butterflies

a block from our church in Long Branch, NJ

As we hit the one-week mark today, I’m finding myself a bit overwhelmed with emotion. I’m going to confide in you a little and confess that this past year has not exactly been smooth sailing. We’ve considered calling it off, postponing and even secretly eloping before the hoopla. Don’t worry, we didn’t go with option c, as tempting as it was to have our own little secret forever and ever.

But with all that said, today I find myself so unbelievably excited I can barely breathe. Our projects are coming together, my dress is hanging in my closet (no peeking Chris!) and the butterflies are finally here — in my stomach, that is. We’re not releasing butterflies at the ceremony or anything, though, hmm, what an idea …

The other love of my life (my nephew) arrives in a few short days, my sisters are coming in from all across the country, our family and friends are uniting for the first time for the biggest party of our lives and after nearly nine years together (give or take some months for “growth”), I’m marrying this amazing guy who just happened to need my Q-tips to clean the Preakness mud out of his ears.

Nothing else matters.

riverside gardens park … down the street from the reception

our reception is in Red Bank, which is covered in beautiful murals, much like our current home in Philadelphia. Red Bank was also recently named by Smithsonian Magazine as No. 3 on its list of 20 Best Small Towns in America.

the red doors are my favorite. we have one at home, too.

he’s not getting away now!

our reception overlooks the beautiful Navesink River and town of Rumson, where Bruce lives. think he’ll stop by for an impromptu performance of Jersey Girl?

pretty lamposts all over town