Treely, Madly, Deeply: We Rehearse!

The Friday before our wedding, Mr. PT and I had to be at our venue no later than 1:00pm to go over last-minute details and make our final payment. I dragged DOC E with us so that we could introduce her to the coordinator at The Fez.

A bonus that I just realized I haven't shared: originally, Mr. PT and I booked the 'medium' room at The Fez, the Balconade Room. It's truly gorgeous and, true to its name, has its own balcony. About two weeks prior to our final meeting, I met with Debby to finalize a few things and go over paperwork-y stuff. At this time, she said that a wedding had not been booked in the Grand Ballroom and she would love to offer it to me at no extra charge. She said that our wedding was big enough that it wouldn't get drowned (seriously, folks, this room is HUGE) and also that we would have a lot more space in terms of where to put the buffets and how many people we could fit at a table. The space also came with other awesome freebies, like monitors for picture displays and customized uplighting. "If you're in love with the Balconade Room, of course you can still be there," she said to me. PUHLEEZE. I jumped at it. 

Moving along - after our meeting, we went into the Grand Ballroom, where the staff was setting up for an event that evening. The Fez does not offer evening rehearsals because their space is in such high demand, so everyone was slated to arrive at 2. Standing there, knowing that we'd be back again in a little more than twenty-four hours to be married was a definite "oh, this is real" moment.

Once people arrived (except for Best Man R, who was forty-five minutes late and we rehearsed THREE times because of him. This is the only mention I will make of this because even though I was steamed at the time, it was not a huge deal and did not affect the rest of the weekend. Ahem), we had a few awkward moments determining who is supposed to go where, who is supposed to be in charge, who is supposed to speak when, etc. Eventually, though, we got the show on the road. 

*all photos from BM Y's camera, taken by Friend B 

Mr. Palm Tree and Rev. Fun went first

followed by GM J, who escorted MIL Palm Tree before circling back around for his partner

This was clearly our third time rehearsing because BM R was present (okay, so I made TWO mentions of it. Ahem) to escort my aunt

GM Pythagoras and SIL/BM Badonk walking, while DOC E watches intently

The Y's (BM Y's dress is totally from Rent the Runway, everyone!)

After everyone was situated, it was time for Flower Girls Pad & Pie to make their entrance. The first time, they were shy and kind of confused. The second time, they were beautiful and so poised. The third time, they were over. it. I'm surprised they actually made it down the aisle. 

The group watching the girls.

After the Flower Girls, it was my turn. You'll notice that I'm wearing heels (something that caused what could have been a tragedy, but is instead a hilarious story. Why, Hive, why do I keep trying, despite the fact that I just can't wear the darn things? Sigh). As a result, I had to actively focus on how I walked so that I didn't trip, wobble, fall, drag my feet, the works. The first time I tried to walk down the aisle, every single person literally yelled, "SLOW DOWN!" The second time, I was told that I did better but it still needed improvement. The third time I heard nothing, so either they gave up or I did it right. ;)

The whole crew - notice FG Pie on the floor. I told you she was not feeling it. 

I think someone made a comment about this being our third time rehearsing and this is my not-amused face.  Ha.

Everyone being over it, especially BM Blackout.

"Mr. Palm Tree, don't do that tomorrow." - all of the guys

Our final exit - we were done rehearsing!

All jokes aside, I'm so glad we rehearsed. I know quite a few Brides have written about how they didn't rehearse and seriously, they deserve so much credit. I sincerely believe our wedding would have been a shitshow if we hadn't run through this. Our ceremony was so unique, something Rev. Fun, Mr. PT and I had crafted (although most of the credit definitely goes to Rev. Fun), that we definitely needed to go over it. 

Next up: we celebrate rehearsing!