>
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While our trash the dress session really didn't "trash" my dress, I did want to show you the aftermath. Well maybe aftermath is too strong a word, perhaps a better classification would be clean up. :P</div>
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Initially when we thought of doing a trash the dress I knew that getting the dress wet wouldn't cause any damage but the one thing I didn't think about was the sand. The sand in and of itself really didn't do any damage either, it just got stuck EVERYWHERE.</div>
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<a href="http://www.lalunaphotography.com/">La Luna Photography</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lalunaphotography.com/">La Luna Photography</a></div>
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You can see how the sand really clung to the dress while it was wet. And yes some of it came off in the van as it started to dry but there was still a ton left when we got back to the hotel. So Mr. Meerkat helped me get my sand laden dress into our outdoor shower and wash the saltwater and sand out.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMldQKZZtRA/Tl10cKdv9yI/AAAAAAAAQhA/vaw6FB0qEIc/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMldQKZZtRA/Tl10cKdv9yI/AAAAAAAAQhA/vaw6FB0qEIc/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG" /></a></div>
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As you can see, I brought back my own little beach. Now you would think that would be the end of the sand right? Not by a long shot. I must have shook it out more 10 times and a pile of sand came out each time.Eventually I just gave up and put the dress back in the garment bag, sand and all.<br />
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When we got it back to Michigan, Mama-In-Law Meerkat took over. Even after two more hand washings the dress still had sand it in. Eventually she had to open the hem of the dress a tiny bit and dump the sand out. While she did get most of it out, you can still see a little bit in the hem when you hold it up to the light. But none of the sand was even noticeable when I wore it for our second reception. I give my dress credit, it came through like a trooper and looked brand spankin' new. :)<br />
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Did you do a trash the dress session? How did your dress come out?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-8067111630671230392011-08-30T15:54:00.000-04:002011-08-30T16:36:59.828-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Beach Trash The Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.lalunaphotography.com/">La Luna Photography</a></div>
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After our time was up at the <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/08/29/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-cenote-trash-the-dress/">beautiful cenote</a>, we headed down to Xcael beach for the second half of our trash the dress session. As soon as we pulled in, Rachel saw this beautiful palm tree and decided to start our beach photos there.</div>
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<a href="http://www.lalunaphotography.com/">La Luna Photography</a></div>
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Of course it didn't take long to add in my handsome husband.</div>
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<a href="http://www.lalunaphotography.com/">La Luna Photography</a></div>
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I even got to help Mr. Meerkat get a bit more relax and losen his tie.</div>
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<a href="http://www.lalunaphotography.com/">La Luna Photography</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Next we moved up to the beautiful sand dune down by the waterfront.</span></div>
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And then we got a little goofy.</div>
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As the sun was getting ready to set we headed down off the sand dune and onto the beach.</div>
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We even got a couple photos with my hand painted parasol. And no, M doesn't stand for Meerkat. ;)</div>
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Slowly we began to make our way down to the waters edge.</div>
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And then it was go time -we were going to get soaking wet.</div>
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At first I was doing really well but then a small wave came and start to pull the train of my dress along with it. Mr. Meerkat had to hold me in place so I didn't fall face first into the water.</div>
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After a couple minutes I got use to the pull of the waves and was able to stand somewhat on my own - enough so we could start getting some photos. </div>
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Mr. Meerkat still had to partially hold me up as the waves were still trying to wash my train away.</div>
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It was getting really tough to stay standing in the waves so Rachel moved us up to the beach for some shots on the sand.</div>
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And with that Mr. Meerkat bundled us up in towels and we headed back to the hotel.</div>
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It was an absolutely amazing time. One I can't even begin to express in words. So maybe I should let the video speak for itself:</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/22032276?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="400"></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/22032276">Carla & Chris Trash the Dress</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user138123">PlayaWeddings</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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Rachel, Jonathan, Paul and Sesan - Thank you so much. You kept us laughing the whole time. This is a memory I will always look back on and treasure.<br />
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<br />
Days Before Wedding<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Getting Ready</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
</ul>
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Ceremony</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
</ul>
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Cocktail Hour and Portraits</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bride and Groom Portraits <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">Part 1</a> &amp;amp; <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/24/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-2/">Part 2</a></li>
</ul>
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The Reception</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Our Grand Entrance</a></li>
<li>Dinner and Toasts <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/07/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-1/">Part 1</a> &amp;amp; <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/08/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-ii/">Part 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-lets-smash-some-cake/">Let's Smash Some Cake!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/14/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-our-unchoreographed-first-dance/">Our Unchoreographed First Dance</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/15/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mr-meerkat-made-me-cry/">Mr. Meerkat Made Me Cry (Father-Daughter Dance)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dancing-with-our-moms-music/">Dancing With Our Moms</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/07/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-rock-music-flaming-coffee-one-sexy-bitch/">Rock Music, Flaming Coffee &amp;amp; One Sexy Bitch</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/07/13/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-and-we-danced-the-night-away/">And We Danced The Night Away...</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Trash The Dress</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/08/29/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-cenote-trash-the-dress/">In A Cenote </a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-58948441708393930742011-08-29T10:53:00.000-04:002011-08-29T17:04:23.652-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Cenote Trash the Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well hey there Hive! I am so sorry I have been absent around these parts. After our second reception in June things got even busier than before and it left me with little time for all the things I love which unfortunetly included blogging. But things have started to slow down so I am back and determined to start posting regularly again.<br />
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When I last left off I was getting ready to tell you about one of the most amazing experiences of our wedding - our trash the dress session!! Ok, so really it was more like a wash the dress session since I only got my dress wet but none the less it was AH-MAZ-ING.<br />
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So on a sunny Thursday afternoon <a href="http://lalunaphotographers.com/blog/about/rachel/">Rachel</a>, <a href="http://www.playaweddings.com/">Paul</a>, <a href="http://lalunaphotographers.com/blog/about/jonathan/">Jonathan</a> and <a href="http://www.playaweddings.com/">Sesan</a> arrived at our hotel with video and photography equipment in hand to take us on a little adventure. Our first stop was a cenote just a few minute down the road from the hotel. Rachel was able to arrange with the property owner to have a quiet hour to ourselves at the cenote for the trash the dress session.<br />
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During our short walk down to where the cenote was located, Rachel and Jonathan decied to grabbed some shots among the beautiful tress and mangroves.
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As we continued down the path and came around the last bend, we got our first glimpse of the cenote.</div>
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I am not even sure I can put into words how beautiful the cenote was. It was so natural. One of those few places in the world that progress has left untouched. I could have stayed there all day. </div>
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While I stood there awestruck by the beauty, Rachel started scoping out the area for great shots. It didn't take her long to move me into position in the water.</div>
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Rachel kept having Mr. Meerkat stand in front of me but just out of the camera's line of sight. I think she could see that we were a bit confused so she told us that it was because when I looked at Mr. Meerkat my smile got bigger and my face just lit up. *grin* Yea, Rachel is a quick study, that's for sure. </div>
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Next she had Mr. Meerkat take off his shoes, roll up his pants and join me in the water.<br />
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Since we didn't want to get completely soaked before heading to the beach, we moved to take shots on the edge of the cenote.</div>
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Then is was time for a solo shot of little old me. I hardly ever like photos of myself but these I LOVE! </div>
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Next we moved up into the roots system that extended down and around the edges of the cenote.</div>
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Rachel and Jonathan even grabbed a couple more shots of me solo in the root system.</div>
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And then before I knew it, our hour at the cenote was up and it was time to make our way back up the path towards the van.<br />
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We did stop for a couple other shots along the way though.</div>
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And with a quick goodbye to our four legged friend, we were off to the beach.<br />
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<b>Up Next</b>: Our Beach Trash The Dress Photos<br />
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<img border="0" height="34" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KuCKN7ERN1U/TXZX_jU6YHI/AAAAAAAAOxE/l8cPAvzboPw/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<br />
Days Before Wedding<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Getting Ready</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
</ul>
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Ceremony</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
</ul>
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Cocktail Hour and Portraits</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bride and Groom Portraits <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">Part 1</a> &amp;amp; <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/24/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-2/">Part 2</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Reception</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Our Grand Entrance</a></li>
<li>Dinner and Toasts <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/07/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-1/">Part 1</a> &amp;amp; <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/08/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-ii/">Part 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-lets-smash-some-cake/">Let's Smash Some Cake!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/14/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-our-unchoreographed-first-dance/">Our Unchoreographed First Dance</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/15/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mr-meerkat-made-me-cry/">Mr. Meerkat Made Me Cry (Father-Daughter Dance)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dancing-with-our-moms-music/">Dancing With Our Moms</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/07/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-rock-music-flaming-coffee-one-sexy-bitch/">Rock Music, Flaming Coffee &amp;amp; One Sexy Bitch</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/07/13/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-and-we-danced-the-night-away/">And We Danced The Night Away...</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-82413738635516766562011-07-13T14:12:00.009-04:002011-10-10T13:57:29.356-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: And We Danced The Night Away...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Li1hGT3329A/Th3f-P946pI/AAAAAAAAQHc/689kw5uM4Z8/s1600/Recap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Li1hGT3329A/Th3f-P946pI/AAAAAAAAQHc/689kw5uM4Z8/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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Even though the night was coming to an end and our <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/07/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-rock-music-flaming-coffee-one-sexy-bitch/">all out dance party</a> was starting to wind down, our DJ still had a couple surprises up his sleeve. <br />
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I guess to really tell this story I need to start back when <a href="http://mayanvibes.com/">Bijan</a>, our DJ, was trying to put together a playlist for our reception. He asked both of us to send a list of our 10 favorite songs so he could get a feel for our style. When I got a look at Mr. Meerkat's list, #1 was and I quote - "my entire Metallica collection". *facepalm* I emailed Bijan and clarified that while these are the songs we liked, he did not have to play any that were not good for dancing.<br />
