Officially Hitched: Reception Begins...

So following our gorgeous ceremony, I ducked away for a quick change. Thanks to my uber talented Mom and my very generous Aunt, I was able to subtly change up my look for the reception. I'm a very lucky girl.

Enter slightly-more-glammed-up-Mrs. Frog:

Behold...hair up and new sash...faaaaancy

At this point, I didn't know anyone was around other than Mr. Frog. We hadn't planned a formal entrance to the reception, we just hoped to kinda slip in quietly and make the rounds. Typing that now, I realize how ridiculous that sounds...oh yeah, we'll just slip in, nobody will EVER notice. Bride brain at its finest, folks.


It was such a great feeling to take the hand of my new husband and enter our reception.

And it was almost as good as the impromptu applause and cheering as we made our entrance. Even now, thinking back, that moment makes me smile - I'm so glad it was captured on film...especially the shock on my face. Mind you, this is also when I was able to see the reception set-up in its entirety for the first time. Gor-geous.




We got some love from our guests and then made our way to our seats for dinner and roasts toasts.


The toasts were all things they should be - sweet, sentimental and hilarious. We loved every one of them!














How do you picture your reception? Are your friends the type to crack you up during toasts like ours?

Officially Hitched: Reception Details

Our wedding day view

Okay, I confess, I'm into details. I'm a perfectionist, I'm detail-oriented and I pay attention to all those little things that most people overlook. I'm that guy girl. So that's right, you're getting not one but TWO details posts (does that remind you of an informercial? me too -- if you send me $19.95, I'll throw in a BONUS day-after shoot recap...ooo aah).

Prepare for reception detailed goodness:

Table centerpieces that are so perfect, I almost cried - literally better for our setting than my inspiration

Garden-chic chandelier - a dream piece, I must say

Delicious passed hors d'oeuvres...that we never tasted.

Yummy sparkling raspberry lemonade...and let me tell you, it was just as good as it looks.

The yummy spread...now THIS we tasted, or more like devoured. Yep, I'm a bride who ate at her wedding...and loved every second.

Hello mini pies, I love you.

Mini pie goodness - table using an old door on top of wine barrels, swoon.

Next up, toasts, pie-cutting and the reception really gets going! Tell me I'm not alone, are you a details person too?

Officially Hitched: Formals

So after we danced our way back down the aisle, we gathered our families and the wedding party for some quick formals. Typically I'm not a big fan of posed shots but looking back, I'm really glad we have them. Usually formals aren't too exciting but there were some moments that I just had to highlight.

My side of our family...all very dignified and behaved.




Followed by Frogger's side of the family - adorable little thunder-stealer. :)


Three generations


Mother/daughter moment...


...resulting in tears, per usual.






Tender moments with my husband

Next up...we head to the reception! What are you planning for your formal shots?

Officially Hitched: I do, I do

As I floated up toward my future husband, everything around me disappeared. It really is like people say - all that exists is the two of you.





We were lucky enough to have one of our best friends serve as our officiant so he was able to take the outline we wanted for the ceremony and inject his personal stories about us. We had no idea!




And of course, there were tender moments...




And the moment we exchanged rings...








You may now kiss the bride!

May I present for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Frog!




And to the surprise of everyone...including our wedding party - that was the moment the instrumental version of "SexyBack" came on and we proceeded to dance our way down the aisle together. Much to our own surprise...our wedding party (including our officiant) followed suit! Yet another reason why we love them!
















Next up...we ROCK the reception.

Do you have any surprises planned for your wedding party?