What a Wedding!

Wedding Reflections

Before I looked at any of the facebook or twitter photos, I wanted to write down my view of the wedding based only on my memory. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Nervy start

Call it butterflies or call it just plain nerves, but I was feeling off at the start wedding. Amanda and I had decided we wouldn't see each other until I put on her veil during the bedeken ceremony. Well, that proved to be quite difficult. At times, I would need to leave the tisch room, and I felt so bad as people wanted to say hello. I was being a tad rude as I focused on getting to where to places without seeing her. Luckily, it all worked out as we signed the ketubah. At the tisch, I asked everyone to honor my grandmother by dancing a bit longer and singing a bit louder in her memory (Amanda says Grandma Lottie and her Grandma Joan were making sure it was a sunny and beautiful day for the wedding).

The Moment

It finally arrived. The boys danced me in to see my bride. Seeing Amanda look so beautiful in her dress made me start tearing up. This was the moment I had envisioned - it was that and even more. Of course my first loving words to her were "I forgot the Tallis!" I'm glad she smiled at that and then I put on her veil.

The Ceremony

I was so happy during the ceremony. It was truly the best 25 minutes of my life. People overuse that phrase, but this is genuine.

The processional was beautiful with our friend Steve Chaitman singing and playing the guitar. No surprise here, but the kids were magical. My nephew Aaron, niece Rachel and Amanda's cousin Jenna brought the place to life with their cuteness.

The room itself was fantastic. It's amazing to think that room could be transformed like that. The lighting was great - some spot lights created a very intimate atmosphere. Amanda's family had also done very well on the chair covers. However, the star of the room was the chuppah. It was so gorgeous. It was outdone by only one thing....

When Amanda walked down the aisle, it was absolutely incredible. Again, I was crying a little - who knew I was such a weaper?

I tried to keep my eyes on her the whole time and really capture the moment in my mind. Once she got up to the chuppah, she did a great job with the seven circles as we held hands on each turn. When we got started, my brother Evan delivered a beautiful service. Amanda and I were so locked in on each other the whole time. We'd whisper little things to make sure we were enjoying the whole thing.

Amanda and I exchanged vows before the ring ceremony. I went first and tearfully talked about the growth of our relationship. I promised to always let her flick my ears, to let her sleep in on her off days, and to love her forever. She promised to be the passports carrier, to make sure the $10 haircut lady gets my hair in back, and to be the best friend I'll ever have.

I did have a mess up that will be a story for years. When repeating the betrothal blessing, Evan told me to "say Li." I was only supposed to recite the word "Li," but I ended up going full on and repeated "Say Li." Well, it was clear that wasn't correct, but it was a funny moment that we'll all remember. Lets hope my friends won't make that mistake in the future!

Our seven wedding blessings were read in Hebrew by Evan and then in English by parents, grandparents and friends. After being wrapped in a borrowed tallis, I stepped on the glass and then yeehaw, the first kiss! It was truly the perfect ceremony for us. It didn't always go exactly as planned, but everything felt natural. Amanda and I were on the same wavelength the entire time.

The Start of Married Life

The only thing I wish I would have done differently during the wedding was right after. I was trying to organize people for pictures, and in the process, was more stressed than needed to be. I wasn't as nice as I could have been. For all those that I didn't give appropriate respect to, please forgive me.

From there on though, the night was splendid! The food was great (the minimal amount I got to). The band was very good. Most importantly, there was plenty of dancing! Not everything went exactly in order, but I also don't believe anyone left having had a bad time.

The whole experience makes me appreciate the wonderful people in our lives. Our families put in an incredible amount of effort to make the weekend spectacular.

We were absolutely floored with how many friends and family came in to be with us. Amanda and I had people from all parts of our lives - from childhood to college to Singapore! It meant everything to us that people invested their time and funds to be with us.

We had the perfect wedding experience. We love you all and can't thank everyone enough.

Michael