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So imagine my surprise as we were out there on the dance floor and I heard Bijan's voice come over the speakers saying "Chris, this one is for you." Followed by the song Nothing Else Matters by Metallica. Leave it to Bijan to find the only love song Metallica ever wrote. Mr. Meerkat was ecstatic! And yes we danced like nothing else mattered.<br />
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All of our family and friends joined us out on the dance floor. I never in a million years would have thought that we would have three different generations out on the dance floor dancing to Metallica.<br />
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As the evening came to an end, Bijan gave us one last amazing song to end the night on - Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. It was absolutly perfect for our group because for us it doesn't get any better than some classic Queen.<br />
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While the song starts out really slow, everyone was standing around in a circle together shoulder to shoulder, singing and swaying.</div>
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Best Man Meerkat and Kari the Hairy Fairy were even singing into straws.</div>
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And then the fun started as the fast guitar rifts began and the beat picked up.</div>
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Which produced more singing at the top of our lungs mixed with some amazing air guitar displays.</div>
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Personal photos by Mama-In-Law Meerkat &amp; Sister-In-Law Meerkat</div>
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I couldn't have thought of a more "us" way to end the reception.</div>
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After the music had faded away and everyone had said their good nights, Mr. Meerkat and I along with Best Man Meerkat went to the hotel lobby to relax a bit and to have one final celebratory wedding day drink together. As we sat there talking, I couldn't help but feel happy. Our wedding and reception were absolutely amazing and better than I could have ever dreamed they could be. From <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on/">putting on my dress</a> to being able to have a <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/15/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mr-meerkat-made-me-cry/">Father-Daughter dance</a>, everything was simply perfect.<br />
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Thank you Mr. Meerkat for helping make all my wedding day dreams come true.<br />
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<a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<b>Up Next</b>: Cenote Trash The Dress<br />
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Days Before Wedding<br />
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
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Getting Ready</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
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Ceremony</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
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Cocktail Hour and Portraits</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bride and Groom Portraits <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">Part 1</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/24/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-2/">Part 2</a></li>
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The Reception</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Our Grand Entrance</a></li>
<li>Dinner and Toasts <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/07/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-1/">Part 1</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/08/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-ii/">Part 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-lets-smash-some-cake/">Let's Smash Some Cake!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/14/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-our-unchoreographed-first-dance/">Our Unchoreographed First Dance</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/15/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mr-meerkat-made-me-cry/">Mr. Meerkat Made Me Cry (Father-Daughter Dance)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dancing-with-our-moms-music/">Dancing With Our Moms</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/07/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-rock-music-flaming-coffee-one-sexy-bitch/">Rock Music, Flaming Coffee &amp; One Sexy Bitch</a></li>
</ul>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-69536107082419960402011-07-11T13:29:00.007-04:002011-10-10T13:57:40.180-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Rock Music, Flaming Coffee & One Sexy Bitch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After we finished <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dancing-with-our-moms-music/">dancing with our moms</a>, our reception became a full on dance party. Brother-In-Law Meerkat started his own version of a train and went around the tables snagging people as we made our way back out to the dance floor.</div>
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Once we had everyone out there, they really started to let lose singing and dancing. I can't even begin to tell you all the amazing memories we made out on the dance floor that night. I can still hear Stacey the Makeup Fairy and Sister-In-Law Meerkat singing at the top of the their lungs "save a horse, ride a cowboy".</div>
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Even Mr. Meerkat got in on the dancing aside from the fact he tells me all the time he is not comfortable dancing. </div>
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After we had all been shaking it on the dance floor for a while, one of our bartenders started to prepare the special treat we had arranged for our guests - flaming Mayan coffee.</div>
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It's basically the same <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">anise liquor based Mayan coffee</a> that Mr. Meerkat had each night at the resorts piano bar but with the main difference being they add a flaming tequila mixture to the top of the drink so that when they hand it to you it is on fire. </div>
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While everyone was taking a little breather to enjoy their drinks, our DJ started up a special request of Kari's - Thriller by Michael Jackson. Once my brother-in-law heard it, him and Kari were out on the dance floor to show us how it was done.</div>
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And I have to be honest I couldn't resist getting in on it either but these two put me to shame! They were simply awesome out there.</div>
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It didn't take long to get everyone out on the dance floor again.</div>
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Shaking their butts and just having a good ol' time.</div>
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After we had all been dancing for a bit the song Low by Flo Rida started playing. Mr. Meerkat and I have been in love with this song ever since we saw Tom Cruise doing his crazy dance to it in Tropic Thunder. Our reception was probably the first time in the five years Mr. Meerkat and I had been dating that he has gotten to really see me let lose and dance. I think I impressed him. ;)<br />
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As you may have guessed from the picture above Mr Meerkat and I stole the show on this one. Who knew the two of us together could rock a dance floor.</div>
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There were so many amazing memories we made out on the dance floor at our reception but I think one of the moments that stands out in my memory the most has to do with the song Sexy Bitch by David Guetta.</div>
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Remember back when I was telling you about our <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">drive to the ceremony site</a>? I made a passing reference to how funny the drive over was but I saved the full story for this post. Let me introduce you to Kari the Hair Fairy's better half and our sexy bitch - Wilderness Keith.</div>
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While Kari and Keith rode with all us girls over to the ceremony site, he was a little out numbered being the only guy in the van. And us girls, as usual, were all being silly telling each other how pretty we looked. Leave it to Keith to one up all of us. He held up his beer and said with a huge smile on his face "You know whose a sexy bitch?" (to which we all just stared at him for the answer) "I'm a sexy bitch". Well our van just erupted into laughter and it became a running joke.<br />
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So when Kari tipped off our DJ to play Sexy Bitch by David Guetta, you can only imagine the response it got from all of us. The end result was Keith busting out some crazy, sick moves while sounded by a circle of us ladies dancing around him. It. Was. Epic. To this day, when ever people talk about our wedding that is one of the stories that gets retold.</div>
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<b>Up Next</b>: And We Danced The Night Away...<br />
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Days Before Wedding<br />
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
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Getting Ready</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
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Ceremony</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
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Cocktail Hour and Portraits</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bride and Groom Portraits <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/24/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-2/">Part 2</a></li>
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The Reception</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Our Grand Entrance</a></li>
<li>Dinner and Toasts <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/07/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-1/">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/08/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-ii/">Part 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-lets-smash-some-cake/">Let's Smash Some Cake!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/14/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-our-unchoreographed-first-dance/">Our Unchoreographed First Dance</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/15/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mr-meerkat-made-me-cry/">Mr. Meerkat Made Me Cry (Father-Daughter Dance)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dancing-with-our-moms-music/">Dancing With Our Moms</a></li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-41147350413163407552011-06-17T10:57:00.001-04:002011-10-10T13:57:56.377-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Dancing With Our Moms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/15/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mr-meerkat-made-me-cry/">After all the tears</a> had started to subside, it was time for the Mother-Son dance. I know Mr. Meerkat had a rough time choosing music for this because he really loves rock. So I was happy to see him find a classic that he loved: Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.</div>
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As the music started Mr. Meerkat led Mama-In-Law Meerkat out onto the dance floor.</div>
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I was loving watching them dance together.</div>
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I started crying again when I saw Mama-In-Law Meerkat crying onto Mr. Meerkat's shoulder.</div>
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The dance was simple, sweet and perfect for them.</div>
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After Mama-In-Law Meerkat and Mr. Meerkat had finished their dance and we had all wiped our tears away I pulled Mama Meerkat out onto the floor.<br />
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Remember back when I asked you for help on <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/10/14/mother-daughter-dance/">what music to play</a> for the surprise mother-daughter dance I was planning? As always, you came through with awesome ideas. I ended up doing a mash up of three songs: Chubby Checker's <i>The Twist </i>(my moms favorite), Cupids's <i>Cupid Shuffle</i> and <i>Cotton Eyed Joe</i> by The Rednex.<br />
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And thankfully the AMAZING <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/panther/">Mr. Panther</a> was able to put together a mp3 for me that faded from one song to the next.<br />
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As soon as my mom heard the twist, she knew exactly what to do. Dance her butt off!<br />
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And this is the point where my plan went a bit south. The one thing I didn't count on was Mama Meerkat having blisters all over her feet. A week of walking all over the Riviera Maya really took a toll on her feet. By the time the first 35 seconds of the song was finished her blisters were hurting so bad she had to sit down.<br />
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Lucky for me Sister-In-Law Meerkat and Stacey the Makeup Fairy had my back. They got up there with me and did the cupid shuffle.<br />
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And I give them credit, they even attempted to learn the dance steps to Cotton Eyed Joe on the fly. If you have ever <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8xwSUnxweM&feature=related">seen this dance</a> you know its fast and you move A LOT! I even yanked my dress up so they could see my feet but alas I am a terrible dance teacher. :P</div>
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Mostly we just ended up laughing a lot but it was still fun. </div>
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It didn't take long after that song ended for the party to get into full swing. I never knew our family and friends could rock a party like they did! Wait until you see them.</div>
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<b>Up Next</b>: Whose A Sexy Bitch?<br />
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<br />
Days Before Wedding<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
</ul>
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Getting Ready</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
</ul>
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Ceremony</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
</ul>
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Cocktail Hour and Portraits</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bride and Groom Portraits <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/24/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-2/">Part 2</a></li>
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The Reception</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Our Grand Entrance</a></li>
