Randy and I booked our tickets to Savannah for Michele and Elizabeth's wedding months ago. As soon as Max was diagnosed it became apparent to both of us he was far too early in his diagnosis to leave. Since I am in the wedding party, Randy took one for the team and decided to stay home with the kids. Thankfully Gina was able to be my date at a moments notice.
We ran into a Michele look a like at the airport! So funny we all ended up on the same flight. Since direct flights to Savannah are super expensive, we flew into Charlotte, NC. Never mind there was massive flooding in the area just days before we had to drive through!
We ran into a Michele look a like at the airport! So funny we all ended up on the same flight. Since direct flights to Savannah are super expensive, we flew into Charlotte, NC. Never mind there was massive flooding in the area just days before we had to drive through!
This character gave us endless entertainment on the plane. Seriously, the things he told us were shocking and pretty inappropriate. It actually made it a little hard to sleep during our red eye. I decided red eye flights are not for me. By the time we arrived in North Carlina, I think I'd been awake over 24 hours. We rented our car and headed to Savannah, unsure of what detours we might have to take because of the flooding. The commute ended up being really nice and a beautiful way to see the lush southern landscape.
We finally made it to this quaint little Inn we called home for the rest of the trip. After hauling our bags through 20 blocks, a bed never felt so good. Once we were sufficiently rested we met our crew at a nearby restaurant.
This is where the party started, and it didn't stop for the next 3 days. By the way, the food in Savannah is to die for. So many fabulous restaurants.
Gina and I explored the shops along the river and found these super flattering visors. Our never ending day continued as we got ready for a special bridal dinner for Michele that night.
I've heard all about Ricky for years. It was so awesome to finally meet him. He totally lived up to the hype. Gina and I both wanted to steal him as our bestie.
The dinner was perfection, then we moved down the street to a cool roof top bar.
Once we shut that down, we moved to another awesome spot.
Not sure what was happening here. All I know is the DJ was playing all my favorite jams. So FUN!!
Mica came straight from the airport to hang with us for a few hours. Yes, that blur in the back is me. Quite fitting for the night actually.
The following day we had to class it up for a bridal luncheon at the home of one of Elizabeth's dear family friends. I think I finally understand the term southern hospitality. The food was to die for! We were feeling pretty exhausted from the night before so Gina and I hit the closest Starbucks and headed to bed for a nap.
Did you know Gina loves Starbucks? The rehearsal dinner was at the yacht club later that night.
I look like I'm paying attention right?
What a stunning location for their wedding and what a stunning group of friends. So much history with these ladies. I love that we were all together for Michele.
Again, we had delicious southern cuisine and time to socialize with everyone. I got put on the spot to make my toast to Elizabeth and Michele. I really wish I would've been better about preparing something. There was so much happiness and love in the room that I couldn't really collect my thoughts. One of the best parts of the wedding weekend was that we stayed in the same house as Michele and Elizabeth. After the rehearsal dinner we stayed up and talked for hours in our room.
Finally the day had arrived!! The dark clouds and torrential downpour were a bit concerning but it was my job to keep the girls at ease and without stress. Gina and I walked through the rain to get their rings cleaned and pick up coffee. I had to see what Michele's giant rock looked like on my hand. Such a gorgeous ring.
The girls had a little time to run through their first dance a few times.
So cute!
Everyone got ready in our house. Although I didn't opt to get my hair done, I had my make up done.
She did such a fabulous job! The rain was letting up and it looked as though we were clear for a beautiful evening.
I can't imagine going through this experience without Gina by my side. She was my right hand man and made sure everything went smoothly all weekend. Not to mention we always have fun together.
We snapped a few pictures in the square before we headed to the yacht club. Here are a few.
Hmmm, wonder what everyone is laughing at? Oh that's right, ME! Glad I could provide some comic relief.
Michele and Elizabeth rented a trolley for the wedding party. It was a cute idea in theory. However, I looked like a wind blown mess when we got to the venue.
There were a few minor hiccups before the ceremony but all in all everything went fabulously. Ricky is proving why he is the best man. I didn't get a picture of me holding Michele's dress while she went pee. I need points for that!
We took about a billion photos! I still haven't seen all of them.
This is one of my favorites.
Since I was wearing 5 inch heels, I had to maneuver walking down the grass isle to my spot without falling or getting stuck in the grass. I did it!! The ceremony was beautiful. Everything about it was such a testament to the love these two women share. I'm so proud to say I was a part of it.
This candid shot kills me. Tamlyn is looking at me like, seriously, you're crying? Little did she know, my shoes were killing my feet. So much pain! The price of beauty.
Every detail of the reception was perfect. It was the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to.
Neil was loving being our surrogate husband for the trip. He was so happy to send this pic to Randy.
The highlight of the night was Michele surprising Elizabeth with a song. I haven't heard her beautiful voice in years. There wasn't a dry eye.
These ladies were hilarious dancing with Gina. They can move!
They did it!!
Back to the trolley, with a bag of beer!
No one wanted the night to end, so we went out with the newly married couple until the wee hours of the morning. I love how much time I was able to spend with them. Watching these two love birds made me really miss my man. I wish so much he could have been there.
After a slow start to our morning, we headed to breakfast with the wedding party. We also had time to walk through historic Savannah. Think Forrest Gump waiting for the bus. That's exactly what it looked like. This is the Mercer House. Gina and I really underestimated how much time it was going to take. We still had a 3 hour drive to North Carolina ahead of us and we left Savannah an hour later than we should have. Thank goodness for Google Maps. We got rerouted about 5 times because of flooding and the possibility of us making our flight looked very slight. Oh, I failed to mention our rental car got hit while we were in Savannah. We had to contend with that as we turned it in, wasting more time. We were told at the check in desk there was no way we could make it to the gate in time. We had to try! It wasn't pretty running through the airport but we managed to make it just as they were shutting the door. We made quite the scene as we entered the plane. The two of us were slap happy, relieved, and exhausted. We giggled the entire flight home. So many memories made, such good times!
