Home is Where the Heart Is: We Rehearse (part 2)

Now that the photographer had arrived and my Dad had changed his clothes, it was time to get this show on the road. Mr. B was still not in the mood to rehearsal, but rehearse we did.

The DOC arranged us at the arch (I really should have worn my spanx - oh well)


I had forgot to bring my rehearsal bouquet from my shower, and used a single sunflower instead. I tried to cheer Miss G up by letting her hold it.


We practiced how to stand during the Sand ceremony, and Mr. B made sure he had the shade of blue he wanted.


Then we practiced the end of the ceremony and how we would be standing for when he pronounced us man & wife. Mr B and I seem to be really concentrating on something the Pastor is saying. Miss G is starting to wilt again and Little A is just in his own little world LOL


At this point the Pastor had given the "You may now kiss your bride" but Mr. B joked around and we shook hands instead.


Then the DOC had us walk out and get in place to walk in. Doing this part in reverse seemed to work really well. Everyone knew where they were supposed to be when the walked in. I would recommend it for anyone else not sure how to run their rehearsal.

Little A & Miss G walked out:


Mr. B & I walked out:


Once we all got to our starting positions the DOC had us start from the beginning. Because I had chosen to walk out by myself, my parent's walked out together:


Mr B took his place with the Pastor


Little A entered, with Miss G's pomader instead of his ring flower LOL


A tired Miss G entered empty handed


Then I made my entrance. I thought this moment would be awkward, but it really wasn't.


Our honored guests looked on as we rehearsed, anxious for food I am sure!



I have very few pictures of the rest of the evening. The kids got in to pool, Dad went into the kitchen to finish up our BBQ dinner (Ribs, baked beans, corn on the cob) and my DOC, MOH and I rushed to finish the seating labels for the water bottles. Looking back I REALLY wish that I had thrown out that project since it wasn't working, but I was determined LOL.

I do have a picture of my dad's cousin and Mr B taking a break in one of the seating areas!


Honestly, there was still so many little details to finish that my mind was swirling. The lights in the paper lanterns were flickering. I hadn't made my bouquet. I still hadn't picked up the Seating Chart sign from Staples. I also had not done laundry all week or packed a bag for myself and the kids for the wedding night. To top it off Mr. B's car had broke down and he was having to borrow vehicles and rely on others to help him get his last minute details done.

I had been making myself lists all week, but I kept forgetting to put things on the lists. I think that is one of the downfalls of being a DIY bride and having a DIY family. There just isn't anyone else to call to get the job done, so you have to get it done.

When I got home, my mind was still swirling and I had a hard time falling asleep. I think I played Bejewelled on Facebook until almost midnight!

Home is Where the Heart Is: We Rehearse (part 1)

Since this is the official beginning of the recaps, and not the prep work I decided on a new name for this series of posts. "Home is Where the Heart Is" seemed like a perfect fit with our wedding taking place at my parent's home. Don't you think?

I had been on the fence about needing to have a rehearsal. Mr. B was a firm "No" He didn't think there was anything we needed to practice. My Mom had been the original one to suggest a rehearsal, so she was in the "Yes" camp. The DOC made the final decision, we needed to have one. She didn't want any surprises or snafus on the wedding day.

We planned to start right at 6pm, since that is when the ceremony would be starting on Saturday. We had been working around the house on last minute projects so when my MOH arrived with the kids I was surprised it was time to get ready.

The DJ (MOH's Husband) started setting up the sound system.


The ceremony musicians got warmed up


The minister made some final notes


BUT Miss G was running out of steam (and so was I if you look at my face).


I don't blame her. She had picture day at school that morning, then she went to after-school care. We she got to Grandma's she was thrown right into more activity. Grandma gave her a pep talk and that seemed to help:

Now all we had to do was wait for Grandpa to change and for the photographer to arrive so we could get this show on the road.

To rehearse or not to rehearse

In my head I have been having a debate about having a rehearsal on the Friday night before the Saturday wedding. The day before the wedding will be busy I am SURE. Friday we will be at Mom's house almost all day. The rental people will arrive and set up the tents. Then Mr. B & Dad (hopefully my brothers and uncle too) will need to start running the lighting (more on that later).

While the guys are doing the hot work outside, the ladies will be inside prepping food. It will mainly be the veggie prep at this point that will need done. It is still a lot of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, limes, ect to cut up. One thing Mr. B doesn't want is for the food to run out.

Once the lighting and food prep is done there will be other decor that can be set up on Friday night. Obviously we will not be setting the tables, but things like the vines in the tent and the shepherd hooks lining the walkway can be done. We will also be setting up the chairs in the ceremony area Friday night (is case we decide it needs moved because of space restrictions.

Hopefully the majority of the work will be done while my two kids are at school. The time to have the rehearsal would be that Friday evening, but really it is only Mr. B the kids and I, there is no other bridal party. There would be no reason for a dinner either. We don't have that many out of town guests, and the few that there will be are gonna be helping at the house anyway. Dad has to BBQ the meat so I am sure we will have a BBQ dinner as well. Can that really be called a rehearsal and a rehearsal dinner??