<li>Dinner and Toasts <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/07/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-1/">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/08/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-ii/">Part 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-lets-smash-some-cake/">Let's Smash Some Cake!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/14/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-our-unchoreographed-first-dance/">Our Unchoreographed First Dance</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/15/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mr-meerkat-made-me-cry/">Mr. Meerkat Made Me Cry (Father-Daughter Dance)</a></li>
</ul>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-36146447826000268842011-06-14T16:33:00.002-04:002011-10-10T13:58:08.238-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Mr. Meerkat Made Me Cry<div style="text-align: center;">
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As the last few notes of <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/14/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-our-unchoreographed-first-dance/">our first dance</a> faded away, I started to turn and make my way off the dance floor for the Mother-Son dance but Mr. Meerkat stopped me. Then I heard the the beginning of a song my dad use to play for me as a little girl.</div>
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The song is called <i>Daddy's Girl</i> and it was our song. The one where when you hear it playing, you look at each other and smile.<br />
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So for a minute I just stood there staring at Mr. Meerkat. I didn't understand what was going on. Then it slowly came to me. Mr. Meerkat was giving me the Father-Daughter dance I never thought I would be able to have.<br />
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After <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/09/20/honoring-loved-ones-who-have-passed-away/">losing my dad to cancer</a>, being able to have a Father-Daughter dance to our song wasn't an option. It was one of the hardest things to come to terms with while we were planning.</div>
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I can remember Mr. Meerkat pulling me into his arms and whispering in my ear:</div>
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I would give anything for your dad to be here but since he can't I was hoping you wouldn't mind if I filled in for him.</blockquote>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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I held on so very tightly to Mr. Meerkat as we danced. And I cried - a lot. So did our family and friend. But it was the good kind of cry that reminds us of how much we are loved.<br />
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Even though I was crying, I was still pretty much holding it together until I heard this part of the song:</div>
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<b><i>I recall the day that your young man come to call.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Seems like only yesterday, you swam and played football.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>But I know the time has come, that I must set you free.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>But no matter where you are, you know what you are to me.</i></b></div>
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Once I heard that I couldn't dance anymore. It was just too hard. I told Mr. Meerkat how much it meant to me to have my Father-Daughter dance but that I wanted to get back to the celebrating.</div>
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He simply smiled and nodded at me in this way that said he understood. So he took my hand and escorted me off the dance floor.<br />
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Even though it was hard at the time, I am so glad that I got to have my Father-Daughter dance.<br />
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<b>Up Next</b>: Dancing With Our Moms<br />
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<br />
Days Before Wedding<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Getting Ready</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
</ul>
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Ceremony</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
</ul>
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Cocktail Hour and Portraits</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bride and Groom Portraits <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/24/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-2/">Part 2</a></li>
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The Reception</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Our Grand Entrance</a></li>
<li>Dinner and Toasts <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/07/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-1/">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/08/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-ii/">Part 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-lets-smash-some-cake/">Let's Smash Some Cake!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/14/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-our-unchoreographed-first-dance/">Our Unchoreographed First Dance</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-9489821514673395572011-06-13T22:15:00.003-04:002011-10-10T13:58:22.742-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Our Unchoreographed First Dance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqvPFX1NkDY/TfZyn7Bl3xI/AAAAAAAAPxk/FSdoIjbkzVk/s1600/Recap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqvPFX1NkDY/TfZyn7Bl3xI/AAAAAAAAPxk/FSdoIjbkzVk/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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Throughout our planning Mr. Meerkat and I debated back and forth on <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/09/19/choreographed-first-dance/">choreographing our first dance</a> vs taking the lets just wing it approach. I <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/10/29/first-dance-songs-wedding-2/">moaned and whined</a> to you about wanting a up beat, get the crowd cheering dance but in the end we totally went for the wing it option. And you know what? Our first dance turned out even better than I had imagined it choreographed.<br />
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I think one of the reasons was the song we chose - All or Nothing by Theory of a Deadman.<br />
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So many of the things said in the song reminded me of how Mr. Meerkat and I meet and fell in love. It was so perfectly us I don't know how I didn't see it from the beginning.<br />
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I guess I should let the photos and song speak for themselves.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfcOihbjFFk/TfZkTtR2cuI/AAAAAAAAPww/bOxktDyMLHM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfcOihbjFFk/TfZkTtR2cuI/AAAAAAAAPww/bOxktDyMLHM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0746.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<b><i>When I first saw you standing there</i></b></div>
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<b><i>You know it was a little hard not to stare</i></b></div>
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<b><i>So nervous when I drove you home</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I know being apart is a little hard to bare.</i></b><br />
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</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Send some flowers to your work in hopes</i></b></div>
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<b><i>That I'd have you in my arms again</i></b></div>
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<b><i>We kissed that night before I left</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Still now that's something</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I could never forget</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-U0fiTaENk/TfZkVDVO2kI/AAAAAAAAPxA/gZofkuuLCDo/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-U0fiTaENk/TfZkVDVO2kI/AAAAAAAAPxA/gZofkuuLCDo/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0750.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<b><i>You've got all that I need</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Looking at all or nothing</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Babe it's you and I</i></b></div>
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<b><i>With you I know that</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I am good for something</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br />
</i></b></div>
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<b><i>So lets go give it a try</i></b></div>
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<b><i>We got our backs against the ocean</i></b></div>
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<b><i>It's just us against the world</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Looking at all or nothing</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Babe it's you and I</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOfi5Dk39Uk/TfZkV5arlzI/AAAAAAAAPxI/4SUd01vH4_g/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOfi5Dk39Uk/TfZkV5arlzI/AAAAAAAAPxI/4SUd01vH4_g/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0752.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<b><i>Lets take a chance go far away today</i></b><br />
<b><i>And never look back again</i></b><br />
<b><i>Since I said I loved you in Las Vegas</i></b><br />
<b><i>It's never been the same since then</i></b><br />
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<b><i>You've got all that I need</i></b><br />
<b><i>Looking at all or nothing</i></b><br />
<b><i>Babe it's you and I</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu_7Kw0Hgjk/TfZkWrsUyZI/AAAAAAAAPxQ/RWWztPpZQtM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu_7Kw0Hgjk/TfZkWrsUyZI/AAAAAAAAPxQ/RWWztPpZQtM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0754.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<b><i>With you I know</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I am good for something</i></b></div>
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<b><i>So lets go give it a try</i></b></div>
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<b><i>We got our backs against the ocean</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>It's just us against the world</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Looking at all or nothing</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Babe it's you and I</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Looking at all or nothing</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Babe it's you and I</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzzNP5VcmR8/TfZkXbWZsoI/AAAAAAAAPxY/K1VxaEWXwm8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzzNP5VcmR8/TfZkXbWZsoI/AAAAAAAAPxY/K1VxaEWXwm8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0756.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<b><i>This is it nothing to hide</i></b></div>
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<b><i>One more kiss never say goodbye</i></b></div>
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<b><i>This is it babe your all mine</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Looking at all or nothing</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Babe it's you and I</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I know that I am good for something</i></b></div>
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<b><i>So lets go give it a try</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wGdsI-gCD_k/TfZkYU96UbI/AAAAAAAAPxg/NVDfYKfo10c/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wGdsI-gCD_k/TfZkYU96UbI/AAAAAAAAPxg/NVDfYKfo10c/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0758.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<b><i>Looking at all or nothing</i></b><br />
<b><i>Babe it's you and I</i></b><br />
<b><i>With you I know that</i></b><br />
<b><i>I am good for something</i></b><br />
<b><i>So lets go give it a try</i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>We got our backs against the ocean</i></b><br />
<b><i>It's just us against the world</i></b><br />
<b><i>Looking at all or nothing</i></b><br />
<b><i>Babe it's you and I</i></b><br />
<b><i>Looking at all or nothing</i></b><br />
<b><i>Babe it's you and I</i></b></div>
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As the last notes of our first dance faded away, something happened that I never thought would have happened in a million years....<br />
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<b>Up Next</b>: Mr. Meerkat Made Me Cry<br />
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Days Before Wedding<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
</ul>
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Getting Ready</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
</ul>
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Ceremony</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
</ul>
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Cocktail Hour and Portraits</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bride and Groom Portraits <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/24/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-2/">Part 2</a></li>
</ul>
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The Reception</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Our Grand Entrance</a></li>
<li>Dinner and Toasts <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/07/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-1/">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/08/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-ii/">Part 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-lets-smash-some-cake/">Let's Smash Some Cake!</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-1350832918842778792011-06-08T13:44:00.003-04:002011-08-18T10:33:54.897-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Let's Smash Some Cake!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oggQtzrYJQ/Te-FMT0Tn3I/AAAAAAAAPv0/vY5F4acVHpQ/s1600/Recap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oggQtzrYJQ/Te-FMT0Tn3I/AAAAAAAAPv0/vY5F4acVHpQ/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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Ahhh, yes the cake cutting. The time honored traditional of feeding each other wedding cake and/or smashing it into your spouses face. Now wait before you judge Mr. Meerkat to harshly, I have to confess that I am the one who started the spontaneous smashing. Yes, me. Little ole Mrs. Meerkat.</div>
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All throughout our wedding planning I said how much I hated when couples smashed cake into each others faces. The meaning of this tradition is for the new husband and wife to perform their first task together and show how they will support each other. Even Mr. Meerkat agreed with me that we wanted something that followed through with the tradition and that didn't involve seeing who could smash the most cake into the other persons face.</div>
