I took time off of work starting on April 1, and Dan did what he could prior to that. As we made our way to Friday, April 3, we could feel the culmination of all of our efforts, and were eagerly anticipating that start of all the festivities.
Friday morning, while working on the computer, the strangest voice was heard coming from the kitchen talking about this wedding invitation she had. As I turned around, still trying to understand what was transpiring, I witnessed my cousin Donna from California, magically standing in my kitchen. This amazing gal made the long trip from the Bay Area to come to our wedding, and did it all as a surprise to Dan and I. We were so touched by her presence and representation of the Friedman clan:
Donna joined us at the Rehearsal and used her talents to make the rehearsal bouquet from my shower gift ribbons!
My Aunt Myrna & Uncle Tom from Maryland and cousin James from Boston also came into town and joined as at the rehearsal. My Aunt brought my 'something old' for the wedding, and gifted to me an antique birth charm that has been on my paternal side for many generations, as well as a beautiful lace handkerchief (I carried these items with me during the wedding). My cousin Charles and his wife Gwyneth were there in spirit.
Dan's Aunt Peg, cousins Chris & Sarah Davio and their kids Elizabeth, Linda & Paul arrived from Texas and Miami, respectively. We had the chance to visit with them briefly at the rehearsal.
We also had Dan's cousin Alan and kids/girlfriend from Long Island drive through the night on the 3rd to make it to Michigan in time, as did his Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul from New York. Dan's cousin Kristin flew in from California, my good friend Alexa flew in from Washington D.C., and my friend Sara made the trip from Chicago. People came from near and far to bear witness and share in our union to one another.
While everyones' efforts were equally cherished, we were particularly thrilled to reunite with our amazing friends, Mike and Kimberly, who live in Colorado. An integral part of the day as a part of our wedding party, we snuck some alone time to visit as our foursome, and got a long over-due shot of our 'family:'
We enjoyed an amazing rehearsal dinner prepared by Chef Dave and his helpful assistants -- braided salmon and sole, rice pilaf, asparagus, just to name a few items. Finally Dan and I said our goodbye's that night, knowing that we'd next see each other at the altar.
The gals headed off to the Radisson for the night, and the guys went over to Dave's.
Up next, Our Wedding Day!
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