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So I have no idea what came over me as we were standing there. Until the moment that I smeared Mr. Meerkat's face with frosting I had no idea I was even going to do it. And you know what? I am really happy it happened the way it did. Shocked? I know, me too. I think the best way to explain my change in opinion on this is to show you the events that took place.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4UqaaaQmvI/Te9vfhJF6ZI/AAAAAAAAPuE/iy6OOmJA3sw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4UqaaaQmvI/Te9vfhJF6ZI/AAAAAAAAPuE/iy6OOmJA3sw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0658.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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First let me show you our cake. It wasn't exactly (or even close) to what we had asked for, but since it was the only thing that didn't come out as planned and it was included with our reception dinner, it really didn't bother me. (Besides it was really yummy!)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrdYU3b6o9U/Te9vgs8GptI/AAAAAAAAPuQ/i5H2Exjn1a0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrdYU3b6o9U/Te9vgs8GptI/AAAAAAAAPuQ/i5H2Exjn1a0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0661.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a> </div>
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The cake cutting started out just like any other. We cut out a slice together.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_5R5zQne4o/Te9vigWCtPI/AAAAAAAAPuk/p9mtUISXmAw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_5R5zQne4o/Te9vigWCtPI/AAAAAAAAPuk/p9mtUISXmAw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0723.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIgajQZKghg/Te9vi37SPGI/AAAAAAAAPuo/ID4FH-jwkZM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIgajQZKghg/Te9vi37SPGI/AAAAAAAAPuo/ID4FH-jwkZM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0724.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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Got it onto the plate.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HH5GjNg6fwU/Te9vjcf5eyI/AAAAAAAAPuw/6MidwxUgaQc/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HH5GjNg6fwU/Te9vjcf5eyI/AAAAAAAAPuw/6MidwxUgaQc/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0726.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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And fed each other a simple bite.</div>
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And then I instigated the cake smashing. <br />
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I may have stuck my finger in the frosting and smeared it onto Mr. Meerkat's cheek.</div>
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And then ran like a coward around the front of the cake table to Mama-In-Law Meerkat for protection.</div>
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But before I could get to Mama-In-Law Meerkat, Ked intervened and helped Mr. Meerkat have his turn.</div>
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While I may have started the cake smashing, Mr. Meerkat certainly finished it.</div>
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Horrified yet? I know if I was reading this post, I probably would be. Most of the time when you see photos like this you don't see what happens next. Which is the best part of this whole cake smashing story!</div>
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If the tradition is suppose to show how a husband and wife will support each other this couldn't have been a more true reflection of our relationship. Our lives are filled with laughter and fun. That is just who we are. And when the fun dies down and it comes time to help each other, we always do it with a smile on our face.<br />
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While our cake "cutting" may not be for everyone, it was perfectly us. Smashed cake and all.<br />
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<i>Now that you have heard about my change of heart on cake smashing, I would love to hear your opinion on the topic! Have you and your fiance decided to smash or not smash your cake? </i><br />
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<b>Up Next</b>: Our First Dance<br />
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Days Before Wedding<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
</ul>
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Getting Ready</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
</ul>
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Ceremony</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
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Cocktail Hour and Portraits</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bride and Groom Portraits <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/24/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-2/">Part 2</a></li>
</ul>
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The Reception</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Our Grand Entrance</a></li>
<li>Dinner and Toasts <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/07/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-1/">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/08/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-ii/">Part 2</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-9088876279530465792011-06-07T19:25:00.001-04:002011-08-18T10:36:09.846-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Dinner and Toasts (Part II)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/07/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-1/">first part of dinner</a> flew by. It seemed like I blinked twice and the waitstaff was already bring out the orange sorbet. While we were all cleansing our pallets with the sorbet, Bridesmaid K was putting a couple finishing touches on her toast. </div>
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Before I knew it, Bridesmaid K was at our DJ's table getting the mic to give her toast (while rockin' her awesome knit boots).</div>
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<blockquote>
For as long as I can remember my family always said Carla and I were just alike. I wanted to be just like her when I was growing up. When girls are little they have heros like Belle from Beauty and The Beast and Ariel from The Little Mermaid but Carla was my hero. I always thought she was so perfect but she taught me to always be myself and that there is nothing better than just being yourself. </blockquote>
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<blockquote>
Carla and Chris's house is like my second home. We always have a good time watching movies, drinking Starbucks and eating chocolate. </blockquote>
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<blockquote>
I think Chris and Carla are perfect together. They bring out the best in each other. I have never seen Carla as happy as when she is with Chris. He is a character and he always makes her laugh. I love you both so much. I would like to welcome Chris, Sister-In-Law Meerkat, Mama-In-Law Meerkat and Father-In-Law Meerkat into the family. You are all great people and I am so happy to have you join our family.</blockquote>
It was really humbling to hear my niece say these things. Since my sister and I are <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/11/24/adrenaline-junkies/">so far apart in age</a>, my niece and I practically grew up together so I never really saw myself as someone she would look up to.<br />
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As Bridesmaid K made her way back to her seat, Mama-In-Law Meerkat snagged her and gave her a huge hug.<br />
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Mr. Meerkat, in his usual way, had to tease Bridesmaid K a little. So when she came up to hug him the first thing he said to her was "I guess your not so bad either".<br />
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And of course I got a huge hug from her.</div>
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As everyone settled back into their seats our main course was served - "Surf and Turf" shrimp with sirloin.<br />
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And yes it really did taste as incredible as it looked. I ate the whole thing!<br />
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Since our bellies were pretty well full at this point people started to get into the party spirit. We all were clapping and swaying to Kid Rocks - All Summer Long. I was awesome to hear everyone sing the line "It was summer time in Northern Michigan". I had no idea so many of our guests knew this song.<br />
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As the dishes were being cleared and our cannolis were being served, Father-In-Law Meerkat took the chance to give a final toast.<br />
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<blockquote>
I want everyone to raise their glasses to Christopher and Carla. We watched Christopher grow into an outstanding young man and he couldn't have selected a finer woman than Carla. I am sure her Father would have been just as proud of her. We love her and all her family and glad we are all here together. Cheers.</blockquote>
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Father-In-Law Meerkat is much like Mr. Meerkat. He is a man of few words but when he does speak he says some of the sweetest things.<br />
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I love how every toast that was given mentioned our families coming together. It is so amazing to watch our families now and see them interact like they have been together their whole lives.<br />
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<b>Up Next</b>: Let's Smash Some Cake!<br />
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Days Before Wedding<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
</ul>
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Getting Ready</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
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Ceremony</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
</ul>
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Cocktail Hour and Portraits</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bride and Groom Portraits <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/24/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-2/">Part 2</a></li>
</ul>
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The Reception</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Our Grand Entrance</a></li>
<li>Dinner and Toasts <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/06/07/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-dinner-and-toasts-part-1/">Part 1</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-78892579256028170282011-06-06T20:23:00.001-04:002011-08-18T10:36:27.926-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Dinner and Toasts (Part 1)<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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Once we had made <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">our grand entrance</a> it was time to start our dinner and toasts. </div>
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During each course of the meal, a member of our bridal party gave a toast (ala <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/04/14/wedding-day-timeline-a-la-pug/">Mrs. Pug</a>). I really loved how the speeches were spaced out. Not only did it help to break up each course, it gave us some time to really take in what had been said before the next speech started. </div>
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After our first course was served (spinach salad with citrus and mandarin dressing) and everyone had started to dig in, Best Man Meerkat took the opportunity to give his much anticipated (by me at least) speech. He had spent the last two years telling me that he was going to give a classic "best buddy, drunken style speech". While I was 99% sure he was teasing, I was more than a little curious about what he actually was going to say.</div>
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<blockquote>
I have known Chris's family a while now and I have to say there are exceptional people even if they are Western alumni. But seriously Chris is a great guy. He is one of the most dependable people I know. He is the kind of guy that will help you out when your in a pinch. He has helped me out a lot and I am grateful for that.<br />
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We got into a bit of trouble in our childhood but when we went off to separate colleges I was interested to see how each of us would define ourselves. And when Chris returned with Carla, at first I was a little skeptical but once I got to know Carla all my concerns were put to rest. She was intelligent, compassionate and had a great sense of humor and was just an overall great compliment to a vagabond such as Chris.<br />
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There isn't enough I can say about these great people and I think their parents should be especially proud. You can see their same qualities in Chris and Carla. I would like to suggest a toast to Chris and Carla and their families. May each moment be better than the last. </blockquote>
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I can't tell you what hearing those words meant to me. I guess you would call it that final approval from one of Mr. Meerkats oldest friends.<br />
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After the dishes from our first course had been cleared, our second course, a seafood penrod creme soup, was brought out.<br />
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And Sister-In-Law Meerkat, went up to give her speech.</div>
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<blockquote>
I remember the very first time Christopher introduced us to Carla. After having dinner with them, I got into the car and said to my parents "friends by butt". From day one you could tell they were perfect for each other and now after spending five years together you can tell they are truly in love.</blockquote>
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This was when Sister-In-Law Meerkat got a little choked up. She was doing everything she could to hold back her tears.</div>
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<blockquote>
Christopher, you are my big brother and my best friend. I can't believe you are already married. It feels like just yesterday I was in preschool and you were helping me with my lunch. I am so happy that you have found that special person to spend the rest of your life with.<br />
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And Carla you are the sister I never had. It means so much to me to have a sister I can hang out with and confide in. I always felt my brother deserved the best and he found that in you. I wish the best to you both and a lifetime of happiness. I love you both and welcome to the family.</blockquote>
I have one amazing Sister-In-Law. Her speech was so heart felt I don't think she got half way through it before I started crying.<br />
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When she got back to the table I gave her the biggest hug I could. Even after we sat down we were both still wiping away tears. </div>
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Of course Sol got a smile out of Sister-In-Law Meerkat as soon she saw the camera.</div>
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<b>Up Next</b>: Dinner and Toasts (Part 2)</div>
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<br />
Days Before Wedding<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
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Getting Ready</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ceremony</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cocktail Hour and Portraits</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">The Bride and Groom (Part 1)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/24/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-2/">The Bride and Groom (Part 2)</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Reception</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/26/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-grand-entrance/">Our Grand Entrance</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-51101968662719249542011-05-25T21:08:00.000-04:002011-08-16T19:52:58.553-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Grand Entrance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63A0cJ6zpNU/Td2kmstj_AI/AAAAAAAAPps/V6XbgN1lalQ/s1600/Recap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63A0cJ6zpNU/Td2kmstj_AI/AAAAAAAAPps/V6XbgN1lalQ/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the time we arrived back at the resort it was already dark but it didn't matter to me because the resort looked so beautiful all lit up.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaoYcPyw86c/Tdr9cYr36YI/AAAAAAAAPmY/8CzlfYiMxLE/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaoYcPyw86c/Tdr9cYr36YI/AAAAAAAAPmY/8CzlfYiMxLE/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0604.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We all made our way back towards the La Laguna terrace. As we came around the corner here is what we saw:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2GpdfzFlRQ/Tdr9kzzqg5I/AAAAAAAAPnY/mCZiNes9fno/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2GpdfzFlRQ/Tdr9kzzqg5I/AAAAAAAAPnY/mCZiNes9fno/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0620.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDKbGfCZ3fE/Tdr9dAh0QKI/AAAAAAAAPmc/RYf8d0blkAA/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDKbGfCZ3fE/Tdr9dAh0QKI/AAAAAAAAPmc/RYf8d0blkAA/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0605.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was beautiful and romantic. It was everything a bride could want. We even got the thumbs up approval from Kari the Hair Fairy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XAPsp-bxJo8/Tdr9quM3tyI/AAAAAAAAPoA/cTY6LJXDz5A/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XAPsp-bxJo8/Tdr9quM3tyI/AAAAAAAAPoA/cTY6LJXDz5A/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0630.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend Big E., whom I have known since I was six years old, escorted my mom to the table.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-Tiza0VH70/Tdr9wfdQxNI/AAAAAAAAPos/MwJxfIXdXc4/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-Tiza0VH70/Tdr9wfdQxNI/AAAAAAAAPos/MwJxfIXdXc4/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0641.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Big E. has been like a brother to me so having this photo of them laughing together just gives me the warm fuzzies.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">While Mama-In-Law Meerkat and Nonnie Meerkat took a chance to look through their photos.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxNzaaOjeYA/Tdr9tjCGYfI/AAAAAAAAPoY/YYDtQlmBR40/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxNzaaOjeYA/Tdr9tjCGYfI/AAAAAAAAPoY/YYDtQlmBR40/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0636.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Nannu Meerkat went around checking out the decor on the tables.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTIDYN1C0o8/Tdr9qHjFDGI/AAAAAAAAPn8/IUeY_6lndXI/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTIDYN1C0o8/Tdr9qHjFDGI/AAAAAAAAPn8/IUeY_6lndXI/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0629.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
I think what he was probably looking for was the <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/11/02/vintage-postcard-menus/">menu</a>. :P<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_StY0FeiG4/Tdr9dZEduOI/AAAAAAAAPmg/JaQu2Y1NXHo/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_StY0FeiG4/Tdr9dZEduOI/AAAAAAAAPmg/JaQu2Y1NXHo/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0606.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clNf-ucM3v4/Tdr9e4mmwII/AAAAAAAAPms/Y-vj-_cl3EY/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clNf-ucM3v4/Tdr9e4mmwII/AAAAAAAAPms/Y-vj-_cl3EY/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0609.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess as long as we are talking decor, I should probably take the opportunity to show you the rest of the table goodies. To the tables we added deep pink gladiolus in tall cylindrical vases intermixed with the lanterns in the above picture.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr1Q4KX-KaQ/Tdr9eWuf_9I/AAAAAAAAPmo/0FhQQ3xSs24/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr1Q4KX-KaQ/Tdr9eWuf_9I/AAAAAAAAPmo/0FhQQ3xSs24/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0608.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was also the <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/12/03/wedding-reception-games/">I-Spy cards I made</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K_JXWyXqIg/Tdr9tLfBkRI/AAAAAAAAPoU/EF9MAVSDEhs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K_JXWyXqIg/Tdr9tLfBkRI/AAAAAAAAPoU/EF9MAVSDEhs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0635.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/11/01/animal-wedding-cake-toppers-custom/">Our meerkat statue</a> that stood in front of Mr. Meerkat and I along with a <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/02/10/creative-cake-toppers/">little sign</a> telling about my adventures in blogging.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCmbBdRGzoU/Tdr9ly2zzWI/AAAAAAAAPng/07OJhBddlYA/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCmbBdRGzoU/Tdr9ly2zzWI/AAAAAAAAPng/07OJhBddlYA/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0622.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And last but not least, my favorite DIY project of them all - <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/10/04/diy-airmail-inspired-place-card-and-favor-box/">the favor boxes / place cards</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2qy5rrQRHk/Tdr90P5V_3I/AAAAAAAAPpI/OUsLg47KPx4/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2qy5rrQRHk/Tdr90P5V_3I/AAAAAAAAPpI/OUsLg47KPx4/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0655.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Each person had a box addressed to them sitting on the charger at their seat.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-836OmSMUq6c/Tdr90u6EzKI/AAAAAAAAPpM/hCvgJdq2IoM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-836OmSMUq6c/Tdr90u6EzKI/AAAAAAAAPpM/hCvgJdq2IoM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0656.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I was really surprised how much everyone loved them. They kept telling us how they were looking forward to hanging the <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/10/28/hand-painted-favors/">little hand painted ornament</a> on their Christmas trees when they got home.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8OEVoF6nw7E/Tdr9rllM1vI/AAAAAAAAPoI/8JTAbhT3mfU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8OEVoF6nw7E/Tdr9rllM1vI/AAAAAAAAPoI/8JTAbhT3mfU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0632.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Besides some sand colored table runners that was pretty much the only things we added. The terrace was already beautiful and I think anything more would have simply made it look cluttered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyways, where was I again? Oh yes, I was getting ready to tell you about our grand, but totally unplanned, entrance. Totally unplanned as in it wasn't until we were getting ready to walk onto the terrace that Mr. Meerkat decided he really did want to be formally announced after all. So while all of our guests were getting comfortable, I let our DJ, <a href="http://www.mayanvibes.com/">Bijan</a><span class="Apple-style-span">, know that we had a last minute change of plans.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VfYltFvt930/Tdr9uAkteLI/AAAAAAAAPoc/1tyiexQcxNw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VfYltFvt930/Tdr9uAkteLI/AAAAAAAAPoc/1tyiexQcxNw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0637.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bijan quickly cued up James Taylor's How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) and we made our entrance with all the Meerkat style we could muster.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZSStwKHG6o/Tdr9mrdPR5I/AAAAAAAAPnk/i9WB3cUZQ4c/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZSStwKHG6o/Tdr9mrdPR5I/AAAAAAAAPnk/i9WB3cUZQ4c/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0623.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mr. Meerkat threw me for a loop when all of a sudden he stopped and bowed.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wjeehZoS6vg/Tdr9nMf4n8I/AAAAAAAAPno/ewDuLVcnbjE/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wjeehZoS6vg/Tdr9nMf4n8I/AAAAAAAAPno/ewDuLVcnbjE/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0624.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yep that's my man, always hamming it up for the crowd. We quickly took our seat and placed our order for some yummy, girly drinks.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qp8bk8uZR8k/Tdr9o3ous-I/AAAAAAAAPn0/aUH_7vsbXpY/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qp8bk8uZR8k/Tdr9o3ous-I/AAAAAAAAPn0/aUH_7vsbXpY/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0627.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
When the resorts coordinator gave us the signal that they were ready to start serving dinner, Mr. Meerkat and I went up to the front to say a quick thanks to our guests.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wPbpamQprw/Tdr9zPW0yjI/AAAAAAAAPpA/cqGYXc49iDQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wPbpamQprw/Tdr9zPW0yjI/AAAAAAAAPpA/cqGYXc49iDQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0646.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Went I got to the front of the terrace and turned around, I quickly discovered that I had lost Mr. Meerkat along the way. He was talking to one of our guests so I started waving him up to the front. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WaYvRzx9p6E/Tdr9w5iWc8I/AAAAAAAAPow/G8EeEr4Vaps/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WaYvRzx9p6E/Tdr9w5iWc8I/AAAAAAAAPow/G8EeEr4Vaps/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0642.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Mr. Meerkat finally made it up to where I was, he got the honor of being the one to start our speech.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQiGf0ol0nQ/Tdr9ylyg1iI/AAAAAAAAPo8/X5lWIHIJh8g/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQiGf0ol0nQ/Tdr9ylyg1iI/AAAAAAAAPo8/X5lWIHIJh8g/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0645.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
I will spare you from having to read our entire speech. Instead let me share with you the best part. It was when in the middle of the speech Mr. Meerkat said:<br />
<blockquote>We just wanted to thank everyone for coming and for all the help and support you gave to us. We love all of you. I know I can be cranky but I do actually like all of you guys.</blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y73AwnXa5w/Tdr9um0LsjI/AAAAAAAAPog/DNnmdOUHakQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y73AwnXa5w/Tdr9um0LsjI/AAAAAAAAPog/DNnmdOUHakQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0638.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Which everyone thought was hysterical because Mr. Meerkat is a stereotypical old man. You know the kind that yells "get off my lawn you whipper snappers". He has always been an old man in a young body and we love him for it.<br />
<br />
We finished up the speech with lots of thank yous and then took our seats so that dinner could begin.<br />
<br />
<b>Up Next</b>: Noms & Toasts (Part 1)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="34" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KuCKN7ERN1U/TXZX_jU6YHI/AAAAAAAAOxE/l8cPAvzboPw/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">The Bride and Groom (Part 1)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/24/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-2/">The Bride and Groom (Part 2)</a></li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-16854760840139470292011-05-23T14:06:00.000-04:002011-08-16T19:52:58.555-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: The Bride and Groom (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">After we had done <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">a few photos on the beach</a>, Sol took us to the backside of the hotel where some beautiful mangroves were growing. We found a little path and started to walk down it. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfE18LGT98s/Tdhjp8NVlCI/AAAAAAAAPmU/uiIT_We5BoY/s1600/Recap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfE18LGT98s/Tdhjp8NVlCI/AAAAAAAAPmU/uiIT_We5BoY/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNFgSx40i5I/TdHKDNBcYWI/AAAAAAAAPjY/KMlhbjHH0ms/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNFgSx40i5I/TdHKDNBcYWI/AAAAAAAAPjY/KMlhbjHH0ms/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0489.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we got to the other side of the path, we climbed the hotel steps and went up into the balcony on the second floor.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhonUz87R9s/TdHKDgl68_I/AAAAAAAAPjc/ctEcaijrQp0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhonUz87R9s/TdHKDgl68_I/AAAAAAAAPjc/ctEcaijrQp0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0490.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this my friends is when Sol put that amazing creativity of hers to work. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2iZnGttciE/TdHKEfykaoI/AAAAAAAAPjk/HwewzZiMW0Y/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2iZnGttciE/TdHKEfykaoI/AAAAAAAAPjk/HwewzZiMW0Y/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0492.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She positioned Mr. Meerkat against the wall and then had me stand so that my shadow was on the wall next to him.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--C5wW3Y7IXQ/TdHKEwj62HI/AAAAAAAAPjo/n6hF5eWQjv0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--C5wW3Y7IXQ/TdHKEwj62HI/AAAAAAAAPjo/n6hF5eWQjv0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0493.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She did this a couple different was but I think my favorite of all these photos has to be this one:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySxF194DQSQ/TdHKGI8uEcI/AAAAAAAAPj0/0Jm-6BMtPYs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySxF194DQSQ/TdHKGI8uEcI/AAAAAAAAPj0/0Jm-6BMtPYs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0496.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then Sol had me move up next to Mr. Meerkat for a couple photos of us together.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2yOCTEx-MI/TdHKH7oH1LI/AAAAAAAAPkE/nbzNP-ihSSw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2yOCTEx-MI/TdHKH7oH1LI/AAAAAAAAPkE/nbzNP-ihSSw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0500.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zUu_Tafd5c/TdHKIGED7VI/AAAAAAAAPkI/UXMMpLy7Qk8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zUu_Tafd5c/TdHKIGED7VI/AAAAAAAAPkI/UXMMpLy7Qk8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0501.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was at this point Mr. Meerkat was giving Sol that pleading "please let me lay in the hammock for some photos" look. Well you can probably guess what happened next.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjqjpttpUks/TdHKJEIx-hI/AAAAAAAAPkQ/JVWqdxgW10g/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjqjpttpUks/TdHKJEIx-hI/AAAAAAAAPkQ/JVWqdxgW10g/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0503.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of all our photos I think this photo of Mr. Meerkat looking all relaxed has to be one of my favorite.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWKucuechzU/TdHKJzl9bKI/AAAAAAAAPkY/gJSn18WENII/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWKucuechzU/TdHKJzl9bKI/AAAAAAAAPkY/gJSn18WENII/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0505.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
The sun was just about to set at this point, so we headed down to the beach for some silhouette shots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--q11wk3nHZA/TdHJ_1vpMNI/AAAAAAAAPi8/7vzvlnyeQig/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--q11wk3nHZA/TdHJ_1vpMNI/AAAAAAAAPi8/7vzvlnyeQig/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0446.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ebn4_VVMQU/TdHKAXFzPWI/AAAAAAAAPjA/iM-5z2gqHcU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ebn4_VVMQU/TdHKAXFzPWI/AAAAAAAAPjA/iM-5z2gqHcU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0447.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We even tried some unique umbrella shots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O375CjD6HTM/TdHKP5ZSI_I/AAAAAAAAPlc/Ca4TN9gBy1w/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O375CjD6HTM/TdHKP5ZSI_I/AAAAAAAAPlc/Ca4TN9gBy1w/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0595.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While this looks flawless, it took a few tries to get the umbrella high enough over our heads and not flying to the side.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipommRG-U6k/TdHKPhTXg4I/AAAAAAAAPlY/jvwxaViDS4g/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipommRG-U6k/TdHKPhTXg4I/AAAAAAAAPlY/jvwxaViDS4g/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0594.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
And then just as the sun was about to set completely Sol grab this last amazing shot.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFiJohmJ2Vw/TdHKQoryUSI/AAAAAAAAPlk/EZdhWCUXYz8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFiJohmJ2Vw/TdHKQoryUSI/AAAAAAAAPlk/EZdhWCUXYz8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0597.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And with that we got back into the vans (45 minutes behind schedule, oops) and headed back to our resort for the reception.</div><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Up Next</b>: The Reception - Our Grand Entrance<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="34" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KuCKN7ERN1U/TXZX_jU6YHI/AAAAAAAAOxE/l8cPAvzboPw/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/19/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-the-bride-and-groom-part-i/">The Bride and Groom (Part 1)</a></li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-475803269221330602011-05-18T13:57:00.001-04:002011-08-16T19:52:58.556-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: The Bride and Groom (Part I)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gdRI7QoKpA/TdQHSAgr-uI/AAAAAAAAPl8/Eil4wjfq-UI/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After group photos, our families went back to the lounge area while we stayed by the waters edge to get some bride and groom portraits.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shjgih9Aw80/TdG48Rk1mGI/AAAAAAAAPfc/H9WyXXm22Ow/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0411.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was nice to have a few minutes to ourselves. Even though our guests were within watching distance, we didn't notice. You can probably tell from the photos that we were not noticing anything but each other.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWDrbYGakEo/TdG4_P7WSuI/AAAAAAAAPf0/hGPSq7O_UdI/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0429.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">As we started to work our way down the beach, Sol had us stop next to of one of the little papalas in front of the hotel.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOBr0QwSYJ8/TdG5CJzm9rI/AAAAAAAAPgQ/Lz5ZlonY0h0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0436.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just love how creative Sol and Jonathan were with our silhouettes.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mqKuZU9-w4M/TdG5Br0Q1UI/AAAAAAAAPgM/aKs-pRpMZ0w/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0435.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I have to be honest here that for next ten minutes or so of shots on the beach my memory is kind of a blur but I will do my best to tell you what I do remember.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4CF8vKQzy0/TdG5Cr-a4ZI/AAAAAAAAPgU/sUKoCPvgKZg/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0437.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember Sol and Jonathan telling us to walk down the beach a bit while they continued to work their camera magic.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EUix55P2QZw/TdG5EeUsu5I/AAAAAAAAPgk/wnPWoykKEyU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0441.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1pmOLPDvrk/TdG5FnjbbjI/AAAAAAAAPgw/yQal5GIDLGg/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0444.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know at some point they told us to stop and turn around.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOHTWDP2stE/TdG5GpybSvI/AAAAAAAAPg8/iU8MoZQb_8k/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0452.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O21fVZLnSjM/TdG5Hlod6NI/AAAAAAAAPhE/K1_TylyTsJk/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0454.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
And I remember Sol telling me to walk down to the water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3YOWf0ECW4/TdG5KoAoSvI/AAAAAAAAPhk/H1HFF2LRlTs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0462.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Walk towards frigid cold water just as the sun is setting and the temp is dropping? Sure, no problem. Sol probably could have told me to stand on my head that day and I wouldn't have thought twice before doing it. I am really glad I was able to trust Sol like this because all those happy endorphins were making it hard to have a rational thought.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WH3hwFt0S8/TdG5Q_f-G-I/AAAAAAAAPig/SNG6mj2CjlQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0477.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I got back up to where Mr. Meerkat was standing, I immediately gave him the biggest "I can't believe we're really married" hug.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8OSzalLM2g/TdG5ReUfjHI/AAAAAAAAPik/3H7R-ZNVtSU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0478.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
And a kiss. One of about a million he got that day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydMPlG-AfhE/TdG5Rkn2FxI/AAAAAAAAPio/oOdX-ck2wOs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0479.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Yes, I was one sublimely happy Meerkat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-jNgFWxSAw/TdG5StQIDNI/AAAAAAAAPiw/fsSDzV-4yBU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0481.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Up Next</b>: Our Bride and Groom Portraits (Part II)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="34" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KuCKN7ERN1U/TXZX_jU6YHI/AAAAAAAAOxE/l8cPAvzboPw/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/18/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-family-bridal-party-photos/">Family and Bridal Party Portraits</a></li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-74757929683466180802011-05-17T11:28:00.008-04:002011-08-16T19:52:58.557-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Family & Bridal Party Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ61ScaTofs/TdF-rS1u8OI/AAAAAAAAPfY/-Qbif4DlJnY/s1600/Recap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ61ScaTofs/TdF-rS1u8OI/AAAAAAAAPfY/-Qbif4DlJnY/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember back before the wedding when I was <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/11/19/i-hate-mugshots/">whining about how I hated the standard family photo pose</a>? The ones where everyone stands shoulder to shoulder and it looks like a mugshot? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I said we were not going to do anything like this. None. Zero. I put my bridal foot down. We were only going to do fun poses. Yea.... well it didn't really happen like that because our moms wanted those photos. And I am a big enough person to admit that I am very happy that they got their way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When our photographer, Sol, added her own artistic flair to the "standard" family photos they turned out to be some of the ones I love the most. For example this one of Mr. Meerkat and Sister-In-Law Meerkat:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VlEuIAVa2R0/TcrV0ny0SZI/AAAAAAAAPbs/TBX0Ux3gVVs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VlEuIAVa2R0/TcrV0ny0SZI/AAAAAAAAPbs/TBX0Ux3gVVs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0417.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">And this one of Mr. Meerkat and Mama-In-Law Meerkat:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa9rJwblZ34/TcrWEfB-zwI/AAAAAAAAPd4/DKZD2kKlAJs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa9rJwblZ34/TcrWEfB-zwI/AAAAAAAAPd4/DKZD2kKlAJs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0566.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
These photos show so much love and happiness, how could I have thought I didn't want them?<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Plus I got one of my most treasured photos ever. It is of my sister and my niece, Bridesmaid K:</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ro4x6e40fQ/TcrV4GcPotI/AAAAAAAAPcQ/N1mm6qPltAQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ro4x6e40fQ/TcrV4GcPotI/AAAAAAAAPcQ/N1mm6qPltAQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0512.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These two ladies are so important to me and until now I didn't really have a good photo of them together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the time we were taking them, I had no idea how much I would love these photos so of course I kept saying to poor Sol, "I want fun ones". *sigh* I didn't realize how vague that sounded until now but she never once grimaced. Instead she would give me a laugh and a smile and come up with AWESOME ideas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my favorites has to be this one of Sister Meerkat and I:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4CwVlwO81Q/TcrV3af-lVI/AAAAAAAAPcI/70ZaJsh5_cI/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4CwVlwO81Q/TcrV3af-lVI/AAAAAAAAPcI/70ZaJsh5_cI/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0424.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And of course I love the "bridal party" photos of us girls out in the water:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDh_qcJUiA0/TcrV6bNxcgI/AAAAAAAAPco/HrVOIyD2CA8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDh_qcJUiA0/TcrV6bNxcgI/AAAAAAAAPco/HrVOIyD2CA8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0521.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SjsAMoWLk0o/TcrV5UhvQJI/AAAAAAAAPcg/Wn0sDPsRQRg/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SjsAMoWLk0o/TcrV5UhvQJI/AAAAAAAAPcg/Wn0sDPsRQRg/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0519.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FDazMTbQ8s/TcrV9P6F2GI/AAAAAAAAPdA/TOw3W0azNZ4/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FDazMTbQ8s/TcrV9P6F2GI/AAAAAAAAPdA/TOw3W0azNZ4/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0527.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The water was just a bit chilly but still fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHfTWgz4JwI/TcrV97FwVLI/AAAAAAAAPdI/HEctDRRWSes/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHfTWgz4JwI/TcrV97FwVLI/AAAAAAAAPdI/HEctDRRWSes/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0529.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO2WKG47KvE/TcrV81hNkhI/AAAAAAAAPc8/ptw_H09hCNQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO2WKG47KvE/TcrV81hNkhI/AAAAAAAAPc8/ptw_H09hCNQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0526.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1271743288"></span><span id="goog_1271743289"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Oh yea I was having a blast. :P</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjv7wTSpOIM/TcrV_HqR2fI/AAAAAAAAPdU/9ijqofJ2EkI/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjv7wTSpOIM/TcrV_HqR2fI/AAAAAAAAPdU/9ijqofJ2EkI/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0532.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The guys chose to go a less wet route and stayed up on the sand for their photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehEdhE6DRZc/TcrWDhxp7FI/AAAAAAAAPds/sy2CxqIY2fk/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehEdhE6DRZc/TcrWDhxp7FI/AAAAAAAAPds/sy2CxqIY2fk/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0541.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tlVZVfg87k/TcrWD7n927I/AAAAAAAAPdw/RNpKEq8buL8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tlVZVfg87k/TcrWD7n927I/AAAAAAAAPdw/RNpKEq8buL8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0542.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlibCOsxldI/TcrWEAryFwI/AAAAAAAAPd0/yRbR86ORfUA/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlibCOsxldI/TcrWEAryFwI/AAAAAAAAPd0/yRbR86ORfUA/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0543.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Now for some Meerkat words of wisdom about "mugshots" at your wedding - do them. You will be so happy you have photos of the people you love together.<br />
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<b>Up Next</b>: Our Bride and Groom Portraits<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="34" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KuCKN7ERN1U/TXZX_jU6YHI/AAAAAAAAOxE/l8cPAvzboPw/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/17/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-tell-us-a-story-guestbook/">"Tell Us A Story" Guestbook</a></li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-46426536383647641032011-05-16T15:22:00.003-04:002011-08-16T19:52:58.558-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: "Tell Us A Story" Guestbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQhebqn1t30/Tc6t2t80pCI/AAAAAAAAPeg/F17IH1mtRH0/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I first <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/10/26/photo-guestbook-3/">put our guestbook together</a> I did have a couple worries. Were people actually going to want to write more than just their names? Was there going to be enough time for everyone to write something? Once again I was worrying for no reason.</div><br />
I guess before I get to far in, I should show you how our guest book table turned out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GP5CC-7HusE/TcVH1abDlnI/AAAAAAAAPaU/SbHWCkgRT-Q/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0189.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Our coordinators, <a href="http://yazmindelamora.com/">Yazmin and Marcela</a>, set up the table at the entrance to the cocktail hour/lounge area. It not only helped people notice the guestbook but also gave our guests the entire cocktail hour to meander over and write it in.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh7DSfBGpXs/TcVH1BHlJNI/AAAAAAAAPaQ/LdT4Uo59KTs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0188.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">While I was happy to have so many people write/sign in our book. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7mMhCr6Auwg/TcVH28KlE9I/AAAAAAAAPag/oG2lR_r_1WM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0409.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I was just as happy to see so many of our guests also reading what everyone else wrote. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuhSwgeD9sc/TcVH3RhI88I/AAAAAAAAPak/PRRjZd84_gM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0556.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
So are you ready to read some of the sweet notes everyone left? I won't bore you by sharing every single page but here are a couple that I really liked.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first one I want to show you was written by Mr. Meerkat's cousin, Ked, who was also <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">one of our readers</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zjbc3cApCLI/TcVH5N5vU-I/AAAAAAAAPa0/LJhAI61q9yc/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0569.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><blockquote>How could anyone not know the first time seeing them together? I met Carla when Chris brought her to Christmas Eve. We became fast friends and it was clear every time I saw the two together that this was it for them - they had both fallen for one another. I'm very glad to know them both and wish them both all the best in the years to come. Good luck guys! ♥</blockquote>I had no idea until I read it that she even remembered that first Christmas Eve together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also love the one Sister-In-Law Meerkat wrote because she reminded me of one of my favorite memories of Mr. Meerkat.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IriaaUyU8zE/Tc6islPIbdI/AAAAAAAAPeY/9E9mKQA_zGQ/s1600/DSC_0277.jpg" /></div><blockquote>My favorite memory with Christopher and Carla is when we spent our first Christmas together. It was great to [add] our new member to the family. We got to share all of our traditions with you!! You got to experiencing a true christophermas as he woke up at 5 in the morning. :) Love you guys!</blockquote>Mr. Meerkat L-O-V-E-S Christmas. He has the hardest time waiting until Christmas day to give out the presents he bought so every Christmas morning you can find Mr. Meerkat waking everyone up before the sun comes up. While we are all groping for a cup of coffee or tea, he is digging under the tree to pass out his presents. Because of Mr. Meerkat, Christmas has since become on of my favorite holidays.<br />
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And last but not least is what Mr. Meerkats grandmother, Nonnie, wrote.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-c1FZOq66s/Tc6itEBHCsI/AAAAAAAAPec/8zrdhWAnWds/s1600/DSC_0278.jpg" /></div><blockquote>Years back Christopher brought Carla to our office to introduce her! The way they looked at each other was a dead give-a-way! And the love story continued. We love you both so very much and may God blesss you as you start your life together. Nonnie & Nonnue.</blockquote>Even now going back through and reading what everyone wrote brings the biggest smile to my face. It is so amazing to read how everyone remembered us falling in love.<br />
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<b>Up Next</b>: Family & Bridal Party Photos<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="34" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KuCKN7ERN1U/TXZX_jU6YHI/AAAAAAAAOxE/l8cPAvzboPw/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" width="320" /></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/12/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-mix-and-mingle/">Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour</a></li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-33477221342244938762011-05-11T15:13:00.009-04:002011-08-16T19:41:42.348-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Mix And MingleOne of my favorite parts of our cocktail hour was the mariachi band.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7oo0GbDSbs/TcqH3LIFkiI/AAAAAAAAPbY/4bmLZriiB6Y/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
When we were first told they were part of the venue rental I was actually kind of indifferent but I can't tell how happy I am that we had them. They set the mood beautifully with happy, celebratory music. None of us speak Spanish so I have no idea what songs they played but it didn't matter. I think anyone can enjoy a mariachi band regardless of language.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6-eZ8E3EQ4/Ta8fU2LBbTI/AAAAAAAAPWs/HDZqfq7HIYE/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0395.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
While the mariachi band played, our sweet waiters came around to make sure everyone had a drink.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7B_uYZLpNFs/Ta8fRJniaKI/AAAAAAAAPWE/XD0lsu65nB0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0365.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Then they started to bring out tons and tons of amazing hor dourves.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GoCVvxz6Zao/Ta8fTadF-vI/AAAAAAAAPWY/zHI-kfwkEXM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0389.jpg" /></div><br />
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Are you ready to see all the <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=nom">noms</a>?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-178O1Kap1eE/Ta8fTPCrDdI/AAAAAAAAPWU/-7-jrnTRe6w/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0388.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz3onBoM5PI/Ta8fVVfn4SI/AAAAAAAAPWw/N2SZIT1Dp-A/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0396.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--JmZ1yFDKaU/Ta8fV_izmvI/AAAAAAAAPW0/uO6s1ZoDhS0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0397.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-1tFL_Fb68/Ta8fWKQGnWI/AAAAAAAAPW4/6ud5a-UdQFs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0398.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UF4v2mN8zTM/Ta8fWvls9WI/AAAAAAAAPW8/EivAHEZwMg0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0399.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJxxRy9F-X0/Ta8fXI0tp1I/AAAAAAAAPXE/KiTc4m-iIJc/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0401.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
We left the food selection up to <a href="http://www.alcielohotel.com/">Al Cielo's</a> chef. Best. Decision. Ever. The food was absolutely amazing and rivaled any five star restaurant here in the states. Our family and friends still rave about how amazing the food was.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FapL9PPa4vU/Ta8fZ3GE-3I/AAAAAAAAPXU/jbnNU5Qcrjo/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0405.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Mr. Meerkat, being the foodie that he is, really got into trying all the different creations.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I-dqXckfud0/Ta8fcXc1k3I/AAAAAAAAPXw/_k1fjg__umw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0510.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
After we had a few bites, we were able to start mixing and mingling with our guests. Since we had such a small number of guests I was so afraid that after 10 minutes we would all just be staring at each other but I was wrong.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCMW3qCjDek/Ta8fUU1mfqI/AAAAAAAAPWk/MMp6z95mYg8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0393.jpg" /></div><br />
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Everyone talk, laughed and had a great time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KA0kAd52sA/Ta8fkP4QVXI/AAAAAAAAPY4/dqwLc0j5tGY/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0564.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
I even had a little time to sit with Ked and look through her photos.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nEkU2nmFJ8/Ta8fk5zupyI/AAAAAAAAPZA/i0to74edBW0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0574.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiD_H3qiwVk/Ta8flSyl32I/AAAAAAAAPZE/aqibkyfN2gE/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0575.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
But all too quickly Sol told us it was time to start the family photos. I sat my margarita down and we headed over to where our families were waiting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehwv59haWYc/Ta8fgBhsuAI/AAAAAAAAPYc/P-6A_iL7-u4/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0555.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Up Next</b>: Our Guest Book</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="34" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KuCKN7ERN1U/TXZX_jU6YHI/AAAAAAAAOxE/l8cPAvzboPw/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/10/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-hugs-kisses-and-congratulations/">Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations</a></li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-78264062306692576772011-05-09T13:43:00.000-04:002011-08-16T19:52:58.559-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Hugs, Kisses and CongratulationsStill on an amazing high, we <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">stepped off the aisle</a> into the main papala and were instantly surrounded with people wanting to give us hugs, kisses and congratulations. I love that Mama-In-Law Meerkat was the first.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0MViTW7bfA/TbGI_sfNrpI/AAAAAAAAPZU/96oqVP9fOWU/s1600/Recap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0MViTW7bfA/TbGI_sfNrpI/AAAAAAAAPZU/96oqVP9fOWU/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Followed by Sister-In-Law Meerkat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHIMZ-SB5Z4/Tah70-Di08I/AAAAAAAAPUY/7qPfIisFIwM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0355.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
And Bridesmaid K.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dHOTpOxgbM/Tah71cFmQhI/AAAAAAAAPUg/7Cyie3EiXI0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0357.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Then I heard Sol asking everyone to follow her. Being awesome like she is, she thought to grab everyone before they could separate out and lined us all up on the stairs of the main papala for a group photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTRKqAGvZ24/Tah71tvqTyI/AAAAAAAAPUk/Eo9LiZNEth8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0360.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Then we all moved down to the lounge area, set up on the beach, for more hugs and some real Mexican margaritas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WGTNPzME-Pk/Tah72ZzAeEI/AAAAAAAAPUs/pO2C-9F_WIM/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0364.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Father-In-Law Meerkat was sweet enough to pass me one right from the start. Isn't he great? :P<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vhjHUGFyJas/Tah72Lk8n0I/AAAAAAAAPUo/6F8DGxlEIkE/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0363.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Followed, of course, by a big hug for his new daughter-in-law.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meTWCiJ_rVA/Tah75_r048I/AAAAAAAAPVU/_LghDWzqCpE/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0390.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
While we never planned to have a standard receiving line, in essence that is what happened. Mr. Meerkat and I stood in one place while everyone came over to congratulate us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6YwVslIo1E/Tah73-5kcsI/AAAAAAAAPVA/Y9YocJBVrCc/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0377.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
The next few minutes went by in a big blur.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5V0N5f9-Cnc/Tah72urkvJI/AAAAAAAAPUw/FE4igew6pPs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0366.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
I can remember vividly Sister Meerkat and Mama Meerkat giving us both huge hugs and telling us how happy they were.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vFX9Ca3pOs/Tah72rXICjI/AAAAAAAAPU0/kW-V02rety0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0370.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">And Mr. Meerkat's grandfather giving me a huge hug.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jkTbQUA_Y94/Tah73glyD0I/AAAAAAAAPU8/OJ2PCRQLz0M/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0375.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Then whispered in my ear, as a joke, something about there was no escaping now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_r4iHJoqgk/Tah74OhexkI/AAAAAAAAPVE/z2FRDcfDlko/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0378.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
And I remember Mr. Meerkat's grandmother giving us both huge hugs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-De_rtfhvWjM/Tah74oMEx3I/AAAAAAAAPVI/9PxXVugwiHg/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0383.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
I look at these pictures of Nonni Meerkat and I can see how much love she has for both of us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KG7qspFaK24/Tah741kihTI/AAAAAAAAPVM/VOBvNGz5Yzc/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0385.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
I don't think she could have made me feel anymore welcomed into my few family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mh0gpCp7k_0/Tah75mVYp9I/AAAAAAAAPVQ/QWgx6P0nHRI/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0386.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<b>Up Next</b>: Mixing and Mingling - Our Cocktail Hour<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="34" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KuCKN7ERN1U/TXZX_jU6YHI/AAAAAAAAOxE/l8cPAvzboPw/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/14/beach-wedding-ceremony-timeline/">Ceremony Conclusion</a></li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-5975092565032800342011-04-13T13:22:00.052-04:002011-08-16T19:52:58.560-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: The Ceremony Conclusion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqn-_m5He1M/TZ9C8MwGTwI/AAAAAAAAPUU/G52NAOFZfkg/s1600/Recap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqn-_m5He1M/TZ9C8MwGTwI/AAAAAAAAPUU/G52NAOFZfkg/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now that we had <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/" style="color: #ff045a; text-decoration: none;">walked down the aisle</a>, heard Mama-In-Law Meerkat tell <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/" style="color: #ff045a; text-decoration: none;">our love story</a>, performed <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/" style="color: #ff045a; text-decoration: none;">our sand ceremony</a> and <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">exchanged vows and rings</a>, there was only one thing left for Roberto to do - bless our marriage. </div><blockquote>Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other.<br />
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.<br />
Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other.<br />
Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you.<br />
May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years.<br />
May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.</blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBeX4008PWU/TZ87Aw-zrmI/AAAAAAAAPSA/nHXaH7hLXtE/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0306.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Then, in what seemed like a blink of an eye, our ceremony was over and I heard Roberto say the words that I have been waiting two and a half years to hear:</div><blockquote>I now pronounce you husband and wife. Chris, you may kiss your bride.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vm0RZaHwvVk/TZ87BJOxJ6I/AAAAAAAAPSE/u-Yw5k0b9xs/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0318.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chdoPYrFJCw/TZ87Cjxy4WI/AAAAAAAAPSU/1buTOQ1EkWg/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0322.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><blockquote>Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Meerkat.</blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wXYXt-1JSo/TZ87CARhhAI/AAAAAAAAPSQ/Ztdq2aZxIvw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wXYXt-1JSo/TZ87CARhhAI/AAAAAAAAPSQ/Ztdq2aZxIvw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0321.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
Then I heard our guitarist start to play our recessional song - First Day Of My Life.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DpqVAOfat0k" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Meerkat leaned towards me and whispered "what do we do now?". My reply: "We walk". </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sFpT76s86-I/TZ87KVs6nkI/AAAAAAAAPTU/eEWtA5U1Boo/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0338.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">At that moment it was still sinking in that I was now a married Meerkat.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-McshSZ7uhMo/TZ87EnZr9pI/AAAAAAAAPSs/TCOgyBNBDng/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0328.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">It all felt like something right out of a fairytale or movie. It was surreal.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-GAhZQe6JM/TZ87Jw0JmLI/AAAAAAAAPTQ/kwcEeBdlGeQ/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0337.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I remember Mr. Meerkat and I laughing and joking with each other as we walked down the aisle but for the life of me I can't remember a thing we said. I just remember feeling so completely happy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_k1pY7scnfg/TZ87LTGOn2I/AAAAAAAAPTg/eHTiZ_dTAeU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0341.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">As our guests made their way down the aisle, Sol and Jonathan grab a picture of each person or couple as they passed.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ei-AYZU9ylU/TZ87LMpyFWI/AAAAAAAAPTc/X5pjyGfOiL4/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ei-AYZU9ylU/TZ87LMpyFWI/AAAAAAAAPTc/X5pjyGfOiL4/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0340.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I never would have thought to put this on my "must have photos" list but it resulted in not only a picture of everyone at the wedding but in one of the only pictures I got with our moms together.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiqtY_YEaOo/TZ87MWyLf8I/AAAAAAAAPTw/P4tGkdeX6Qk/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0345.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I love that they left the ceremony together holding hands. It really did put into action what Mama-In-Law Meerkat <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">said in our ceremony</a> about our families growing together.</div><br />
<b>Up Next</b>: Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="34" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KuCKN7ERN1U/TXZX_jU6YHI/AAAAAAAAOxE/l8cPAvzboPw/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/11/mexico-wedding-vows/">Vows, Rings and Hands</a></li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916593493167994113.post-68662906649458699562011-04-10T17:47:00.001-04:002012-10-15T16:07:48.087-04:00Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Vows, Rings, And Hands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You have seen us <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">walk down the aisle</a>, heard Mama-In-Law Meerkat tell <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">our love story</a>, and saw <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">our sand ceremony</a> but I know the part that you're really waiting to see. The part where we say the I Dos.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eniwL8A4mW0/TZ8jhVHrF6I/AAAAAAAAPR0/Z5Ute5_aoRo/s1600/Recap.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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After we had finished the sand ceremony, Roberto smoothly transitioned into our statement of intent and vows.</div>
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<blockquote>
Chris, do you take Carla to be your wife. To love and to cherish from this day forward?<br />
<i>Chris: I Do</i></blockquote>
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EqwxxmpAc7w/TZSE-dCfKzI/AAAAAAAAPPE/fH8EA-6Wv4E/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0275.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a> </div>
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<blockquote>
Carla, do you take Chris to be your husband. To love and to cherish from this day forward?<br />
<i>Carla: I Do</i></blockquote>
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHW6g5c60G8/TZSE9o1pPpI/AAAAAAAAPO8/jb7PK9udgz4/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0255.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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The I Dos made my sister tear up a bit.<br />
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Then is was time to say our vows. It took a lot for me to hold back my tears. Don't let this picture fool you. My voice was definitely quivering while I was saying them.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67QjJo3km38/TZSE-CTCP3I/AAAAAAAAPPA/tXdbHUba9G8/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0272.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<i>I, Carla, take you Christopher, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; now and forever</i></blockquote>
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfAsQ2dE-c0/TZSE-ivOcKI/AAAAAAAAPPI/6zwk2oqCWpU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0277.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<blockquote>
<i>I, Christopher, take you Carla, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; now and forever</i></blockquote>
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Mr. Meerkat even got a bit choked up while saying his vows so I wiped away some of the tears. </div>
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzNVq9dgtsA/TZSE_FWCPlI/AAAAAAAAPPM/Ar8aE2GGiBw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0280.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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Before I knew it, it was time to exchange rings. This was a moment I had been thinking about since we first got engaged.<br />
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At first I didn't even notice Roberto holding our shell ring holder out to us so we could collect our rings. I guess I was too busy looking at my almost husband.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yMGqF3FUBLk/TZSFAF2ZRQI/AAAAAAAAPPY/-T3RzJsVAOA/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0286.jpg" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7tDgDSIttZs/TZSE_8MLvNI/AAAAAAAAPPU/aFfgABDkTL0/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0283.jpg" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plz5-vOPf04/TZSE7fQb-kI/AAAAAAAAPOk/8SOkTEgkwaw/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0192.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZoClkSbEyo/TZSFATQjF7I/AAAAAAAAPPc/BZaWfEg46VY/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0287.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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After we had shaken the sand from our rings, Roberto started the reading for our ring exchange.</div>
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<blockquote>
For thousands of years lovers have exchanged rings as a symbol of their commitment. These simple bands are not of great value in and of themselves, but are made precious by our wearing of them. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rings always serve as a reminder that wherever you go, you may always return to your shared life together.</blockquote>
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk-xG-YxLCw/TZSFA-XI68I/AAAAAAAAPPg/ZGB1NN80Kto/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0291.jpg" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<blockquote>
Chris, repeat after me - I give you this ring as a symbol of my endless love and commitment for you.<br />
<i>Chris: I give you this ring as a symbol of my endless love and commitment for you. </i></blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VFucpgGaEMI/TZSFDV7HssI/AAAAAAAAPP4/zfwmxz5HsVA/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0298.jpg" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4B7fukFvoko/TZSFD482hNI/AAAAAAAAPP8/2jwiEM9up20/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0299.jpg" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
</div>
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<blockquote>
Carla, repeat after me - I give you this ring as a symbol of my endless love and commitment for you.<br />
<i>Carla: I give you this ring as a symbol of my endless love and commitment for you.</i> </blockquote>
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<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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I was having a hard time holding it together at this point. After a small pause, so I could try and compose myself, Roberto started the "these are the hands" reading (aka hand ceremony).</div>
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<blockquote>
Chris and Carla take a moment and look at each other’s hands so you may see the gift that they are to you.</blockquote>
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-guceTDxpUNI/TZSFE9jZbNI/AAAAAAAAPQI/XoVlVK2uq9c/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0302.jpg" /><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<blockquote>
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to passionately love and cherish each other through the years.<br />
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.<br />
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.<br />
These are the hands that will tenderly hold and care for the ones you love.<br />
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.<br />
These are the hands that when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.</blockquote>
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Makes me tear up even reading those words now but I got through the hand ceremony without a flood of waterworks which was one of my biggest fears.<br />
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Then it was time for my sister to give our last reading.</div>
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The reading I choose is by James Kavanaugh:</blockquote>
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ceAdHUhHWAg/TZSFFvgFlHI/AAAAAAAAPQQ/4bPb4spYyPU/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0313.jpg" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a><br />
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<blockquote>
To love is not to possess,<br />
To own or imprison,<br />
Nor to lose one's self in another.<br />
Love is to join and separate,<br />
To walk alone and together,<br />
To find a laughing freedom<br />
That lonely isolation does not permit.</blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8x6YFH8z6Q/TZSFFYmS6kI/AAAAAAAAPQM/oXCrgL_Zzak/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0311.jpg" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<blockquote>
It is finally to be able<br />
To be who we really are<br />
No longer clinging in childish dependency<br />
Nor docilely living separate lives in silence,<br />
It is to be perfectly one's self<br />
And perfectly joined in permanent commitment<br />
To another--and to one's inner self.</blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdHOR4Tw0R8/TZSFF9ezzvI/AAAAAAAAPQU/hWrYwf-oo4Y/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0314.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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<blockquote>
Love only endures when it moves like waves,<br />
Receding and returning gently or passionately,<br />
Or moving lovingly like the tide<br />
In the moon's own predictable harmony,<br />
Because finally, despite a child's scars<br />
Or an adult's deepest wounds,<br />
They are openly free to be<br />
Who they really are--and always secretly were,<br />
In the very core of their being<br />
Where true and lasting love can alone abide.</blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GeuGytkq92w/TZSFGv5pAbI/AAAAAAAAPQc/pevjKLG4DkY/s1600/Carla%252BChris_W_0317.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://delsolphotography.com/">Del Sol Photography</a></div>
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That one last smile my sister gave us before she took her seat said more to me than a million words could.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b>Up Next</b>: Our Ceremony Conclusion</div>
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<img border="0" height="34" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KuCKN7ERN1U/TXZX_jU6YHI/AAAAAAAAOxE/l8cPAvzboPw/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/08/cancun-wedding-2/">We Arrive In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/09/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-out-of-town-bags/">Out Of Town Bags</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/11/riviera-maya-wedding/">Fun In Mexico</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://our%20best%20man%20goes%20missing/">Our Best Man Goes Missing</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/16/mexico-rehearsal-dinner/">A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/17/mexico-wedding-hair-and-makeup/">Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/21/journey-of-a-thousand-miles-time-to-put-the-dress-on">Time To Put The Dress On</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/23/colorful-mens-ties-wedding/">The Guys Get Ready</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/24/old-new-borrowed-blue-4/">The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://just%20a%20few%20pictures%20with%20my%20girls/">Just A Few Pictures With My Girls</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/30/beach-wedding-2/">Get Me To The Beach</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a%20gift%20for%20mr.%20meerkat/">A Gift For Mr. Meerkat</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/04/beach-wedding-3/">A Beach Processional</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/07/wedding-beach-ceremony-readings/">Our Love Story Ceremony</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/04/08/wedding-sand-ceremony/">Our Sand Ceremony</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0